Boston Globe West
Thursday, January 18, 2007

Team names and mascots should not rely on stereotypes

Regarding "Students weigh in on name; 'Redmen' tied to school spirit," Globe West, Jan. 7:

Natick teams, which are nicknamed the "Redmen," should have a symbol that does not rely on a stereotype, particularly a stereotype that was used to justify a national policy of genocide against a "war-like" people. The terms "redskin" and "redman" emphasized Native Americans' otherness, and dehumanized people whose culture white colonists did not understand. It doesn't matter that our team name was originally based on the color of our uniforms; the term "redman" has a history beyond our intent. Whatever mascot Natick uses, it should express the qualities our teams wish to typify; our current mascot clearly does not do this.

When Tom Lamb tells students, "You can always come home and be a Redman," he means they can always belong here, always be proud of their accomplishments, and take pride in their school. This pride exists apart from their mascot. (In fact, there has been an effort to eliminate the use of the stereotypical Indian head from Natick High letterhead and uniforms purchased by the school in recent years. This has not diminished our school's team successes on the field, the stage, or the computer lab.)

In general, human beings do not like change and popular opinion often reflects this. How long did it take to remove vestiges of the Confederate flag from Southern state flags? Have we forgotten that Phyllis Schlafly was vociferously against the Equal Rights Amendment for women? The argument that the majority is resistant to change is not a valid reason for allowing harmful stereotypes to be promulgated. We have a remarkable opportunity to understand our past, examine our values, and shape our future image. Forty years from now, I hope our current students will be able to look back and be proud of a thoughtful tradition.

Marie G. Caradonna
English/humanities teacher
Natick High School