We have been following the recent spate of articles and editorials regarding the Native American mascot issue in Turners Falls.

First, we assure you that we live in this area and are most certainly not members of any organization who are paid to protest the use of our culture as mascots. We object solely on the basis of cultural appropriation and stereotyping that is evident in the use of a Plains Native image for a school in northwestern Massachusetts, home of the Algonquian Nations, none of whom ever wore headdresses of this type.

In response to Mr. Lew Collins, we speak as “true Native Americans,” certified as such with government-issued documentation. We do not find any honor in having our culture marginalized and minimized by being used as a mascot. If this is indeed a true “honor,” why is such great honor not bestowed upon an Anglo culture, complete with a stereotyped image that lumps them all in as one.

Would anyone accept a team named the “Italians,” with a mascot carrying a pizza?

Or the “Frenchies,” with a mascot wearing a beret, and smoking a cigarette? Of course not. It would be ridiculous. But it is somehow considered OK to do the exact same thing with the name of “Indians” and the use of a geographically incorrect stereotype image?

Mr. Collins also argues that since other schools continue with the practice of marginalizing Native people, it follows that it is also okay for Turners Falls to do the same. This argument falls flat if you apply it to any other situation.

In 1972, the University of Massachusetts recognized the fact that their team name of “Redmen” was offensive and racist. Many alumni argued against changing it, citing tradition, and claiming that to change the name was to doom the teams to obscurity; that it would take the “power” away, and would lessen the crowds coming to see the teams. But forward thinking prevailed, and the name changed to Minutemen.

And somehow, the UMass teams survived, and crowds continue to grow and support the teams. Instead of reinforcing a bad practice, Turners Falls has the opportunity to be a leader in a movement to change old, racist thinking into new and enlightened education. They can teach their children to see other humans as just that — humans. Is that too much to ask?

Amalia and Leonard FourHawks

Florence