Mascots
School Mascots
The use of inappropriate mascots continues to plague Native Americans in towns across the nation. It is prevalent despite the numerous requests from Indigenous Nations to remove their sacred images and ideology as mimicked figures. To add insult to injury, mascots mock Native people and their traditions.
Rebranding Solutions
Rebranding racist imagery is one small step towards acknowledging the harm that these images have caused. As people come closer together through the internet our community gets bigger and we need to recognize our actions affect everyone within it. Through empathetic action, we can move toward a more equitable future.
Eskimo Joe’s - Stillwater, Oklahoma
Established in Stillwater in 1975 by OSU students Stan Clark and Steve File, Eskimo Joe’s began as a humble college town bar and expanded into a full-service restaurant in 1984. In addition to a proud history of community engagement, a positive work environment, and legendary cheese fries, Eskimo Joe’s is widely recognized—in Stillwater and beyond—by its branded mascot, Eskimo Joe, accompanied by dog Buffy.
Both the name and the mascots were intended to represent the “ice-cold” beer and beverages the bar served, and over time, they became instantly identifiable and popular parts of Stillwater history. Later, Mexico Joe’s was added to the franchise.
Not everyone feels positive about Mexico Joe, Eskimo Joe, and Buffy. Critics point out that both caricatures are racially insensitive and may be harmful. They do not accurately or sensitively represent Inuit or Mexican people and perpetuate harmful stereotypes.
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