Stereotyped mascots promote racism

By Asheville Citizen-Times
POSTED: May 8, 2002 3:38 p.m.

Thank you for the clear message in the editorial, "It's time to consider some changes on symbols that can divide us," (AC-T, April 30). And congratulations to our State Board of Education for taking a stand on an issue that influences not only the messages students receive on the sports field but also in the classroom. Demeaning Native American mascots perpetuate racism throughout the educational environment. I hope that our local educators hear this message clearly and act accordingly. As the mother of two young children, it is important to me that our schools provide an education grounded in respect and appreciation for cultural diversity, not an environment fostering insensitivity and racial stereotypes. Indeed, the time has come, in fact it is long overdue, to abolish mascots depicting American Indians.

Noel Nickle,

Asheville

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