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                          Petition to Ban the Chasco Krewe

The Florida Chapter of the American Indian Movement and its supporters call on the organizers of the Chasco Street Parade to ban the Chasco Krewe Float on the basis that it is demeaning and racist display of Native American Culture.

The American Indian Movement and people of consciousness who recognize racism, agree that the Chasco Krewe Float is offensive and sends a wrong message to the community that stereotyping and negative imagery is an acceptable behavior.

Racism hurts. Studies have shown that stereotypes endanger our children's self esteem. When our youth observes their culture and spirituality used for amusement , it leaves an indelible memory in their minds, not of pride and honor, but of shame.

"We know from the literature that oppression, covert and overt racism, and perceived racism can have serious negative consequences for the mental health of American Indian and Alaska native (AIAN) people. We also need to pay careful attention to how these issues manifest themselves in the daily lives (e.g., school, work, traditional practices, and social activities) and experiences of AIAN individuals and communities. As natives, many of us have had personal and family experiences of being the target of frightening, humiliating, and infuriating behaviors on the part of others. ...Racism toward, and the disrespect of, all people in our country and in the larger global context, will not be tolerated,"

-Psychologist Lisa Thomas, PhD is a member of the APA Committee on Ethnic and Minority Affairs which drafted the Indian mascot resolution.

Further, No. 2 of Rules and Regulations for entrants of the parade in part states: “Because of this “total show concept” OUR PARADE IS NOT A PLATFORM FOR POLITICAL CAMPAIGNS, SOCIAL ISSUES OR TARGETED SPECIAL GROUPS. NO ENTRY WILL BE PERMITTED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PARADE IF, IN THE JUDGMENT OF THE PARADE COMMITTEE, IT REFLECTS SUCH ISSUES.”

 Native Americans are political from birth, a social issue and targeted special group. Therefore, since the Chasco Krewe represents all of the above restrictions, it should not be allowed to participate in the parade.

Please do the right thing and ban the Chasco Krewe Float from your event.

Sincerely,

The Undersigned

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