Native American Mascot Persuasive Essay

It has been decided by the California State Legislature to approve the ban on use of Redskins as a mascot for Calaveras High School. By 2017, four high schools in California will have to phase out of their use of the Native American mascot. To some this is doing justice in defense to the Native Americans, but to others it is taking away a proud tradition of honoring them. For one to be reasonably offended one must understand both sides of the argument. As Calaveras High School, we are using the name in honor, pride, and respect but to others we are “politically incorrect.” Calaveras succeeds in showing the respectful and proud side of honoring the name Redskins, established relationships with the local Native Americans, and they have presented us with gifts such as the beautiful baskets that are still present in our front office. Everyone has their own way to define words and is entitled to their opinion including the group of people that have a negative definition of Redskin. Their belief is that the term is mocking, offensive, and racist. In 2005, a Native American Intellect named Ives Goddard of Smithsonian Institution studied and found

I asked Blake Wilson ‘18, if this student came to Calaveras himself, do you think his opinion would change? He replied “I really do think it would change his mind. He would see that we in no way offend anyone. We don’t make fun of the term Redskin, he’d see that and it’d change his opinion on the whole subject. I feel the name change is unnecessary. There’s a very defined line between offending and honoring. So far, I’m pretty sure I’m not the only one who thinks this, our school never crossed over to the offensive side. Redskin to me means a lot. As a little kid growing up I always excited to become a Calaveras Redskin. I take pride in being one and no matter what I will always consider myself