Animals and red raiders
I did not comment on your survey concerning the Indian mascot at Uniontown High because I thought that it was aimed at that district only. Beverly Demotte is to be congratulated for even broaching the subject. It was, predictably, a no-win cause. High school sports is a holy subject here, and one does not change any part of it. There seem to be more schools in this part of the state, per capita, with Native American mascots than anywhere else. A few years ago, when this subject came up concerning a AAAA school in Pittsburgh, a writer for the Post-Gazette talked to administrators from schools with Native American mascots. She found out that no one knew when or why the names were ever chosen.
Studies have shown that folk, young and old, know little about our past. Almost nothing is known about the history of Native Americans. Even those who aided the whites were treated the same way as the red raiders, i.e. put on reservations and treated as third-class citizens. Citizenship? Not until 1924.
Too, most mascots are animals. What a contrast! Animals and red raiders. Red raider and savage were synonymous terms for most of our history. Finally, if Native Americans had the political clout that African Americans have, we would not be discussing this issue in 2005.
Dr. J.K. Folmar I
California
Race relegated to mascot status
I’ve seen several interviews on HSTV, and I’ve also seen your online survey regarding whether the Red Raiders mascot is offensive. I am writing to take exception with your methodology, and believe it leads us to the wrong answer.
Your TV interviews queried what appeared to be very kind, educated, sincere, and caring people. But the fact that they didn’t find the name offensive is hardly a news flash. Likewise, your online survey indicates that over 90 percent of people providing a response believe the mascot should not be changed. That too is not surprising. Most people feel that a name change is undesirable since there is a sense of tradition and pride associated with such icons. I understand that point of view.
But matters of human dignity should not be left to popular whim.
Instead of a survey, I believe what is called for is an introspective look on the part of the school administration to decide objectively whether an entire race should remain relegated to mascot status, a position usually afforded to an animal: Lion, Panther, Timberwolf, Wolverine, Bulldog, Eagle, or Mighty Duck.
Exacerbating the concern is that the particular name of “Red Raider” is equivalent in form and substance to the name “Black Thug,” which I think we would all agree is a racially insensitive stereotype and clearly inappropriate.
As the years pass and our society becomes increasingly enlightened, what had been accepted becomes unacceptable. This opportunity can serve as one of those great teaching moments for future generations.
Duane Galensky
Beallsville