March 28, 1987 - [mascots] "They're always associated with being on the warpath and war-whoops and scalping. That's the only way people see us. They don't even look at us as real people."

Horn irked over names

by Ron Cook

1987 March 28, Northwest Herald 

      St Petersburg, Fla - You see or read about the Cleveland Indians, St John's Redmen, Chicago Blackhawks, Atlanta Braves and Washington Redskins.

      In most cases, such team nicknames are taken for granted. But, Gabriel Horn notices. And he said he wants to cry every time he sees or hears them.

      Horn, 39, is an American Indian. More accurately, he is an American Indian on a mission. He wants to abolish sports nicknames, mascots and logos that relate to Indians. He said they are degrading and worse, racist. 

      "Put yourself in our place for a minute. If you are a black man, how would you feel if the team were called the Washington Negroes? Or if you are a white man, the Washington Honkies? Is there any other race that would stand for that?

      "Every time those nicknames and symbols are used, it lets loose all the negative stereotypes about American Indians. They're always associated with being on the warpath and war-whoops and scalping. That's the only way people see us. They don't even look at us as real people. 

      "I find it deplorable that this could exist in this country. In the nation's capital, no less. The same senator who goes to the football game on Sunday and cheers for his Redskins goes to the office the next day and makes decisions that deal with the survival of real Indians. How is he to make responsible decisions when he is exposed to those stereotypes?"
      Horn, an English teacher at a St Petersburg High School, and his wife, Simone, are raising their three children as Indians - Ihasha, 9; Calusa, 7; and Carises, 5.
      "All were named after Indian tribes that were wiped out. We did it to keep the memories of those tribes alive," said Horn, whose Indian name is White Deer of Autumn.
      He said he is concerned about the ridicule they must face in school because of the distorted portrayal of Indians.
      "The taunting hurts and angers me, but I can't blame the other children. They turn on the football game on Sunday, and see the Redskins mascot with a headdress and war paint. What are they supposed to think about Indians? How are they supposed to accept my children when that's the only impression of Indians? How are they supposed to respect my wife and me?"

1987 March 28, Northwest Herald