Tayla D

Mascots

                The use of mascots, are they offensive or derogatory? Do mascots upset or define a race? In the case of Arlee Warriors or Ronan Chiefs, mascots could be derogatory, depending on how the school defines mascots and chooses to represent mascots.  I can see it being disrespectful if students were running around with war bonnets on acting wildly.  I do not see that though.  I believe we use our name to make us feel strong and better.  The definition of a warrior is a brave or experienced soldier or fighter.  Why is being called a warrior so upsetting?  The definition of a chief is a leader or ruler of a people or clan.  We want our schools to have strong valuable names, right?

            In the case of Hot Springs when they use to be called the Savages, I believe, derogatory and possibly made a person believe Natives were ‘Savages’.  The definition of savage is fierce, violent, and uncontrolled; or a member of a people regarded as primitive and uncivilized. I find being called a ‘savage’ immensely offensive. Over time Hot Springs have changed the name now to Savage Heat, but I think they should eliminate the word savage completely out of there.

                I can understand a non-native feeling awkward when claiming he or she is a warrior or chief.  He or she may or may feel that way.  Mascots should be all about school pride and how your school represents itself.  If a certain tribe has a problem with a school using their name, should not have one, personally.  For instance, the Fighting Sioux caused controversy among the Sioux tribe.  My understanding is the tribe thought it was racial and offensive.  I do not see why, though.  The tribe should feel honored that a school would want to represent their name.  I will continue to agree with keeping the Fighting Sioux, until I understand the Sioux tribes concern in using the name.

            I do question myself if Charlo Vikings and other names offend non-natives.  Mascots goes and represents the same way for them. The definition of a Viking is the Scandinavian seafaring pirates and traders who raided and settled in many parts of northwestern Europe in the 8^th-11^th centuries.  This may cause other nationalities to think of them as ‘raiders.’ Caucasians and Natives can have the same problems conflicting mascots, but it all reflects back on how people chose to represent it in the schools and the community.  Sometimes I feel this whole mascot racial conflict has gone way out of control.  Some should not be so easily offended, if that is the right phase.     

            Also a school that represents a Native figure should require students to take, at least a semester of Indian studies or history so they get a better understanding of ‘their’ mascot.  If you do not already live on a reservation it should be required in high school and college.  All schools in Montana are required to integrate Native American studies into all subject areas and all grade levels.  Other states like North Dakota, Idaho, Washington, should all require the study too.  Until I start to see noticeable racial problems, the mascots do not bother me.  Schools should continue to use mascots representing Native Americans.