Groups choose names that bring honor, respect

To the editor:

I just read the article about changing the nicknames for the Southeast Missouri State University athletic teams. Even if I were not an alumna, I would find this attempt at political correctness (which it is, regardless of claims) ridiculous. Where is the logic of the claim that the use of Indian mascots and nicknames is demeaning and disrespectful? Few individuals and fewer groups would choose to call themselves by a term they did not respect.

While it is possible that Indian terms have been chosen because Indians have been seen as bloodthirsty, inhuman or some other offensive reason, I suspect that SEMO's mascots and nicknames were chosen because of the dignity and bravery associated with the Cherokee nation. An Indian princess would be chosen because she was beautiful and exotic. Would that be a bad reason? Does the use of Patriots make the New England Patriots disrespectful of our national heritage? Does the use of Capaha Park, the Capaha Arrow, Trail of Tears State Park or the Sagamore denote disrespect for native Americans or their culture?

Rather than changing the mascot and nicknames used by SEMO, perhaps an American Indian tribe should adopt the campus and provide classes, exhibitions and other venues to create a better understanding of their cultural heritage and to promote respectful use of the symbols of their heritage. Instead of fewer references to the Indian culture, perhaps there should be more before it disappears.

JEAN BARHAM

Appleton City, Mo.