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Chasco called racist; boycott urged
By JENNIFER GOLDBLATT © St. Petersburg Times, published January 5, 2001 Angered by a portrayal of American Indians in the Christmas Parade that they say is "stereotypical and racist," members of the American Indian Movement have called for a boycott of Pasco County as a tourist destination and for sponsors of Chasco Fiesta to revoke their support of that spring event. AIM Florida first took issue with Chasco Fiesta five years ago and this summer filed a complaint with the attorney general. In September, AIM and Chasco officials met to discuss changes to the event but have not met since. AIM objects to the 11-day event held in March, which it says is based on the belief that "traditional indigenous culture and spirituality is savage, barbaric and heathen." The float in the Christmas parade "was even more outrageous and racist than previous actions by the chamber," AIM said in a statement. New Port Richey Mayor Wendy Brenner, who coordinates Chasco Fiesta, said Thursday that the groups have "agreed to disagree." "They believe there's a problem, we don't and all the Native Americans that we deal with don't have a problem with it," Brenner said, adding that they have reviewed the tapes of Chasco, and that they only portray the American Indians in a positive light. She added that the costumes and equipment used for the float and festivals are bought from Native Americans, and that a Native American participates in the event and told them when there was something that was offensive. "I guess there are others who don't feel the same way." Ruby Beaulieu, AIM's Pasco director, said that dressing upwith face paint and feathers and doing war dances with whooping and hollering promotes racism.
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