I proudly wore the uniform of the Skowhegan Indians. At the time, it was about being part of a tradition and a team; having an identity that stood for something. What is wrong is wrong, though, no matter how cherished a tradition. Using a name for a racial minority, a name that is itself considered offensive by some, is offensive because it reduces the living legacy of a proud people to an aggressive warlike caricature.

Supporters of the name point to a long tradition without realizing that the dark side of this tradition is the oppressive naming of the “other” by the powerful.

Supporters say their intent is not to offend or denigrate anyone. Indeed, some say that it is meant to be an honor, without bothering to notice that actual Indians are not honored by it.

The knee-jerk reaction that one’s intent is being misunderstood, or that too much is being made of something that should not matter, is proof that supporters of the name just do not get it. It is not about them. It is about how their casual use of a distorted vision of native people abuses them.

All that should matter is that the tribes of Maine are offended by the name. While I have no doubt about the good intent of those who support the continued use of the Indians name, this is a prime example of the subtle, and insidious, form of injustice that is hard for those in power to see but that cannot be allowed to stand. Supporters of the name are not being put upon by outsiders who “just don’t get it.” These outsiders are the victims of a racist tradition.

We are Skowhegan. We are not “Indians.” And it’s way past time to change the mascot.

Derek Michaud

Fairfield

SAHS Class of 1995