Propsto the Native American group at San Diego State University forpushing forward in its attempt to remove “Monty” Montezuma as theuniversity mascot.
Way to tackle the grave and pressing concerns within your people’scommunity.
In fact, in lieu of the prideful uprising to remove the offensive,historical Native-American symbol, I am in the process of forming myown coup to abolish similar logos that are offensive to my ownheritage.
First on my list is the debasing mascot and team name of the NewEngland “Patriots.” As a proud American, I am humiliated by thecartoon-like logo of a Patriot’s head. I cannot believe that aprofessional organization like the NFL could permit such apathytoward a rich and proud history like that of the early colonialwarriors that were oppressed by the British and died for ourcountry’s freedom.
Also, as a quarter Irishman, I am mortified by the University ofNotre Dame’s shameful representation of my grandfather’s ancestry.How could a prestigious university like Notre Dame allow alampoon-type leprechaun to mock such a proud, hard-fought lineagelike the “Fighting Irish.”
And to show my sensitivity toward other proud cultures, I amcalling for an abatement of team logos like the “Vikings,””Norsemen,” “Indians,” “Braves,” “Chiefs,” “Cowboys,” “Matadors,””Bruins,” “Trojans,” “76’ers” and the intolerable “Swinging Friar.”
Seriously though, can’t the 20 or so people who make up the NativeAmerican Student Alliance at SDSU think of anything more deserving oftheir time and effort? What about poverty, unemployment, educationand health care? What are these intelligent, pro-active individualsdoing to address these imminent concerns?
As an SDSU graduate, I would like to see organizations within theuniversity use the school’s valuable time and resources to discussand promote solutions toward serious problems within our diversecommunity.
In fact, I see “Monty” and the Aztec name as an honorablerepresentation of a proud heritage that fought for hundreds of yearsto establish sovereignty and pass on their rich history to theirrightful heirs. The mascot, for lack of a better term, should becelebrated and embraced by a community that, at times, has struggledto promote its identity.
If it wasn’t for Monty, I would not know that Montezuma II wasruler of the Aztecs in the 1500s and would never have established aninterest in learning why my university chose to celebrate the Aztec’shistory with such a high mark of recognition.
The people who are calling for Monty’s lynching use words like”dehumanizing” and “racist” in reference to the 16th-century emperorthat adorns his fierce, imperious head all over campus. They say thebronzed, muscle-induced maniac who dresses in Azteca tribal attireand spiritedly runs onto the field during football games with hisspear afire is embarrassing and a disgrace to their forefathers andthe Native-American culture.
Have people become so sensitive that they feel the need to defendthemselves by finding a scapegoat for their own feelings ofinferiority? Are Native Americans at SDSU so insecure that theyactually think they are being racially attacked and discriminatedagainst? Does the Aztec mascot depict a savage beast-like figure,devoid of any human characteristics? I think they need to sit downand re-evaluate exactly what constitutes racism and dehumanization.
If you want to witness dehumanizing, walk around campus or pick upa copy of The Daily Aztec and notice all the advertisements for stripbars, porno video stores and nude modeling that exploits women anddeems them as nothing more than sex objects.
My point is there is nothing offensive about “Monty” Montezuma.The logo isn’t an injustice to the people or their culture. Ifanything, Native Americans should be proud that their ancestors andtheir history are being acknowledged and honored through recognition.Stop being so sensitive.
The Native-American group at SDSU can serve its people anduniversity better if it takes the time to think about what the realproblems in the community are. I would like to hear about some truealtruistic cause they are fighting for, rather than all thisnonsense.
But in the meantime, while we are ridding our society of horrid,offensive team logos and names, let’s get rid of all names that referto any human culture or history. Then, all sports teams will be namedafter animals.
Oh, but wait.
Then we will have to hear from animal activists.
Sean Clark is a Class of 2000 graduate and a staff writer for theEast County Californian. Send e-mail to daletter2000@hotmail.com.
–This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of TheDaily Aztec.
