Mascots, Manners & Respect
By Fred Northup

When I was a kid we often played "cowboys and Indians." No one wanted to be the Indian because one of the rules was that the cowboys would win. Everyone knew that the cowboys were smarter and better than the Indians, plus they had guns. Curiously, we have often ended up naming our team mascots such things as "Chiefs," "Redskins," or "Braves." The world has changed a lot in the last 50 years, and one of the problems facing sports is the legacy of naming its teams after Native American stereotypes.

The latest battle now comes from Erwin High School in Leicester, North Carolina, whose mascots are the Warriors and the Squaws. When I grew up in North Carolina, I knew I was from the South. I am a southerner, and Dixie to me means my homeland. The Rebel flag had nothing to do with slavery, but was for me a symbol of the South. However, history has taught me that the Rebel flag was adopted at the time of the Civil War, and it only became a part of southern state flags during the fifties as a protest to the integration movement. It does not seem hard to understand why the rebel flag is offensive to black people. With this knowledge, I can no longer display it out of respect for others.

What is the difference between respect for the dignity of every human being, and political correctness run amuck? The following are offered as guidelines for thought, reflection, and possible action.

1. It is important to recognize that the world is changing. This means that we must be open to the possibility that what was once accepted by myself and others will no longer be accepted. This has happened before, and it will happen again.
   
   

2. It is important to recognize that feelings will be strong on these issues. This should encourage me to do my part to listen and talk in a way that builds relationships and understanding, rather than destroys that possibility.
   
   

3. It is important to try to listen openly and honestly to what others have to say. This is the only way in which new growth is possible.
   
   

4. It is important for me to be open to the possibility that I may have to change. It takes courage to embrace a different point of view, especially if we have spoken to others about the issue before, or if our point of view is different from others.

To change does not necessarily mean I was "wrong" before, but it does mean that I have received some new information that leads me to a different perspective now. Finally, it is regretful that better leadership has not come from some of our national sports teams such as the Washington Redskins or the Atlanta Braves. If either team wants to take leadership, the opportunity is before them.