When non-Indian people use arguments to defend their 500 plus years
of racist policies against American Indians their arguments are
always the same and none are have a foundation based in logic or
intellect because one cannot justify racism and intolerance with
intellect.  The two do not match.  One of the arguments, here in the
"ultra sensitive 1990s", is for people to tell us we are "insecure"
or that we are "insensitive" when in fact the opposite is quite true.
We have thick skins for having had to deal with being the object of
ugly racism for hundreds of years.  We bring fact, logic, and support
from many non-Indian groups who clearly recognize racism when they
see it.   Defending the use of these gross characterizations of
American Indians by using warm fuzzy expressions like "we must uphold
the fine traditions of sports" or "what are you being so sensitive
about" is absolutely no defense at all.  To suggest that American
Indians are insecure is a cheap argument and unworthy of anyone with
a modicum of intelligence.  We are not discussing sensitivity or
security...we are discussing the fear and terror that racism instills
in people.   60% of all American Indian students drop out of high
school before the 10th grade because of the racism they face in the
public schools (Michigan Civil Rights Commission) and the racism they
face is directly related to the mascot issue and having to listen to
people scream "kill the Indians"..."scalp the Redskins" and of having
to look at the mascots on everything from athletic uniforms to school
stationary to toilet paper.  This is gross racism in the form of
stereotypes.  I am reminded of the abusive spouse who says to his
sobbing wife, after having just given her a bloody face, "what are
you crying for," or "i'll give you something to cry about," or "you
know what you are...you're too sensitive."  Racism is abusive and it
is intolerable.

Catherine Davids
Flint, Michigan