Mascot Dispute...
Let me begin by saying this is a sensitive topic among many people....and I fully respect and understand that. That said, I don't grasp how history can dictate and possibly manipulate schools and communities in a moments notice. I'm referring to what has been "proposed" by one former student on the Oregon coast. He's a Native American who attended a game last year with his family in Mollala. While there, he witnessed a non-Native American in an Indian headress....with a target painted on his chest. Yes, that's a tad offensive.
Now, there is a Advisory Committee in place in Salem at the office of the State Superintendent. That group will look into possibly removing the 16 schools...that have ties to Native American mascots. Anything with Warriors, Indians, Braves and Chieftains are close to changing. We won't know anything more until mid-August when the two groups meeting in Salem. I spoke with the student who told me "it's institutionalized racism"....and he wants "a better learning environment for his neices, nephews and children someday". I respect that....but I feel it should be left up to each individual community to make this massive change.
Comments
When I was growing up I moved quite often. Because of this I was a Toutle Duck, Challis Bulldog, Astoria Fisherman and Warrenton Warrior. To me these names only served one purpose, school identity. We were proud of our schools name and wore it on hats, shirts, jackets, etc.. There was never talk of Warriors being savages or Bulldogs having the mange...
Are there any environmentalists out there that are upset with the Knappa or Vernonia Loggers?
What about the Riddle Irish? Am I to believe everyone in Riddle is really Irish?
There's always the Sunset High Apollo's. Isn't Apollo a Greek god? Hold on, a god? What happened to separation of church and state?
A school mascot being named after a proud people shouldn't be considered institutionalized racism, it should be a bond that gives a community its unique identity.
Posted by: Gavin Harper | August 1, 2007 4:16 PM
As an Irishman should I ask for the schools with Fighting Irish as their mascot to drop them too?
I am a bit of a rebel how about dropping the name Rebels too. I am offfended that they are just not rebelious enough!
Posted by: Colleen | August 1, 2007 4:28 PM
I haven't followed this story too closely, but I have heard a couple of places now that the gentleman pushing the issue wants a better learning environment for his nieces and nephews.
How much money is it going to cost for all of these schools to change their names? Where is that money going to come from? How will spending millions of dollars on changing a team mascot help a learning environment?
Posted by: Jean | August 2, 2007 3:42 PM
Irish? Why the comparison to the past/present/future plight of Native Americans in THIS country? In our nation's coveted history of Manifest Destiny, we have oppressed and committed near genocide on an entire people for the sake of religion and money. Yeah, it would cost a bundle to change the names and all that, but more importantly, why can't more people be at least sensitive to the issue. When will we stop promoting stereotypes in society, especially sports?
Posted by: Chris | August 5, 2007 7:27 AM