A New Chief Wahoo Controversy

To the Editor:

As a Class of ‘82 graduate of Newtown High School, I was forwarded (on Facebook) an invitation from the Class of ‘81 for all of us from ‘80 and ‘82 to join their reunion picnic this fall at Dickinson Park. That was really nice of them.

But I wonder if the Class of ‘81 really wants to theme of their reunion to be blazoned with Chief Wahoo and the statement, “We’re Bringing Back the Indian” as is featured on the reunion website: www.nhs1981reunion.com. I personally would not feel right attending an event that features such a derogatory caricature of a Native American. We didn’t know better 30 years ago, but Newtown High School has long since put that image to rest, and rightly so. Native American groups have been urging the elimination of derogatory images like that since at least the 1960s.

I wrote the organizer of this event, and she assures me that she meant no offense, but also does not intend to change the theme or to remove the picture, which she’s proud to have worn as an NHS athlete, and that she believes the majority of the Class of ‘81 would be behind her on that. I feel sure that she genuinely doesn’t intend to offend, but that she is unable to perceive that the caricature of Chief Wahoo is offensive.

The National Coalition on Racism in Sports and Media has specifically designated images like Chief Wahoo as racist. The poster they show, intended to educate the public on the difference between an image that honors our Native American people and one that denigrates them can be found at http://www.aimovement.org/grafix/whereisthehonor.gif.

The Class of ‘81 is free to use whatever theme and imagery they prefer, and we should respect their right of free speech, but perhaps they will reconsider and choose to celebrate their history with Newtown High School and the athletics team formerly known as “Indians” using an alternative imagery that is more dignified and respectful.

Thank you,

Ellen Young

Class of ‘82

399 Westford Road, Milton, Vt.                                                                      April 18, 2011