The Washington Redskins, now known as the Washington Football Team, has been a source of controversy and debate for many years due to its use of a Native American mascot. The team's former mascot, a caricature of a Native American man, has long been criticized as racist, offensive, and disrespectful towards Indigenous peoples. Advocates for changing the team's mascot argue that the use of such an image perpetuates harmful stereotypes and promotes a culture of racism and discrimination. They argue that using a racial or ethnic group as a mascot reduces them to a caricature and fails to recognize their unique cultures, histories, and identities. Opponents of changing the mascot often cite tradition and the team's history as reasons to preserve the existing mascot. They argue that the mascot is a symbol of pride, unity, and support for the team, and that changing it would erase a part of the team's identity.
Thought to be built sometime between 1620 and 1642, it was the home of Judge Jonathan Corwin (1640–1718) who investigated and presided over some of the Salem Witch Trials. The house is the only structure still standing in Salem with direct ties to the witch trials of 1692.
Citizens collected 42,000 for the relocation of both the Witch House and neighboring Bowditch House, the former residence of the founder of modern maritime navigation. Corwin was appointed to replace Judge Nathaniel Saltonstall for the Court of Oyer and Terminer, with Saltonstall resigning from the court after the execution of Bridget Bishop.
They argue that the mascot is a symbol of pride, unity, and support for the team, and that changing it would erase a part of the team's identity. In recent years, there has been a growing shift in public opinion towards changing the team's mascot. Many universities, high schools, and professional sports teams have already changed their mascots to more culturally sensitive alternatives.
The Witch House of Salem
The Salem witchcraft trials took place between February 1692 and May 1693. More than 200 people were accused, 59 were tried, 31 were found guilty, and 20 were executed. Those final unfortunates were hanged, and one man was crushed to death while being tortured.
Among the judges who convicted the witches (based on “spectral evidence,” evidence based upon dreams or visions) was Jonathan Corwin. As a local magistrate and civic leader, Corwin was called upon to investigate the claims of diabolical activity when a surge of witchcraft accusations arose in Salem and neighboring communities. He took the place of Judge Nathaniel Saltonstall, who resigned after the execution of Bridget Bishop. Corwin served on the Court of Oyer and Terminer, which ultimately sent nineteen to the gallows. All 19 refused to admit to witchcraft and maintained their innocence.
The Witch House, as it is now known, was his home and is the only structure still standing in Salem, Massachusetts with direct ties to the Salem witch trials of 1692. The house was bought by Judge Corwin in 1675, when he was 24 years old, and he lived there for more than forty years. Corwin is buried in the nearby Broad Street Cemetery. The house remained in the Corwin family until the mid-19th century.
Today the house is a museum focusing on 17th-century living. It’s one of the last remaining links to a time in American history when people were hanged because they supposedly inflicted pain by the use of “venomous and malignant particles, that were ejected from the eye.”
Know Before You Go
If you're visiting Salem during Samhain, better known as Halloween or anytime in the month of October, get there early (even during the week). One does not simply get a parking space for any length of time.
The Witch House was marked by the witch hunt, permanently touched by his intolerance. The “Corwin Curse,” too, marks the Witch House. With eight Corwin lives lost to premature death, this “Historic Home” has testified to tragedy, terror, and tall tale. The Witch House was even uprooted and relocated, mystifying an already mysterious two-and-half-story home.
The Washington Football Team eventually announced in 2020 that it would retire the Redskins name and mascot, and temporarily adopt the name "Washington Football Team" while a new one is chosen. While the retirement of the old mascot is seen as a step towards progress, the debate over the use of Native American mascots in sports continues. It has sparked conversations about cultural appropriation, respect for Indigenous peoples, and the importance of representation and inclusivity in sports and society as a whole. The hope is that the change in the Washington Football Team's mascot will serve as a catalyst for other teams to reevaluate their own use of Native American imagery and work towards more inclusive and respectful representations..
Reviews for "The Washington VipLwts Mascot's Influence on Youth Sports: Inspiring the Next Generation"
1. Samantha - 1/5 - I was extremely disappointed when I saw the new mascot for the Washington viplwts. The design is tacky and unappealing, and it completely misses the mark. It lacks creativity and doesn't represent the spirit of the team or the city. I think they should have put more thought into creating a mascot that fans would actually be proud to have represent their team.
2. Jonathan - 2/5 - As a longtime fan of the Washington viplwts, I was really hoping for a mascot that embodied the strength and determination of the team. Unfortunately, the new mascot falls flat. It looks more like a cartoony character from a children's show rather than a representation of a professional football team. I believe they could have done so much better in creating a mascot that fans could connect with and rally behind.
3. Emily - 1/5 - The new mascot for the Washington viplwts is a complete eyesore. It's hard to take the team seriously when their mascot looks like a poorly drawn caricature. I expected better from a professional sports team. The design lacks detail and sophistication, and it feels like a lazy attempt to create a mascot rather than a well-thought-out representation of the team's identity. Overall, I'm highly disappointed with this choice.
4. Michael - 2/5 - When the Washington viplwts announced their new mascot, I was hoping for something unique and memorable. Unfortunately, that's not what we got. The mascot looks generic and forgettable, and it adds nothing to the team's image. It's disappointing to see such a lack of creativity and innovation. I believe the team could have done better by involving their fans and creating a mascot that truly represents the spirit of Washington football.
5. Jennifer - 1/5 - The new mascot for the Washington viplwts is simply atrocious. It's hard to believe that a professional football team would approve such a lackluster design. The mascot lacks personality and fails to capture the excitement and energy of the game. I feel like the team missed a golden opportunity to create something iconic and memorable. I can't understand how they could have gone so wrong with their choice of a mascot.