The Native American Identity in Sports

Creating and Preserving a Culture

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Cultural Studies, Native American Studies, Sports
Cover of the book The Native American Identity in Sports by , Scarecrow Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: ISBN: 9780810887091
Publisher: Scarecrow Press Publication: November 8, 2012
Imprint: Scarecrow Press Language: English
Author:
ISBN: 9780810887091
Publisher: Scarecrow Press
Publication: November 8, 2012
Imprint: Scarecrow Press
Language: English

On October 15, 1964 Billy Mills became the only American to win an Olympic Gold Medal for the 10,000 meters. It was but one notable triumph in sports by a Native American. Yet, unlike Mills's achievement, most significant contributions from Native Americans have gone unheralded. From individual athletes, teams, and events, it is clear that the "Vanishing Americans" are not vanishing—but they are sadly overlooked.

The Native American Identity in Sports: Creating and Preserving a Culture not only includes, but goes beyond the great achievements of Billy Mills to note numerous other instances of Native American accomplishment and impact on sports. This collection of essays examines how sport has contributed to shaping and expressing Native American identity—from the attempt of the old Indian Schools to “Americanize” Native Americans through sport to the “Indian mascot” controversy and what it says about the broader public view of Native Americans. Additional essays explore the contemporary use of the traditional sport Toka to combat obesity in some Native American communities, the Seminoles’ commercialization of alligator wrestling—a “Native” sport that was, in fact, only developed as a sport due to interest from tourists—and much more.

The contributions to this volume not only tell the story of Native Americans’ participation in the world of sports, but also how Native Americans have changed and enriched the sports world in the process. For anyone interested in the deep effect sport has on culture, The Native American Identity in Sports is an indispensable read.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

On October 15, 1964 Billy Mills became the only American to win an Olympic Gold Medal for the 10,000 meters. It was but one notable triumph in sports by a Native American. Yet, unlike Mills's achievement, most significant contributions from Native Americans have gone unheralded. From individual athletes, teams, and events, it is clear that the "Vanishing Americans" are not vanishing—but they are sadly overlooked.

The Native American Identity in Sports: Creating and Preserving a Culture not only includes, but goes beyond the great achievements of Billy Mills to note numerous other instances of Native American accomplishment and impact on sports. This collection of essays examines how sport has contributed to shaping and expressing Native American identity—from the attempt of the old Indian Schools to “Americanize” Native Americans through sport to the “Indian mascot” controversy and what it says about the broader public view of Native Americans. Additional essays explore the contemporary use of the traditional sport Toka to combat obesity in some Native American communities, the Seminoles’ commercialization of alligator wrestling—a “Native” sport that was, in fact, only developed as a sport due to interest from tourists—and much more.

The contributions to this volume not only tell the story of Native Americans’ participation in the world of sports, but also how Native Americans have changed and enriched the sports world in the process. For anyone interested in the deep effect sport has on culture, The Native American Identity in Sports is an indispensable read.

More books from Scarecrow Press

Cover of the book The Collected Writings of Franz Liszt by
Cover of the book Such a Simple Little Tale by
Cover of the book Musicals! by
Cover of the book A Year of Hitchcock by
Cover of the book Fifty Years of Hemingway Criticism by
Cover of the book Old Leather by
Cover of the book Lovecraft and Influence by
Cover of the book Libraries and Archives by
Cover of the book A Woman's War by
Cover of the book Historical Dictionary of Early North America by
Cover of the book Historical Dictionary of United States Intelligence by
Cover of the book Historical Dictionary of NATO and Other International Security Organizations by
Cover of the book Revolutionizing Children's Records by
Cover of the book Historical Dictionary of Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Warfare by
Cover of the book The A to Z of the Discovery and Exploration of Australia by
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy