Brave Patriots, and a Word of Caution

Bravo to James Ricci’s amusing take on “School

Nicknames: Let There Be Color” (Metropolis, July 7). However, some clarity is in order. The photo of a Brave at Birmingham High School, whose mascot was changed for some of the same inept, politically correct reasoning that would ban race- and ethnic-based school nicknames, is misleading. Birmingham High is now the home of the Patriots, having bowed to pressure to abandon the name “Braves” in 1998.

The expense incurred by changing the mascot could have been used more judiciously (books, perhaps?). Yet, as a member of Birmingham’s staff, acutely aware of the school site’s history as a World War II Army hospital and appalled by the shadow of 9/11, I know that Patriots is a name we also wear proudly. Birmingham will always be both “Brave” and “Patriot” for the positive qualities these words have long implied.

Jeanine D’Elia

Granada Hills

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I am surprised at the level of ignorance revealed in Ricci’s column. Native Americans do not appreciate being cast as athletic team mascots for the resulting purpose of entertainment.

We do not interpret it as an honorable acknowledgment,

as some mistakenly believe. An especially offensive issue is the desecration of our sacred objects and ceremonies. The feathers of various birds illustrate this point because they are commonly worn by mascots and cheerleaders who dance around like buffoons in war paint and elaborate, feathered costumes, ranting and raving in contrived, amplified voices, whooping it up to stir up the players and audience.

It is obvious that [sacred objects] are not in accordance with rambunctious cheerleading purposes. Native Americans instinctively understand their spirituality, and they don’t want to play any part in their desecration. Allowing this type of disrespectful behavior is tantamount to having a team called the Popes, Bishops or Cardinals dance around in their ceremonial robes and headwear, offering the crowd Gatorade out of bejeweled chalices while serving Holy Communion--all in an effort to score a touchdown. Get the picture?

Andrew Florez Jr.

Pasadena

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Ricci’s article was terrific. “A lot of wasted energy” is the understatement of the year. He should also add, “A lot of wasted money.” According to Birmingham High’s Web site, it has 0.4% Native American students. If any other groups become offended (and there are many ethnicities enrolled there), this could be an expensive proposition to be “politically correct.”

As a student at Birmingham in the 1960s, we always considered a Brave a person of great honor and bravery. Our mascot wasn’t made fun of, and the school spirit was as high as the achievements of the students I went to school with. Next year we’re having our 40th reunion. When we meet and see old friends, we are going to remember each other as Braves. That’s something to be proud of.

Randy Epstein

Westlake Village