Letter: Mascot names should represent bravery, courage

Published by admin on Wed, 08/07/2019 - 11:42am
Editor:
Mascots are frequently
chosen because their names
signify courage, bravery, ferociousness,
persistence, or
other qualities with positive
connotations.
This is why we are the
Weiser Wolverines, not Weasels;
Payette Pirates, not Pencil
Pushers; and Fruitland
Grizzlies, not Koalas!
The Vikings and Vandals
often harassed and looted
some of my ancestors.
As for their part, some of
my ancestors were often at
odds with the Fighting Irish.
Yet I have no objection at all
to athletic teams choosing
any of these as mascots, regardless
of previous histories.
(Neither do their fans, as far
as I can tell.)
You may argue that at one
point these names had pejorative
connotations. But then
so initially did the term Yankees.
No one perceives that as
a slur nowadays, even if you
don’t like the team!
Having said that, if the
majority of members of a
particular ethnic group (real
or perceived) think they’re
being stigmatized by a particular
mascot, I suppose the
best thing to do is to change
the name.
But to go from Savages
to Outlaws? Really! And
Frenchies? J’accuse!
Glen Reeves
Weiser

Category:

Signal American

18 E. Idaho St.
Weiser, ID 83672
PH: (208) 549-1717
FAX: (208) 549-1718
 

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