MetroWest Daily News
Monday, March 5, 2007

Agitator's misguided mission

The letter by Peter Sanfacon in the Feb. 21 MetroWest Daily News ("Natick High is no place for racial epithet") is but the latest attempt by an outside agitator to influence the decision regarding a possible nickname change at Natick High School.

Sanfacon is not a resident of Natick, not a Natick taxpayer, yet he wants to meddle in a Natick issue.

Sanfacon's theory is that if he refers to the NAACP, the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights and the National Congress of American Indians repeatedly and adds emotional catch-phrases such as "racial epithet" to the discussion, the Natick resident will become intimidated, remain silent and Mr. Sanfacon and others like him win. And Natick will be the loser.

Sanfacon's misguided mission is simple: the eradication of all Native American images from every school and college in Massachusetts. Judging from recent articles in the press, the majority of Native Americans do not want this to happen. Sanfacon should find another school system to harass.

The word "mascot" when used to refer to Natick High is inaccurately used. A mascot may be a person, but most often is a bird or animal, chosen by the school as a living representation of the nickname. Examples: Boston University Terriers, Georgia Bulldogs. These mascots have a name. Natick High School has no mascot.

Compare the Redman logo to the image found on the Buffalo nickel, the Indian cent, and the $5 gold piece. Why is the Redman logo "offensive" and the designs approved by the federal government and found on our nation's coinage acceptable?

Citizens of Natick, get involved.

SILVIO MANDINO, Holliston