More on the Ypsi Braves
Brittany 10 writes:
ok...i'm an ypsi high student, and the board meeting to vote on the name is tomorrow night. in my opinion, why change something that's been there for 62 years? there's nothing wrong with the braves, and we as students feel that it is a sense of pride for our school, and there will be a LOT of unhappy students- and ypsi alumni (many families go back three generations of YHS graduates) if they were to change the brave name. there is NOTHING wrong with our mascot......it's not racism...it's PRIDE.
Hi Brittany. Thanks for writing.
I think that Braves supporters can't wrap their heads around this because they can't see beyond the intent of the nickname. They don't intend racism, therefore the word should not be interpreted that way. The truth is that racism is the effect, regardless of intention. And effect is judged by the people who are offended by it, namely, Native Americans.
It's a very simple concept that requires seeing through the eyes of the offended, or (at the least) accepting them at their word. You can't tell them how to feel about the word any more than I can tell you that you shouldn't feel attached to it.
You say there is nothing wrong with the mascot. Native Americans say there is. By definition, then, "braves" is offensive.
Your other points are quite valid:
- The name has been a tradition for 62 years. But I can think of many bad traditions that lasted much longer than that.
- People will be upset about the loss of the Braves. But that should not stop us from doing the right thing.
Let's not pass on the stereotype -- the racist image of the Native American -- to another generation of Ypsilantians. Let's choose a mascot that all Ypsilantians can be proud of.
Labels: Ypsilanti schools
posted by Eric 3.0 @ 12:37 PM
3 Comments:
Eric, I totally agree with your assessment of the mascot problem. Sometimes it is necessary to substitute another ethnic group to make the racism point. Using African-American,Polish-American or others sometimes will help people understand better. Imagine a Polish-American or African-American image on the gym floor. Remember, religion would have to be incorporated,just like the Native images that are used. Of course, the Polish and African image on the gym floor would be honorable and respectful??? In short, Native Americans do not learn of our culture, religion, and identity from gym floors and gym walls. This is a mockery of the First People. Remember, WE ARE THE INVISIBLE AMERICANS IN THAT WE SUPPOSEDLY DO NOT EXIST ANYMORE. thank-you
Very well said!
MaryD
I thought your speech last night was outstanding Eric. You really hit the nail on the head. Also Karen Schauman's daughter was great. The thing that struck me was that virtually all the people who spoke against changing the name tended to be rambling and incoherent and other than the financial argument none even approached anything like a good reason to keep the name. One kid in particular who I think was on the student council, spoke of not being aware of and not caring about the braves name before coming to ypsi high. He grew to be like the name. The ironic thing is that I don't think he realized that most kids will have the same reaction to the new name. Most don't care about whatever the name is until they get to the school. It's the experiences they have there that really make a lasting connection.
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