The Woodbridge High Mascot Debate

I feel for the good people of Woodbridge High School who are being asked to stop using a Native American warrior as their school mascot (“ ‘Warriors’ Spark Battle,” Oct. 12).

Perhaps they could choose another mascot that retains the spirit of pride they claim to find in the image of the scowling brave adorning their school. How about the “Woodbridge High Bandidos”? Or the “Menacing Mafiosi”?

Then again, maybe the problem is that the image of the warrior unfairly emphasizes a violent stereotype. There seems to be a problem associating a trait with a single ethnic group rather than choosing a mascot that embodies the spirit of the school itself.

MICHAEL HOUSEHOLDER

Irvine

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I must agree with Daniel Chapin and Samantha “Running Bear” Wesley that we should stop naming our institutions of learning after American Indians.

For some reason, this is obviously insulting to the tribes. As quoted, there is less than 1% American Indian population in this country. Remember those classes in world history we fell asleep in? Naming our institutions of learning after our heroes of history might spark a zest for studying history in our students. How about the “Vikings”? A painting of Eric the Red on the wall would stop traffic. Or the “Conquerors,” after that famous English warrior King William, or “The Scots,” featuring William Wallace, face painted blue in kilt. There was a real hero! Or “Forrest Raiders” after the famous Confederate General Nathan Bedford Forrest, known as “The Wizard of the Saddle.” Also try “The Minutemen,” heroes of the American Revolution, and we must not forget Harriet Tubman, who led more than 300 slaves to freedom on the Underground Railroad. The list of heroes is never-ending.

I am proud to say I graduated from Chaffey Union High School. We were the “Tigers.” That was 43 years ago, and I have through the years supported preservation of that beautiful big cat that I respect and love.

RITA SWIFT

Placentia