Why the Raider mascot must be replaced
To the Times:
This letter is in response to the small group of students after the Radnor School Board District voted to change their schools’ mascot. I understand that some of the adult school board members may feel vulnerable; however, you all did the right thing by voting to dismantle your schools’ mascot. This is why.
Since the coming of the caucasians, my people have been assaulted physically, mentally, socially and spiritually by individuals and governments and today, young people in schools, their parents and alumni through mascots. When they encroached upon our lands, mypPeople were constantly driven off these lands, compelled to abandon.
Today, as governments, individuals, such as farmers, ranchers, and industries, schools, i.e., school boards, and students, parents and alumni treat Native Americans this way, their “pride is flattered, their desires improved, and they paved the way for the destruction of our lands and my people. At one point in the history of our country through the Removal Act of 1829, my people were forced to leave the “United States” and settle In Indian Territory west of the Mississippi. This removal from our lands led to the “Trail of Tears”, a true horror story!
Today, we have another “Trail of Tears”, that of using Native Americans as mascots. How often do you see caucasians used as mascots in High Schools? caucasians need to review their history in this country and learn about how their ancestors behaved, that is, how they “bullied,” practiced social injustice, racism and inequalities against my People, who were here for so long, i.e., centuries, before caucasians arrived.
Historically, it was written that Europeans wanted to improve their economy for instance by acquiring more spices, gold, and better and faster trading routes. Also, they really believed in the need to spread their religion, Christianity. Apparently, my people were in the way; therefore, we had to be removed.
Now, as for the spread of Christianity, was their behavior the way our lord Jesus Christ wanted them to “spread Christianity?” I don’t think so. If you, meaning the readers of this letter, the school board and the supporters of Radnor School mascot call yourself Christians and you denigrate my people by using our image in a racist way, please speak to your pastor.
Like all violence, racism in this country, social injustice and bullying must stop. I implore the school board at the Radnor School District to stand up for my people and not allow the racist, denigrating mentally, socially, physically and spiritually abusive behavior to continue. Please remember this . . . our lord said: “Whatever you do to the least of my brethren, you do unto me. John 3:16” For over 500 years, my people have been treated as “the least of Y]your brethren.”
My Request for my people: Please remove the Raiders mascot! In good faith, find a positive replacement.