WLC Matters: Logo Warrior
http://wlcblog.blogspot.com/2007/06/logo-warrior.html
June 12, 2007
The Wilton Warriors logo is under attack, and I'm not sure how strongly we should rally to its defense.
The school board has received a letter from someone (who represents a group with a mailing address in Massachusetts) pretty much insisting that we do away with the Wilton Warriors logo, because of the undignified and offensive nature of all Indian mascots. The communication came in a letter with a considerable stack of supporting evidence. And, I must say, considerable attitude.
On the one hand, I'm no fan of the logo, graphically or otherwise. Other than local tradition (which is important), it doesn't have much going for it. As has been pointed out, a Plains Indians headdress has no historical meaning to a southern New Hampshire school. And we've all seen horribly insensitive and insulting depictions of Indian mascots and heard offensive chants at professional sports events.
Add to that the opposition to Indian mascots by such groups as the New Hampshire Board of Education, the NCAA and the NAACP, and you have plenty of reason to argue that the Warrior should go.
But I find myself taking the Warrior's side -- as a gut reaction to a culture where offense is so easily taken and capitulation is so quickly demanded. Is this what we want our students to learn? When someone is offended, you must immediately change or fear being branded a racist?
I learned at our last meeting (from a reporter who's knowledge of WLC far predates mine) that the previous WLC Indian motif was simplified maybe 20 years ago because of objections at that time. Apparently the change wasn't good enough back then, or its ability to offend has grown. Or perhaps groups like this one from Massachusetts can now find things on the Internet that offend them that they just wouldn't have sought out before. I wouldn't be surprised if 20 years from now someone in some state is offended by a school symbol with any kind of a warrior at all.
So with the belief that change for the right reasons is better than the same change for the wrong ones, I concur with the board's decision last Wednesday. The WLC board is asking the principal to engage students in the debate about the fate of the Warrior logo. Next year, maybe at an assembly with guest speakers representing more than one point of view, we'll see if as a group if it's time to give our Wilton Warrior an honorable discharge.
Posted by Tony Lynch at 10:30 PM
smf said...
Maybe this logo should go. It is rather masculine..ugly in my opinion. While we are at it, could we change the school colors too? Maybe more students would buy and where a school jacket. Maybe it would boost school moral. Maroon is a depressing color.
June 13, 2007 12:38 PM
anonymous said...
First off, for as long as I can remember, the WLC logo has been the maroon head. Secondly, the school colors are fine. Do you have any idea how much it would cost to change the school colors? The walls would need to be painted,the floor tiles would need to be replaced, the lockers would be changed, and those of us in High School looking forward to our graduation day in those Maroon and White gowns would just feel awkward. Now, on the subject of the school logo. The Indian head represents bravery and strength. In no way was it meant to hurt or discriminate against the Native Americans. If anything, it makes people think. If someone sees the logo, they think, "why is there an indian head on their uniforms", and after they see us play, they see, that it is because we are strong players just as our predecessors (the Native Americans) were. WHoever wants to ruin the WLC school spirit (Because that is just about all we have left) go ahead and try...those of us on the sports teams simply won't allow it.
July 23, 2007 11:02 AM
tony lynch said...
Thanks for your note. I think I understand where you're coming from.
I do have a couple of questions for you, though.
You don't agree that using the Warriors logo is insensitive to Indians. But do you understand how someone who is Indian could perceive its use as insensitive?
And if so, is there anything you as a student (or student body) would be able or willing to do to to demonstrate your sincerity and respect for the logo -- and for those in the Indian community who survive?
August 26, 2007 8:58 PM