Reader: Native American Mascots Are Tributes to Tribes, Not Insults

Hundreds of people have weighed in so far on our post about a bill proposing $25,000 monthly fines against schools that refuse to eliminate Native American mascots deemed offensive. Opinions vary widely in the comment section, with some of those who responded backing the proposal and others denigrating it. This...

By Michael Roberts

March 27, 2015

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Hundreds of people have weighed in so far on our post about a bill proposing $25,000 monthly fines against schools that refuse to eliminate Native American mascots deemed offensive.

Opinions vary widely in the comment section, with some of those who responded backing the proposal and others denigrating it.

This reader falls into the latter category and rejects the theory that Native Americans should be insulted by such mascots.

Here's what she had to say.

Shannon Moon Lambert writes:

We need to be putting more money INTO schools!! Not taking it out!! And that is the STUPIDEST bill I've EVER heard of! These mascots are in homage to these tribes, it's a positive thing! Why all this PC crap is taken so far out of line is one of this country's BIGGEST problems/mistakes.

Send your story tips to the author, Michael Roberts. For more memorable takes, visit our Comment of the Day archive.

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Michael Roberts began his career with Westword in 1990 as music editor. In 1999, he took on a new role, full-time media reporter, as author of a column called The Message. In 2008, he became the lead writer for Westword's news blog, The Latest Word, a position he held until January 2023. Michael continues to freelance for Westword, covering everything from business to sports and the media; he also contributes to Jazziz, a national music magazine. He holds a bachelor's degree from what is now Colorado Mesa University and master's degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Northwestern University.

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