Book Description

"Spindel's work is a marvelous voyage that prepares the reader for further adventures that are clearly not designed to reveal but to suggest. . . . In explaining white America to Itself, the book is an unqualified success."
— American Indian Quarterly

"An unusual and unfailingly interesting examination of a clash of cultures."
—Sports Illustrated

"Readers of this very important, highly readable book will have a new understanding of the insidiousness of racism and the ease with which mass marketing can create new mythology. Highly recommended."
—Library Journal

"A thorough treatise on a controversial topic."
—Booklist

"Spindel writes convincingly about how her research has helped her to understand attitudes toward American Indians. . . .Many fans of professional sports would benefit by reading this book."
—Publishers Weekly

"Although a great deal has been written about the controversy of using fake Indians to get fans pumped up at football games, it took an entire book to give full vent to the subject. Carol Spindel does this admirably and evenhandedly."
—Chicago Tribune

"An important resource in the ongoing controversy over Indian mascots across America."
—Religious Studies Review

"Spindel displays considerable courage in tackling a controversial subject. A very personal account of the twentieth-century phenomenon of American Indians used as sports mascots, Dancing at Halftime also contains some fascinating history of early college football. The whole is strongly and beautifully written."
--Dee Brown, author of Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee

"With clear and compelling language, Spindel shows us how the naive rituals of a previous era can become the insensitive orthodoxy of today. I can't imagine a more readable-or a more even-handed-exploration of the mascot issue. This should be required reading for anyone committed to building a new sense of community in the United States."
--Frederick E. Hoxie, Swanlund Professor, University of Illinois, and editor of The Encyclopedia of North American Indians

"Honest, insightful, and a well balanced analysis of this complicated problem. Spindel has discovered the confusing reservoir of tangled emotions that underlie American attitudes towards Indians-and toward themselves. A 'must read'."
--Vine Deloria, Jr., Professor of History Emeritus, University of Colorado and a Standing Rock Sioux tribal member

"Yesterday's racism we recognize and we are embarrassed by it. Today's racism we often do not recognize until we read something like Carol Spindel's clear and fascinating message in Dancing at Halftime."
--Senator Paul Simon

"I celebrate Dancing at Halftime, which brings Carol Spindel's wry and penetrating perception to this subject. As she well understands, it is a cipher through which one can read the deeper meanings not only of American history but of contemporary life today."
--Susan Griffin, author of A Chorus of Stones

Sports fans love to don paint and feathers to cheer on the Washington Redskins and the Cleveland Indians, the Atlanta Braves, the Florida State Seminoles, and the Warriors and Chiefs of their hometown high schools. But outside the stadiums, American Indians aren't cheering--they're yelling racism.

School boards and colleges are bombarded with emotional demands from both sides, while professional teams find themselves in court defending the right to trademark their Indian names and logos. In the face of opposition by a national anti-mascot movement, why are fans so determined to retain the fictional chiefs who plant flaming spears and dance on the fifty-yard line?

To answer this question, Dancing at Halftime takes the reader on a journey through the American imagination where our thinking about American Indians has been, and is still being, shaped. Dancing at Halftime is the story of Carol Spindel's determination to understand why her adopted town is so passionately attached to Chief Illiniwek, the American Indian mascot of the University of Illinois. She rummages through our national attic, holding dusty souvenirs from world's fairs and wild west shows, Edward Curtis photographs, Boy Scout handbooks, and faded football programs up to the light. Outside stadiums, while American Indian Movement protestors burn effigies, she listens to both activists and the fans who resent their attacks. Inside hearing rooms and high schools, she poses questions to linguists, lawyers, and university alumni.

A work of both persuasion and compassion, Dancing at Halftime reminds us that in America, where Pontiac is a car and Tecumseh a summer camp, Indians are often our symbolic servants, functioning as mascots and metaphors that express our longings to become "native" Americans, and to feel at home in our own land. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Subtle,Profound--Extremely well-written
I'm an alumna of the University of Illinois, and was never very comfortable with the concept of "Chief Illiniwek."But I had no idea the role that Indian sports mascots have had in obscuring and distorting both the history and current status of Native peoples.Spindel's book examines the unique nexus of the history of Native peoples, football, the Big Ten, land grant universities, anthropology, wild west shows and photography, among others.In a careful and quiet way, she weaves these areas together to explore why these "mascots" are so demeaning to us all.

Uncovering the truth behind the myth
During my high school unit on Native American history and culture last fall, I used the Illiniwek issue to show my students the subtleties of racism. I wish at the time I had Spindel's book to drive her best point home: that white America needs its Native American symbols to justify our presence here on this continent and to forget a significant part of our shameful history. We also refuse to acknowledge the issues present day Native Americans face because then we would have to face up to the crimes of our founders. That it why supporters of Chief Illiniwek refuse to listen to the very people they claim to honor.

Racist Indian Mascots Exposed
An excellent analysis of the Indian mascot controversy in general and cheif illiniwek in particular. Very well researched and presented in an interesting and compelling manner.

The real story of chief illiniwek
This topic is extremely controvesial and Carol Swindel handles the topic very well.She takes time to present both sides of the issue including a history of both the Illini Indians and chief illiniwek.It's difficult to read this book and not be affected by both sides of the issue.I applaud Swindel for having the courage to write a comprehensive study of the use of racist mascots in America. A must read if you are a Big Ten or Illini fan.

The truth about the chief
For fans and foes of the cheif illiniwek controversy, this book is a must.Spindel takes the time to research the history of the Illini Indians, their culture and their demise.She has also researched the history of the University's symbol and presents and unbiased documentary of the origins.It's diffcult to read this book and not change your opinion on the issues.Well worth the time and money invested in reading this work. ... Read more

Book Description
This digital document is an article from The Register-Guard (Eugene, OR), published by Thomson Gale on September 8, 2007. The length of the article is 609 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Bad duck gets home game timeout for fighting with Houston mascot.(Sports)
Author: Gale Reference Team
Publication: The Register-Guard (Eugene, OR) (Newspaper)
Date: September 8, 2007
Publisher: Thomson Gale
Page: a1

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Book Description
Readers are offered a rare glimpse into the personal 50-year history of the nationally acclaimed mascot for the Georgia Bulldogs, Uga, English bulldogs so revered they are buried in a mausoleum at Sanford Stadium when they die. Full of anecdotes ? such as Uga V's famous plunge at an Auburn player in 1996, his appearance in several major Hollywood films, and Sports Illustrated's decision to put him on the cover of their 1997 college sports issue ? this new softcover edition of the book is lavishly illustrated with color photos and memorabilia, and features other stories involving longtime Georgia head coach Vince Dooley and Heisman Trophy winner Herschel Walker. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

Uga Rules
Even if you are not interested in the Bulldogs of Georgia you probably will find "Damn Good Dogs" a delightful book; beautifully illustrated, the book relates the history behind the English bulldogs that have become the University of Georgia's mascot beginning in 1956.Sonny Seiler, who has owned the bulldogs, has put together (with Kent Hannon), a pleasing book filled with many photographs.A chapter is devoted to each of the dogs relating their lives and what occurred while they were mascot and the growing fame of the Ugas. I first saw this book on a visit to Savannah and was charmed by it from the moment I opened the cover.

This is a large format book that was thoughtfully designed and is a great tribute to the remarkable dogs named Uga.

Uga rules!
I am a lifelong University of Alabama fan but I have always known and admitted that Uga is - bar none - the coolest dog on the planet. And any dog who bites back at an Auburn player knows his football! My all-time favorite was Uga V and I was thrilled when he was rightfully named the greatest mascot ever by Sports Illustrated and made their cover. I was also excited to see this book.

This book is a great overview of the lives of the Ugas, their owners, and the Georgia football program. If you love dogs and college football, you'll love this book.

I liked it
This is a good book.I highly recommend it to Ga. fans.UGA is a staple of the entire Georgia program and his lovable story is one that all college football fans can enjoy.I recommend "A Tailgater's Guide To SEC Football" as well for any serious SEC Fans.

A tribute to America's #1 Mascot
Guaranteed to please all Georgia fans and English Bulldog lovers, this entertaining book contains the individual stories of six beloved Ugas who have served as mascots for the University of Georgia since 1956. Filled with delightful photos, illustrations and memorabilia spanning nearly five decades, it is loaded with fun facts, heartwarming stories--even poems written in their honor. Uga flies free on Delta, has an air-conditioned doghouse and an official Student ID Card, eats steak, attends social affairs, occasionally wears a tux, has appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated, in Coca Cola ads, in Playboy magazine, in Animals Who's Who, on credit cards, in movies, TV shows--and more!Following lavish funeral tributes, Ugas I through V were interred in a mausoleum at Sanford Stadium with inspiring epitaphs outlining their achievements engraved on bronze tablets. Uga VI has already made a name for himself "woofing" his encouragement to a well-deserved SEC title in 2002.GO DAWGS and long live Uga VI.

Dam Good Dogs!!
Despitethe fact that I am from Georgia Tech, the long time feud of UGA, sarcastically, I am also an English bulldog lover, having owned 2 English bullies in my life thus far.I highly recommend this book to all bulldog lovers, even if they are not associated with UGA. ... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (2)

A worthy addition to the debate
C. Richard King and Charles Springwood, with their edited collection, bring to the forefront the cultural and social intricacies, animosities, and stereotypes associated with the Native American team mascot debate.The work "traces the (re)inventions of self and society through Native American mascots and the cultural artifacts, public sentiments, and ritual performances...associated with them." (1)
The essays are very informative and help clarify why certain practices have been misappropriated by the dominant "Euro-American" society.The authors prey upon the same themes in almost every essay, racial stereotypes, misappropriations of cultural practices, and displacement of Native American cultures and histories.Moreover, it appears that some of the authors take umbrage with the fact that certain Native American tribes actually support the use of their images as mascots.In their fabulous discussion of the Seminole Tribe and Florida State University, King and Springwood particularly illustrate their indignation in regards to the backing of the Chief Osceola mascot by the Seminole Tribe. The authors believe that members of the Seminole Tribe should quit "playing Indian" with the whites and work to challenge the misuse of Chief Osceola and the Seminole Tribe's identities and culture.King and Springwood also worryingly rely on a third-person account to buttress their argument that Florida State's appropriation of Native American imagery for use as a mascot only furthers popular stereotypes and prejudices.
Team Spirits is a work of activism.The collection of essays are designed inform readers of the complexities surrounding the Native American mascot controversy and hopefully reconsider their thoughts and conceptions of Native Americans.Perhaps the most important point of the text is that the appropriation of and misuse of Native American images reveal "much more about the non-Indian people and institutions that invented them than they have about Native American cultures and histories." (328)Most of the authors ignore the fact that mascots are not intended to glorify a certain historical or cultural distinctness.Many mascots were created in informal meetings without much regard to historical and cultural settings or identities.The authors of the essays expect mascots to lionize certain aspects of a locale's cultural and historical heritage.In reality, this just is not the case.However, Native American mascots are held to a higher standard as they should be and the complexities and controversies surrounding the issue show no signs of diminishing.Additionally, the Native American mascot controversy overshadows the argument that Native Americans have been perhaps the finest athletes the United States has ever had.
King and Springwood's effort certainly will not end the debate; it does provide analysis and understanding for those unfamiliar with the true subtle intricacies forever associated with Native Americans and their white conquerors.

Long overdue
An illuminating look into the mascot controversy, "Team Spirits" covers many of the issues surrounding the debate, including historical, fiscal, and racial. This book belongs on the shelves of anthropologists, sportswriters, sports fans, and concerned individuals. "Team Spirits" is especially useful for countering the tired and ignorant accusation that removing mascots is merely a PC move by liberals with nothing better to do. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

For dedicated college and university sports fans everywhere!
Compiled and organized by sports buff Peter J. Fournier, The Handbook Of Mascots And Nicknames is a straightforward reference listing nicknames and mascots of senior colleges, universities, junior colleges, and community colleges of the United States and Canada. The entries are arranged in alphabetical order for quick lookup in this fascinating reference which will prove invaluable for dedicated college and university sports fans everywhere!

Really Fun Book
I have just looked through a unique book written by Peter J. Fournier."The Handbook of Mascots & Nicknames" is very comprehensive and thorough in the research that went into it.Shown are the mascots and/or nicknames of over 1,500 U.S. senior colleges and universities, 740 U.S. junior and community colleges, and over 115 Canadian institutions.Dick Vitale, the noted ESPN announcer and personality, liked this book so much he endorsed it: "If you love sports like I do, you will enjoy Pete's Handbook of Mascots & Nicknames.It is awesome, baby!"I think that any sports fan or trivia buff, old or young, male or female should have this book in their library.The book is a wonderful birthday present or a great stocking stuffer for the holidays. I can't wait for the update that will include all of the Puerto Rican colleges and universities. ... Read more

Book Description
This digital document is an article from The Register-Guard (Eugene, OR), published by The Register Guard on April 17, 2002. The length of the article is 1467 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: UO urged to oppose Indian mascots.(Higher Education)(Sports: A resolution asks that Oregon refuse to play against teams with "disrespectful" names.)
Publication: The Register-Guard (Eugene, OR) (Newspaper)
Date: April 17, 2002
Publisher: The Register Guard
Page: A1

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Product Description
Winning Ideas! Make a rearview mirror ornament, a key chain, wrist band, ankle band, pennant and other items with the instructions included in this pamphlet. ... Read more

Book Description
This digital document is an article from The Register-Guard (Eugene, OR), published by The Register Guard on November 21, 2004. The length of the article is 858 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: DUCK MASCOT GOES ON DEFENSE.(Sports)(Students who don the Duck suit in enemy territory keep a bodyguard within reach)
Publication: The Register-Guard (Eugene, OR) (Newspaper)
Date: November 21, 2004
Publisher: The Register Guard
Page: A1

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Customer Reviews (1)

Tells of the performing mascot's importance to the Academy
When a new American military academy was being planned and it needed a mascot - but not just any old bird; one which would represent the U.S. Air Force Academy's mission of flying and fighting. It seemed the falcon would best fit the bill, and Falconry At The United States Air Force Academy tells of the performing mascot's importance to the Academy, as well as the overall history of falconry.
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Customer Reviews (1)

Wounderful information book
This is a wounderful book to get.It covers every college there is and tells you how they got their name and mascot.This is a book that is great for those times when you were just woundering about something, and want to look it up. ... Read more