I have heard them say that they want to take their "names" back. That non-Indians have no "right" to use any names that even seem Indian inspired. Actually, they are saying that we can't use these names because of the color of our skin (since Indian and tribal scools use the same names and images.) This is against everyone elses civil rights and is one thing that I have seen that is bringing about animosity towards the advocates which in turn may be misdirected toward other American Indian people. I'm hoping that it won't be, but I've seen misdirected anger down in North Carolina being directed at the Cherokee Nation.

The truth is, America is a mosaic of many cultures and ethnicity. In America we have many borrowed symbols from each of these cultures and have patterned many different aspects of our American identity from the diversity of the many cultures and symbols we now share. Nowhere in history has it ever happened that a shared cultural symbol has ever been "taken back." These symbols speak to all of us and our shared history in America. What would happen if the Irish people, for instance, said that the shamrock could only be used to represent Ireland? We would have to remove emblems and symbols from the very fabric that makes up our wholly unique American cultural identity. This is what is happening with the Indian names and symbols. As the fabric of our interwoven lives and cultures is unraveled, what will be left is an empty place where love and respect used to be. I am worried about what would fill such a void.

I also fear that, what will ultimately happen is an increase in segregation or isolation of more Indian people. History shows that when we allow segregation to take place, we will experience more racism, not less. The misunderstandings between our cultures will increase and this itself will lead to racism. This is exactly what is happening in Indian Country. Reservations have caused segregation which has bred more racism. Racial isolation, whether forced or voluntary, causes a lot of problems, including lack of diversity in communities, ignorance among people with different ethnic backgrounds, and lack of communication between different groups of people. Because of this, it impedes the promotion of racial harmony among all people. On the other hand, eliminating racial isolation promotes pluralism, but more importantly, it fosters better interracial relations and actually eliminates harmful racial stereotyping.

A major misconception that has been put forth is that the Indians are the only ethnic group that has schools nicknamed for them or are used for their team names. Again, this is not true. For instance, there are the Flying Scots, the Scots, the Saxons, the Fighting Irish, the Celtics, the Vikings, the Gaels, the Britons, the Ragin' Cajuns, the Highlanders, the Swedes, the Norse, the Norsemen, the Flying Dutchmen, the Dutch and Dutchmen, the Athenians, and the Trojans at the College level. These names don't demean or offend the people they refer to, but instead they are uplifted and admired. They refer to their histories and their heart. Because there were so many battles being fought in England, Ireland, and Scotland regions, they also had many warriors. Their names are used because of this and they serve to remind us of history and the valiant efforts, pride and heart of the warrior people who fought so hard for liberty.

Saying that no other teams use religious names or symbols is also false. We have on the College level alone, the Sun Devils, the Blue Devils, the Blue Demons, the Delta Devils, the Deacons, the Quakers, the Friars, the Angels, the Parsons, the Spirit, the Evangels, the Blue Angels, the Lords, the Saints and one with a Hispanic/religious name -- the Padres, as well as the Demon Deacons. My list doesn't even name them all. (Names compiled from College Nicknames v. 8.87 updated 8-30-01)

We need to remember that these names as well as the Indian inspired names are not oppressive nor are the ones we use considered derogatory. (I agree that the Washington team is derogatory, even though it was a name that meant something else at first, when they used an Indian as the logo, that's when it became offensive.) The names can't mock or offend by themselves, but can only be used to do so by the actions and feelings of the person who says them. When a team's name is used being elevated and aspired to, this is done out of love, respect and pride for the name and people as well as the team.

Ultimately, what comes from your heart is more important than any words that come out of your mouth.

-- Erin Pittenger, spoksperson, Citizens for Poolesville Democracy (posted 10/18, 2:30 p.m., U.S. Eastern time)

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