Effect of Exposure to an American Indian Mascot on the Tendency to Stereotype a Different Minority Group

Abstract

Numerous findings have documented the adverse effects of stereotypes on those negatively portrayed by the stereotypes. Less is known about the ramifications of stereotype exposure on those who are not the objects of the stereotypic depictions. Two studies examined the effect of exposure to an American Indian sports mascot on the stereotype endorsement of a different minority group. Study 1 used an unobtrusive prime, while Study 2 used a more engaged prime. Study 2 also investigated the effect among those unfamiliar with the controversy regarding American Indian sports mascots. Results from both studies show that participants primed with an American Indian sports mascot increased their stereotyping of a different ethnic minority group.

“Frozen in Time”: The Impact of Native American Media Representations on Identity and Self‐Understanding

“…Take the issue of Native American mascots as an example. There is evidence that these mascots harm Native American students and influence intergroup relationships in college settings (Fryberg et al., ; Kim‐Prieto, Goldstein, Okazaki, & Kirschner, ). Policy‐makers should advocate for school environments that are free from limiting and negative representations that influence the future potential of Native American students.…”

Perspectives of Social Justice Activists

“…Research team members also reviewed relevant research on Native-themed mascots, nicknames, and logos (e.g., Fryberg et al, 2008;Kim-Prieto et al, 2010;Steinfeldt & Wong, 2010). In attempting to address biases that might influence the results, it is also recommended that researchers discuss potential assumptions, biases, and values prior to engaging in the CQR process (Fassinger, 2005;Hill et al, 1997).…”

Multicultural Training Intervention to Address American Indian Stereotypes

“…Native-themed mascots, nicknames, and logos provide a context that promotes stereotypical representations of American Indians, and contexts that activate stereotypical representations of racial groups are likely to threaten group members' psychological functioning (Fryberg et al, 2008). Subsequent empirical studies on this topic have supported these conclusions by demonstrating that Native-themed nicknames and logos promote stereotyping of other groups (e.g., Asian Americans; Kim-Prieto et al, 2010), provide misinformation about American Indians, and facilitate an environment of racial discrimination and harassment through online forums . In sum, audience members can use research, theory, and examples of advocacy strategies to develop the skill component of their multicultural competency as it relates to Native-themed mascots, nicknames, and logos.…”

“…However, because stereotypical portrayals of American Indians are omnipresent and hegemonically woven into the fabric of society, the harmful nature of this practice seems to exist outside of the consciousness of mainstream American society (Merskin, 2001; Steinfeldt et al, 2010). Subsequently, the purpose of this article is to provide counselor educators with a resource to address the marginalization of American Indians, a social justice issue that has a negative impact on the psychological functioning of both American Indian communities and mainstream American society (Fryberg, Markus, Oyserman, & Stone, 2008; Kim‐Prieto, Goldstein, Okazaki, & Kirschner, 2010; Steinfeldt et al, 2010). Counselor educators can use the information presented here to supplement their current multicultural competency curriculum on American Indian issues, in particular the stereotypes perpetuated by the use of Native‐themed mascots, nicknames, and logos.…”