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Yahoo!The current controversy about the Carpinteria Middle School Indians name and the Carpinteria High School Warrior images has spurred me to learn more about this issue. I have tried to stay objective while reading and hearing various viewpoints. One article by Cornel D. Pewewardy, EdD states that while many will insist they are honoring American Indians and that these racial images are not offensive, such mascots are indeed forms of cultural violence and this is an issue of educational equity. Another educator, Jeff Corntassel, states: “Schools should be places where students go to unlearn stereotypes, not to celebrate them”.
Following a strong statement in 2001 by the U.S. Commission of Civil Rights, nearly 1,000 schools have traded their Indian mascots for non-racist alternatives. In 1992, the American Indian Mental Health Association of Minnesota supported the total elimination of Indian mascots and logos from schools as they are damaging to the self-identity, self-concept, and self-esteem of American Indians.
As a Jew, I find it interesting that the main argument for keeping these images and names is history and tradition. My people’s history is full of persecution and bigotry yet I like to think that our society has moved beyond that. I respectfully request the School Board make these changes because it is the right thing to do. We all must have the courage to work towards correcting any injustices, as in reality it affects us all.
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It's so interesting how Carp H.S. can participate in a program like Challenge Day--teaching tolerance, diversity, and respect--and call it a "success" and weeks later have a massive group of students, alumni, parents, and educators express their sense of entitlement by resisting the phasing out of offensive images. Talk about not taking advantage of a teachable moment.
If the community continues to protest, perhaps they will draw national attention and be subject to criticisms of being backward, oppressive, ignorant, and inconsiderate. I hope they don't think it's okay to put on Indian costumes and attract as much infamy as Jena, Louisiana.
boysandgirls (anonymous profile)
April 23, 2008 at 8:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)
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