Opposition suggests that mascots demean the Native American culture. A number of Americans believe that the Cleveland Indians’ mascot with a red face, toothy grin, and feather reduces the entire Native American race to a caricature that is less than human (Armour par. 2). These non-supporters of Native American mascots claim that the mascots do not honor the culture but demean it because of the face that represents a sports franchise. Likewise, opponents also disapprove of live animals as well. Louisiana State University’s mascot, the live tiger Mike, was diagnosed with a form of cancer; in lieu to the news, the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) sent a letter to the school advocating for Mike to be LSU's last-ever live animal mascot (Kuzydym par. 1). PETA pushed for putting an end to having a live animal mascot because they thought the use of a live mascot was cruel. Moreover, the other argument that these unloving citizens refute is the fact that once these animals die they simply get a new animal to take over the face of the mascot (Kuzydym par. 3). I think these citizens are mistaken because they overlook the fact that the live animal is the tradition of the team that was adopted from the Native American culture. Ultimately, mascots do not demean Native American culture but embrace it. Native American mascots honor the culture of the tribe by embracing their traditions. For instance, Lib Dudney, President of the Education Foundation, states that these mascots embrace the Native American heritage: "You don't name a mascot after something you want to put down. We're not putting them down, we're honoring them” (qtd in. Smith par. 13). In other words, a school would not chose a mascot that they want to be associated with negatively. Furthermore, mascots are not designed to insult fans but are designed to honor the culture (Auerbach par. 3). Accordingly, teams that have Native American mascots chose the name in admiration of the tribes. Chief Lee Vest celebrates the fact that their heritage has been chosen as a mascot: "I personally think it's an honor to be chosen" (qtd in. Smith par. 6). The tribes who have their name represented in a mascot allow the teams to celebrate their culture. Stull supports the argument that Native Americans mascots embrace Native American traditions. Stull reminds us that when a Chief is impersonated,“Wearing a headdress is not supposed to be seen as offensive. People do it to show pride and respect, and they want to show that off” (qtd. in Stull and Leatherman). To continue, Athletic Director Cary Daniels argues that the Indian mascot is a perfect match for his school. Daniels states that athletic teams want courageous and strong symbols that can be admired as a mascot; he believes the Indian title fits the role of a respected mascot (Smith par. 14).When it comes to the topic of controversial mascots, most of us will readily agree to embrace Native American culture. Where this agreement usually ends, however, the question of changing perceptions of tribes arises. Whereas some are convinced that schools keep the history of the tribes culture, others maintain that mascots alter the historical presence of the Native Americans.