Patriot Ledger
Thursday, February 15, 2007

It's Time for Yakoo the Mascot to Retire

In the upper corridor of North Quincy High School is a large plaque honoring Allan Yacubian D.M.D., a community leader committed to the youth of Quincy and a noble benefactor of North Quincy High School.

For a long time now, Yakoo, the mascot modeled on Dr. Yacubian's image, has served as a symbol of Quincy pride. Yakoo reflects the spirit of North Quincy High School, and from what I see that spirit is alive and thriving.

It is a spirit of academic excellence and of making education about the whole person, not just the student. Yakoo has honored that spirit, and is admired, even loved by the entire community.

However, just because something was noble, appropriate and never questioned as harmful to anyone at one time, doesn't mean it will always be that way. Change is hard, and it is human nature to resist change, but holding onto something however noble it was at one time, could diminish its effectiveness, and historically tarnish the good intentions that brought it to life.

The unfortunate fact is that Yakoo is a racial stereotype. And the team name Red Raiders glorifies an unfair characterization of Native Americans as savage warriors.

To use the excuse that a majority of the students in the school like the Yakoo and don't see what the fuss is all about, only accentuates the fact that we have failed to educate our students on the harm racial stereotypes can cause.

What message are we sending to our children when we hold on too long to something that hurts others? Now is the time to use Yakoo's retirement as a positive lesson on progress and appropriate change.

Now is the time to honor Yakoo and Dr. Yacubian for all he has done for our city, and let Yakoo retire with his dignity intact.

The writer is a commissioner on the Quincy Human Rights Commission.

GENE WARD, Quincy