School Mascots

* As a high school student, I attended many football games at Birmingham High School. Two years ago, when with my friends, we saw a guy in the stands, not filming the game but filming the mascot. We asked him what he was doing. He explained that, as a Native American, the mascot (whom we called Joe Brave) bothered him and that he was documenting the behavior.

To be honest with you, we didn’t understand. When I asked my Native American friend if Joe Brave bothered her, she said of course it does, but that nobody here cares about how we or any Native Americans feel. Although proud to be a Brave fan for two years, I began to understand the Native American view. Now reading the hatred expressed toward Native American activists, I understand what my friend was going through and why she didn’t dare say a word.

I didn’t learn much about Native Americans in high school. The little knowledge I did gain was from my friend, television or movies. I do know, however, that “honoring” people against their will is wrong. I also know that if a school used my people (Armenians) as a mascot, it wouldn’t last 44 years, it would last about 4 seconds. Being somebody’s mascot is insulting even if the people dancing around think it is OK. I am horrified to think what a public school would do with an Armenian mascot.

TIGRAN DEMIRJIAN

Montebello