Sport films have been central to American cinema, playing an increasingly important role in the communication of a commonsense understanding of race, gender, class, history, and social relations. Oddly, scholars have neglected sport films and their significance. Offering a comparative, theoretically grounded, and interdisciplinary approach, Visual Economies of/in Motion marks a novel and important point of departure in sport studies and cultural studies. It brings together a dozen essays on feature films and documentaries to probe the articulation of ideologies and identities, play and power, and sporting worlds and social fields.
Focusing on the representation of Native Americans in the twenty-first century, the book examines how these images are interpreted and redefined by American Indians. Through detailed analyses, it delves into themes of racism, cultural identity, and sovereignty, providing insights into the complexities of Indianness and its impact on contemporary society.
James Clinton Neill emerges as a pivotal yet overlooked figure in the Alamo's history and Texas Independence. His decision to defy Sam Houston's orders to abandon the Alamo ultimately shaped the fate of the Texians, solidifying their fight for freedom. This exploration highlights Neill's crucial role in the events that laid the foundation for Texas's liberty, emphasizing his contributions and the complex dynamics of leadership during this critical period.
The Washington Redskins franchise remains one of the most valuable in professional sports, in part because of its easily recognizable, popular, and profitable brand. And yet “redskins” is a derogatory name for American Indians. The number of grassroots campaigns to change the name has risen in recent years despite the current team owner’s assertion that the team will never do so. Franchise owners counter criticism by arguing that the team name is positive and a term of respect and honor that many American Indians embrace. The NFL, for its part, actively defends the name and supports it in court. Prominent journalists, politicians, and former players have publicly spoken out against the use of “Redskins” as the name of the team. Sportscaster Bob Costas denounced the name as a racial slur during a halftime show in 2013. U.S. Representative Betty McCollum marched outside the stadium with other protesters––among them former Minnesota Vikings player Joey Browner––urging that the name be changed. Redskins: Insult and Brand examines how the ongoing struggle over the team name raises important questions about how white Americans perceive American Indians, about the cultural power of consumer brands, and about continuing obstacles to inclusion and equality. C. Richard King examines the history of the team’s name, the evolution of the term “redskin,” and the various ways in which people both support and oppose its use today. King’s hard-hitting approach to the team’s logo and mascot exposes the disturbing history of a moniker’s association with the NFL—a multibillion-dollar entity that accepts public funds—as well as popular attitudes toward Native Americans today.
