/Portals/2/logos/__TFMF_ghhsegycyyn1alqofcgbg145_e80d951d-6363-4f71-99b2-679d36e275ef_0___Selected.jpg en-us Copyright 2008 - All Rights Reserved. Wed, 19 Jun 2013 20:30:47 GMT 15 By The Staff
The issue of whether the name and logo of the Warrior should stay in Nauset Schools has been discussed for decades. To some, the name and logo represents pride and honor, but to others it is viewed as offensive and disgraceful. The Nauset Warrior has always been the name and the Warrior Head has always been the logo for Nauset Sports. However, in 2008 there was a vote that took away the logo. But the name remains, and many want to see that gone as well. The Warrior is only one of many Native American themed mascots in sports today, from high school teams all the way up to the pros. The National Football League’s Washington Redskins have a symbol similar to that of the Nauset Warrior. Vice-president of the Redskins, Karl Swanson, supports his team’s mascot saying that the “Redskins symbolize the greatness and strength of a grand people.” Another example is the University of Illinois’ mascot who was actually a real person, Chief Illiniwek, until it was retired in 2007. Chief Illiniwek would come out at halftime and do a ceremonial dance. Even though he was retired, the Board of Trustees supported their Chief stating, “The Chief keeps the memory of the people of a great Native American tribe alive for thousands of Illinoisans who otherwise would know little or nothing of them.” Many people believe that these mascots or logos inform others of how important Native American culture truly is. The argument against the Nauset Warrior, or any other Native American mascot, is that these images are stereotypical and they portray the Native American in a disrespectful manner. Also, many believe that putting these images as mascots for teams represents the culture of Native Americans in a negative way. We feel that the Warrior symbolizes strength, honor, pride, and courage, and in no way is attempting to show the Native American in a demeaning way. Student athletes feel honored to wear the logo on their clothing. The logo used to sit in the middle of the basketball court at NRHS, but now a bold, black and gold “N” is placed there instead. Yet, a mural of a Native American man is still painted on the wall in the hallway to the gym at NRHS. These symbols of the Warrior are not in any way an offensive gesture towards Native Americans and any other culture that feels hurt by the emblem. Instead, people who feel that the Warrior head is disgraceful, should see the symbol for Nauset Sports as a way of being recognized in a very high honor. Removing it takes away some of the pride and honor the players have to be a part of sports at Nauset. The symbol is gone and will most likely never return, but the name should stay forever to carry on the Native American legacy of strength. ]]> Mon, 19 Dec 2011 21:44:57 GMT