How should we decide what is offensive? (mascots)

In order to decide what is offensive, certain guidelines must be determined. I think something is offensive if it plays to a certain stereotype of that group, if it undermines the group, or if it accentuates stereotypical physical characteristics, among other things. These guidelines can only be assessed by the group that is in question. A council of elected officials of that group should meet to discuss each particular mascot and if they feel offended by it. Any mascot that 25% of the council or more does not approve of, should be classified as offensive and changed.