LETTERS: IF NO INDIAN, THEN WHY BOTHER?

To the editor:

After I read Grace Williams' letter Nov. 13, I felt compelled to write one of my own. Regarding the Southeast Missouri State University mascot, Ms. Williams' thinking is absolutely correct, and I agree wholeheartedly with her.

I was born and raised in Cape Girardeau. Southeast Missouri State University has been part of my family my whole lie. We lived practically on campus and participated in most every SEMO football game and other events as well. My family still actively supports the university in many ways. I vividly remember as a child going to home football games at Houck Stadium and seeing the Indian mascot and later the Indian mascots portrayed as Chief Sagamore and Princess Otahki. These mascots were dignified and respected. They provided a mystic presence at the games and often would capture the audience as they entered the stadium, on horseback in some years. I can remember the crowd becoming silent as the Indian walked his horse around the stadium with Princess Otahki riding atop. The way he looked, serious and dignified, it would hush the crowd. It was an awesome sight. As a child, I was enthralled. Never was the Indian portrayed as unruly or rowdy. The costumes were beautiful and authentic looking. The Indian mascot I remember was mysterious, a symbol of power and one to be respected. It was a SEMO tradition I hated to see disappear.

It broke my heart to hear SEMO wanted to create a new mascot. Why? If we can't have an Indian, why bother? I say if we can't or won't use the Indian, have no mascot at all.

Why not go back to an old tradition? How a mascot is presented to the crowd is how you get your image. Take it seriously. Do some research. Create an authentic looking Indian costume for a student to wear. Let SEMO dare to be different that other schools today. Let us stand strong and proud as the American Indian would.

MARY BRADSHAW ESSNER

Cape Girardeau