Letter to the Editor
Dr. Norman. Stafford

I would like to compliment the editors of The Herald on the recent editorial entitled "ASU mascot inaccurate, offends Native Americans" (Oct. 12). The only problem I had with it is that it did not go far enough. Having a Native American as a mascot for athletic teams has inherent problems that can only be met by changing the mascot.

For those who think this is a new issue, I will provide some background to illustrate how long some of those in the ASU family have been advocating this change.

The issue of changing the mascot has been present for at least 25 years. It reemerged in this decade with the publication of William Clements' letter to The Herald (Nov. 1, 1991) requesting the change and, perhaps, my follow-up letter (Nov. 15, 1991). Clements used the 500th anniversary of Columbus' arrival in the new world as an opportunity to resurrect the issue.

Neither the Atlanta Braves "tomahawk chop" cheer nor the political correctness movement precipitated our letters. Over the years, many who have followed the growth of the athletic programs at ASU have been proud of the individual teams and athletes on the teams.

However, many in the ASU community have been ashamed of a mascot that is inherently demeaning, even though no one at the university intended to be offensive. I want to make clear that the shame is not to be attributed to the school, the teams, or their members.

In the late 1970s, Native Americans, students and faculty had voiced opposition to the name, "Indian," and the patently offensive "Running/Jumping Joe" caricature to then President Ross Pritchard, who failed to act on the matter.

The changing times, our greater sensitivity to offensive language, and the empowerment of Native Americans have made others aware of the necessity for change, not only at ASU but at colleges and universities across the United States. Stanford changed its mascot from the Indians to the Cardinal; Saint John's changed from the Warriors to the Red Storm; Eastern Michigan changed from the Hurons to the Eagles, just to name a few.

To make clear my position, I will list the issues at the heart of the discussion.

First, using any people, particularly an oppressed minority, as mascots is inherently demeaning. Equating them with animal mascots increases the offense.

Second, the term "Indian" is a misnomer, a European term that combines peoples as different as Greeks, Russians, and Spaniards or Catholics, Baptists, and Jews under one label (Native Americans prefer to use tribal names).

While the generic name denies the diversity of Native Americans, the logos themselves reinforce a false 19th-century stereotype; most tribes were not vicious nor did they value brutality. At ASU, Native Americans had no choice in the name and do not view it as a compliment.

Third, using Native American traditions, dress, and ornamentation to celebrate sporting events may not only be offensive but actually blasphemous. Paint was used, and still is, for religious purposes, not for sporting events.

Fourth, ASU as an institution of higher learning should do nothing to discriminate or demean any people. ASU would certainly not use Christian rituals frivolously, nor would it have caricatures of women or African Americans as mascots.

Finally, Native Americans do not want to be treated as mascots or have teams named after them. The research clearly demonstrates this. Obviously, some see no problem with being used as a mascot, but that is a minority position.

Lesser reasons than these abound. The name is not creative. The Razorback, the Longhorns, or the Lobos all have roots in their respective states. While I am not presently advocating a particular mascot to replace the Indian, many more creative names than Indians immediately come to mind.

Moreover, ASU has changed mascots in the past when it seemed appropriate ("Indian" is the fourth mascot; the women's athletic teams were known as the Tomahawks to distinguish them from the men's teams, and the depiction of the Indian was changed in the mid 1990s).

Furthermore, if ASU does not change, it will continue to be criticized across the nation. In the past, The Chronicle of Higher Education and American Public Radio have already commented on the issue at ASU. A book is presently being written in which a chapter is being devoted to the history of this issue at ASU. Demonstrations against teams with an Indian as a mascot have occurred in the Big West Conference where Native Americans are more of a presence than in Eastern Arkansas. ASU should initiate the change before others point out our error on a national forum.

ASU is presently changing in several significant ways. It is trying to solidify its position in a football conference. And all the ASU teams are improving and poised to take a position on the national scene. It has the largest library in the state, at least in square footage. The university now offers a doctorate degree, and signs of growth are visible across the campus. The time is right for change.

(Dr. Norman Stafford is a professor of English.)