Reasons to get rid of Indian mascot
Daily News of Newburyport
Newburyport, MA
April 25, 2007
To the editor:
Amesbury High School students recently sent letters to the editor in which, among other topics, they voiced opinions on "Indian" sports mascots (April 16). As a representative of the New England Anti-Mascot Coalition, I feel the authors are grossly misinformed regarding the facts.
Amesbury High School students recently sent letters to the editor in which, among other topics, they voiced opinions on "Indian" sports mascots. As a representative of the New England Anti-Mascot Coalition I feel the authors are grossly misinformed regarding the facts.
One letter stated that the "Amesbury High School Indian is not a problem; therefore, there isn't an issue." The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights feels quite strongly that there is, indeed, an issue with all sports team mascots, nicknames, and logos that stereotype Native American people and their culture. Other organizations who feel this is a problem include the National Congress of American Indians, the NAACP, the Massachusetts Commission on Indian Affairs, and the National Coalition on Racism in Sports & Media.
A second letter warned of the cost of making changes. Cost should never be an excuse for perpetuating racial stereotypes in federally funded public schools. Why do we never hear a single complaint about cost when schools purchase new uniforms for their sports teams every few years due to wear and to introduce new designs? I contend that these changes, implemented over several years, will cost school districts no additional money. Uniforms can be replaced according to their regular schedule and on budget. Painted surfaces, scoreboards, buildings, printed stationery, and other materials can be replaced by volunteers and donated supplies and equipment.
A third letter mentioned the word "pride." Every school in the country is proud of its students, its athletes, and their achievements, both in the classroom and on the athletic field. Eliminating racial stereotypes in the form of sports team mascots, nicknames, and logos will enable ALL members of the community to take pride in their school. These changes are happening around the country. It's time Massachusetts public schools did the right thing.
Peter Sanfaçon
New England Anti-Mascot Coalition
Framingham