Objectionable Sport Team Designations

Abstract

Sport team nicknames have a long tradition in North America. In recent years these designations have received much journalistic attention because some of the names are now considered racist, especially those that refer to Native Americans. High school, college and university, and professional team names are surveyed. Several of the teams’ nicknames, logos and mascots may be viewed as racist and/or sexist. The current debate over “political correctness” and its relationship to these nicknames is also addressed.