Why Not Honor Objections on Mascots?

Re “Mascot Bill May Snare Normans, Saxons Too,” May 6: I attended Venice High School in the 1970s and remain a proud Gondolier to this day. Our mascot was complete with a droopy mustache and striped shirt, designed, I suspect, to reflect the name of the town in which the school was located.

Speaking as an American of Italian and Swedish descent, I can tell you that it never occurred to me to be offended. I have no problem with the Vikings across town, either. Assemblywoman Jackie Goldberg (D-Los Angeles) seems to have a lot of energy; maybe she should devote it to something that matters.

Toni Beck

Los Angeles

*

I am very disappointed in The Times’ suggestion that the school mascot issue should remain a local one (editorial, May 2). I am a graduate of Stanford University and a member of the Potawatomi tribe and have seen firsthand the efforts needed to rid Stanford of the Indian mascot. Outside influences tried many times to bring the Indian back, and again we were fighting an old fight and wasting energy on this issue.

I support Goldberg’s groundbreaking efforts to rid California of racial and ethnic mascots. No longer will any tribe or Indian people or ethnic group have to worry about being used as a sports or school novelty symbol. We are not symbols to be dragged around; we are the survivors of the original inhabitants of this country.

Leslie Morgan

Glendale

*

How about the Mighty Fire Ants, Stupendous Scorpions, Swinging Spiders, Tumultuous Tunas, Banging Barracudas or Mighty Mollusks? If we go with any mammals or birds, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals may be on our case.

Michael L. Friedman

Torrance

*

Does the insult stop with team mascots? The bill could be amended to include banning the naming of vehicle models after Indian tribes, such as Tacoma, Cherokee and Apache. (OK, car manufacturers?)

David Klump

Palm Springs