What is a symbol?

Definition for “Symbol”   Source: http://www.thefreedictionary.com/symbol 1. Something that represents something else by association, resemblance, or convention, especially a material object used to represent something invisible.

What does each image symbolize?

What is a mascot?

n. a person, animal, or thing considered to bring good luck Definition of “Mascot” mascot [ˈmæskət] n. a person, animal, or thing considered to bring good luck The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition copyright ©2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. Word History: A giant strutting bird leading a cheer at the homecoming game may seem a far cry from a witch fashioning a charm or spell, but these two figures are related historically in the development of the word mascot. Mascot came into English as a borrowing of the French word mascotte, meaning "mascot, charm." The English word is first recorded in 1881 shortly after the French word, itself first recorded in 1867, was popularized by the opera La Mascotte, performed in December 1880. The French word in turn came from the Provençal word mascoto, "piece of witchcraft, charm, amulet," a feminine diminutive of masco, "witch." This word can probably be traced back to Medieval Latin masca, "witch, specter." Thus for all their apparent differences, yesterday's witches and today's cuddly mascots can be seen in the same light, as agents working their respective magic to bring about a desired outcome.

One of American’s most common use of symbols is mascots for sports teams.

In small groups brainstorm a list of team mascots(names) used by high school, college, or professional teams.

Group team mascots by similarities.

Question for discussion: Why do you think these particular mascots are chosen? Now introduce the idea of Indian mascots…some see it as disrespectful others respectful

Mascots like these are in the middle of a national controversy.

Posters

How would people feel if they saw this mascot?

Now read pro and con articles on the issue of using Native American team mascots.

Using Native American Mascots – Respect or Disrespect Your assignment is to write a position paper on the topic: Using Native American Mascots – Respect or Disrespect