Native mascots go under the microscope

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Native mascots go under the microscope

Schools could face fines for logos under new measure
Colorado public schools that want to use Native American mascots or logos would need to get permission first from a panel under a proposal a state lawmaker has introduced.

Native mascots go under the microscope

Colorado public schools that want to use Native American mascots or logos would need to get permission first from a panel under a proposal a state lawmaker has introduced.
Reaction split along racial lines

This week, local online reaction to a proposed mascot bill has been mixed.
On The Cortez Journal Facebook page, a majority of remarks posted by online readers indicated that Colorado public schools shouldn’t be forced to scrub Native American-themed mascots like Indians, Braves or Chiefs. Most of those opposed to the measure said schools shouldn’t cave to political correctness pressures.
“Geez ... next it will be ‘white’ bread,” a Cortez woman posted.
“Stop all this political correctness,” another woman posted. “It is ruining our country.”
Citing the need for cultural sensitivity, a smaller minority of online fans indicated that the mascot bill should be adopted at the state level. One Native woman said the mascots in question were “humiliating” toward her ancestors.
“It desecrates the true meaning of cultural things like headdresses and feathers,” the woman posted. “These things are sacred to our culture and shouldn’t be paraded around like costumes.”
Two online responses also questioned the practice of utilizing Native mascots by schools in Indian Country.
“When Red Mesa Schools drop their mascot name – Redskins – then you all may have a point,” said a woman that opposed the proposed legislation.
A Native woman that attended a boarding school said she was proud of her former mascot – Braves.
“… If a all-Native school chooses to have a name … in reference to our heritage then so be it,” she posted.
As of press deadlines on Thursday, more than 2,000 online fans had viewed Monday’s original Facebook post:
“Should public schools in Colorado scrub mascots like Indians, Chiefs and Braves?
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