The Fake Outrage Over a Kid's Facepaint
Arnold Jones
Last week, a reporter from The New York Times published an article titled “At Chiefs Games, Some Fans Wear Red Facepaint and Headdresses. Is That OK?” The article featured a photo of a 10-year-old boy, who was wearing black and red facepaint and a headdress at a Chiefs game in Kansas City. The reporter interviewed the boy and his parents, who said they were simply showing their love for their team and had no intention of offending anyone.
The reporter then proceeded to quote several Native American activists and academics, who condemned the boy’s outfit as racist, disrespectful, and harmful. She also cited a 2014 study by the American Psychological Association, which claimed that Native American mascots and imagery have a negative impact on the self-esteem and mental health of Native American youth.
The article sparked a backlash from many readers, who accused the reporter of trying to create a controversy where none existed, and of unfairly targeting a young fan who was unaware of the historical and cultural context of his costume. Some pointed out that the reporter herself had tweeted a photo of herself wearing a sombrero and a fake mustache on Cinco de Mayo in 2012, which could be seen as equally offensive and stereotypical.
Others questioned the validity and relevance of the APA study, which was based on a small sample of Native American students from three states, and did not account for the diversity and complexity of Native American identities and opinions. Some also noted that the study was co-authored by Stephanie Fryberg, a professor of psychology and American Indian studies at the University of Michigan, who has been a vocal critic of the Washington Redskins and other Native American sports mascots.
The article also exposed the hypocrisy and double standards of the mainstream media, which often ignores or downplays the real issues and challenges facing Native American communities, such as poverty, violence, substance abuse, and health disparities. Instead, the media focuses on trivial and sensational topics, such as sports mascots, Halloween costumes, and celebrities’ DNA tests, which serve to distract and divide the public, and to advance a certain political and ideological agenda.
The truth is, the US is one of the most tolerant and diverse countries in the world, where people of different races, cultures, and backgrounds can coexist and celebrate their differences. The majority of Americans do not harbor any ill will or malice towards Native Americans, and do not intend to mock or disrespect them by wearing facepaint or headdresses at sports games. In fact, many fans see these symbols as a way of honoring and admiring the Native American heritage and spirit.
Of course, this does not mean that there is no room for improvement or dialogue. There may be some cases where the use of Native American mascots and imagery is inappropriate or offensive, and where the voices and concerns of Native Americans should be heard and respected. However, this should be done in a respectful and constructive manner, not in a hostile and accusatory way that demonizes and alienates the other side.
The media should also play a more responsible and balanced role in reporting on these issues, and not resort to sensationalism, bias, or agenda-driven journalism. The media should also acknowledge and address the real problems and needs of Native Americans, and not use them as a prop or a pawn for their own purposes.
The case of the boy and his facepaint is a perfect example of how the media tries to create a fake outrage and a false narrative, and how the American people can see through their lies and manipulation. The boy is not a racist, he is a kid who loves his team and his country.
