Why sports teams shouldn't use native imagery
Let's say someone comes to your house, murders your entire family, then forces you out and you have to sleep in a shelter.
Then they get your family photos and put them up all over your house (their house now). They get a flag made with your family's last name on it and fly it out front.
They get T-Shirts made with your family's last Christmas photo on it and sell those shirts.
Are they celebrating your memory and history? Or murdering, pillaging, and profiting off what they stole?
I think its really hard to identify with these "politically correct" culture war issues. (White) people often don't see the harm in an Indian mascot for a football team. (White) people may need help seeing the issue from a different perspective.
I think it makes sense for somebody to be bothered when their team's mascot and traditions are messed with. I think we have to have these conversations with our loved ones to help them grow.
When you're raised in whiteness, surrounded by whiteness, you don't just magically have your views fixed when somebody else bitches to their friends that you should know better. It takes learning, it takes somebody challenging your views.
And yes, I think this is about whiteness. We didn't talk about race growing up (in my white family), and its uncomfortable talking about it today, but I do try to sometimes.
The disdain for changing mascots and removing harmful imagery is founded in whiteness, and a lack of understanding and respect for color. Your family members who are annoyed at such changes aren't necessarily bad people. But they do have undeveloped and harmful opinions.
I wish you strength in approaching these conversations, and I wish them grace as you do.
P.S. Suggested Reading: Antiracism as daily practice by Jennifer Harvey