https://soundcloud.com/mhsmentoronline/jan-6-editorial-indian-mascot

This editorial is a compilation from a discussion held by the editorial board.

Mascots based on the image of Native Americans are a source of controversy across America and Manhattan High is once again fostering this debate.

The argument is simple: Native Americans state that the use of their imagery under the name “Indians” is offensive and should be removed, while others argue it is doing no real harm and should be kept to maintain tradition as well as for monetary reasons. As the topic is rather divisive and relevant to our school, it seemed necessary to introduce the discussion to The Mentor editorial board.

After a rather heated meeting, it was evident that, while there were some naysayers, a majority of the board felt the mascot ought to be changed.

The arguments for such a change are centered mainly about the concept of ensuring basic human rights and dignity. While some argued that not all Native Americans take offense to the mascot, the fact that many do take offense is far more relevant. Native Americans, after all, are the only ones who can deem what is offensive towards them. So any debate as to whether or not the mascot is “really offensive” is invalid if Native Americans are not holding the discussion. Thus, the conversation becomes whether or not to treat the disrespect of Native Americans as a legitimate issue, and, surely, it should be.

As we delved deeper into the concept of “offense,” it was argued that no matter what action the school takes (keeping or removing the mascot) some group will take offense. Certainly there are quite a few alumni and current MHS-goers who would be upset by the removal of the mascot, so shouldn’t we take their feelings into account as well?

To this, we point out, simply, that all offense is not inherently equal. Offense being taken towards the removal of tradition is nowhere near as damaging as offense being taken toward the vilifying of an entire group of people. In fact, if we look to the past, the destruction of “proud” traditions was crucial to the demolition of inequalities within America. Arguing in favor of tradition over the equal and respectful treatment of others has, traditionally, been on the “wrong side” of history.

The next most prominent argument in favor of keeping the mascot is based on the economic toll changing the mascot would have on the school. Surely, one might say, the cost of changing all of our school uniforms and painting over the giant “Indian” heads in our school would be far too much to make changing the mascot “worth it.”

The majority of the editorial board would argue that there should be no circumstance under which capital should be held as more valuable than basic human rights. And, if it really were to come down to cost, as insulting and belligerent as that premise is, we’d like to introduce Adidas’ nationwide initiative to provide financial assistance and design resources to any U.S. high school open to removing logos or mascots that are offensive to tribal communities. This offer should satisfy even the most insensitive of capitalists.

As a last resort, those who wish to leave the mascot as is try to point out that mascots aren’t even “that big of a deal” or that mascots don’t “really matter.” This argument is totally invalid. If our mascot doesn’t matter, then why fight so avidly for keeping it as is when we could easily change it and stop disrespecting an entire group of already oppressed individuals?

In the end, the franticness and lack of evidence that define the argument for keeping the mascot as is illustrate a greater problem within privileged, white America. Those in favor of keeping the mascot are simply attempting to protect tradition so as to maintain their own comfort within an unfair power  structure. So, with that, we encourage all of our readers to take a step toward being more empathetic, decent individuals by pushing aside their own need for comfort in an effort to move closer to an equal and respectful America.