Solutions for the Mascot Mess

* The Times continued its reportage of the ongoing faux flap regarding Woodbridge High School’s nickname, the Warriors (‘School Board Declines to Take Stand on Woodbridge High Mascot,” Oct. 18).

Being one-eighth Cherokee, I would like to thank the Irvine community for recognizing the bravery of my ancestors. This is much better than recognizing despotism and cowardice, which was done when the name for our county seat was chosen.

Our county seat is named for a man who was exiled to Cuba for his despotism, who lied about his support for the free Mexican Constitution of 1824 in order to leave exile, who had 350 Americans killed in cold blood at Goliad, and who, when caught by Houston’s troops, was found cowering in an enlisted man’s uniform.

If we’re going to rename something in our community, let’s change a name that represents evil and cowardice, not bravery and courage.

BRUCE CRAWFORD

Fountain Valley

* With regard to the Woodbridge High mascot debate, I want to disagree with the use of names associated with cultural or ethnic groups for mascot. When a school picks a mascot name, it is based on what sounds cool and intimidating, especially for team sports. I don’t think it is right to use a stereotype of someone’s cultural background for the sake of sounding ferocious and intimidating.

BEYAJA NOTAH

San Bernardino

* I wish to express how offended I feel by the constant, insensitive, stereotypical portrayal of my people as some violent, sword-waving, horn-hatted sports team mascot. Sure, there may have been some past aggressive behaviors by our forefathers, but offering the image of a Viking as an alternative to the Woodbridge Warriors is an insult (Letters, Oct. 22).

PETER HAMBORG

Costa Mesa

* Should Woodbridge High School wish to continue with a personification in the team combat motif, I personally favor “Woodbridge High War Poodles.”

DR. TIMOTHY BLANCO

Orange