More Than a Word

"More Than a Word is more than wonderful. This profound and profoundly moving film delineates the harm done to all of us by depictions of Indigenous people as sports team mascots. It shows how Indigenous dispossession is an ongoing contemporary cultural process, not a finite and fixed past event. Most important, in teaching us to see, learn and think more complexly, More Than A Word also impels us to act, to live up to our obligations and responsibilities to reject all forms of denigration and dehumanization.”

"At the heart of this enlightening program is the controversy over the Washington Redskins’ name. Team owner and interviewed fans (some wearing headdresses and war paint) claim Redskins is a tribute, but Native American activists and others have different views. The team’s name, according to Native lawyers, is a racial slur with a long history. Interviewed activists understand that the professional football team’s name is the focal point of lawsuits and protests and contend that lingering stereotypes are the real issue. Excerpts from films, advertising, cartoons, and newspaper articles highlight the historical perceptions and misunderstandings concerning Native history and culture. The Washington Redskin team is not the only one using such nicknames and mascots; numerous college and other professional teams have similar names and logos, and the controversy continues. An eye-opening discussion prompter.”

"More than a Word is an important film, documenting the little-known and misunderstood history of a racial epithet that continues to be used to de-humanize and stereotype native peoples as savage, sub-humans fit only for caricature as sports mascots in the American racial imagination. Infuriating and provocative, like the "R" word itself, the film will leave you thinking about the words that are used as part of our everyday, casual conversations that perpetuate a hidden legacy of genocide and racial conquest without the slightest bit of hesitation or regret on the part of those who have most directly benefited from that legacy. In a time of heightened racial tensions brought on by certain of our own elected leaders and media personalities, More than a Word is more than a documentary about racist sports mascots. It's a film that speaks directly to who we are as a nation divided by race at this very moment in time. We are what we speak; the words we use to define others also define who we are, inside our own hearts and our own minds.”

“Powerful. This film amplifies native voices that have been ignored by the mainstream for too long. A must-see for those who truly seek understand and gain perspective. Respect, honor, dignity - it’s that simple.”

"John and Kenn Little’s documentary More Than A Word provides us with a contemporary and historical framework within which to discuss cultural and racial stereotypes, the thorny line between appropriation and appreciation, and why it matters. Jay Rosenstein, in 1997, produced In Whose Honor, a film highlighting the struggle of Charlene Teters, then a student at the University of Illinois against the school’s mascot “Chief Illiniwek.” Twenty years later, More Than A Word confirms the same arguments (“It’s an honor,” “there are more important issues,” etc.) are used to justify the continued use of racial stereotypes against American Indian people. The Little’s film, as it weaves together this historical and contemporary narrative, illuminates the social, political and economic landscape within which these stereotypes thrive. More Than A Word makes clear this struggle is part of a larger battle taking place in the cultural domain. It is, as Philip Deloria suggests in the film, a struggle to “contest the structure of domination.””

"A deeply informed tool for advocacy and resistance, More Than A Word makes a powerful statement about the systemic racism and historical and ongoing oppression of Native Americans in the United States. The voices of real contemporary people viscerally connect rhetoric and symbols with the concrete policies that continue to marginalize and denigrate indigenous peoples. Those who attend to this film gain new understanding and ability to disrupt colonial practices that persist in contemporary society.”

“More Than A Word provides an in-depth exploration of the Washington football team name and an informative and engaging look at how and why words and images matter. Through both its content and its form, one that includes a diverse range of historical and contemporary American Indian voices, music, art, and imagery, the film illuminates American Indian survival and resistance while offering a highly engaging discussion around issues of cultural appropriation.”

"Artfully constructed, More Than A Word is a brilliant film project that intertwines the complicated threads of history, culture, and fandom. The core of this narrative, told in five parts, centers on the contested use of Indian mascots in sports teams. But you do not need to be a sports enthusiast to understand that the ramification of the “mascot issue” goes well beyond the stadium. This is a direct consequence of the film’s shrewd mix, blending compelling voices from scholars, activists, historians and multi-generational fans. Popular culture influences also loom large in shaping this narrative about the subtle, damaging effects of Indian stereotyping, as cartoons, vintage film excerpts, TV news clips and newspaper headlines weave in and out key scenes. More Than A Word shreds through the most familiar and socially comforting Indian stereotypes by showcasing the authority of Indigenous voices, including Suzan Shown Harjo, Amanda Blackhorse, Philip J. Deloria and so many others. How refreshing it is to hear and see tribal perspectives go beyond the usual media sound bites! Also impressive: the spot-on soundtrack that knows just when to move from meditative instrumentals, to thumping, hip-hop lyrics of resistance. Native filmmakers John and Kenn Little launched this film project with a successful GoFundMe campaign, whose contributors’ names appear in the credits. Secondary and college-level classes in many subjects, including media, history, marketing, Native American studies, Ethnic studies, and Popular Culture, should welcome this powerful documentary.”

"More Than a Word highlights why it is essential to take action and eliminate racial epithets and images. A documentary that can facilitate discussion and address the harmful effects of mascots as well as social responsibility."

"This is an excellent, even-handed treatment of a long-standing dispute. Filmmakers John and Kenn Little, enrolled members of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, deliver it with authenticity. Highly recommended."

"The essential and affecting documentary More Than a Word convincingly presents what Native activists protesting stereotypical mascots are up against: a powerful and wealthy sports franchise whose owners stoop low to rationalize their continued profiteering from a racist team name. We hear from Native activists about the continued damage caused by stereotypical images and from Washington R*dsk*ns supporters who argue blithely that they are merely “honoring” Native people. The recent controversy over athletes kneeling during the national anthem in protest of racism is indeed ironic considering that the Washington R*dsk*ns, Kansas City Chiefs, and Cleveland Indians, among other prominent teams, refuse to replace their own dehumanizing logos. This timely documentary is highly recommended.”

“This film is a wonderful account of the need to respect the rights of Indian people to live without racism. It should be seen by all people.”