This essay is one of 10 finalists for the Stop the Hate Youth Speak Out contest, which awards $100,000 to winners of essay and music contests, which garner 2,000-3,000 submissions from students in 6–12th grade attending schools in 12 Northeast Ohio counties.
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- I heard the steady noise of a drum as it got closer to my team’s cross country tent, and I watched as a group of boys flooded past me yelling “Go Warriors!” The leader wore a large headdress while others had red painted chests. Usually composed of eagle feathers, the war bonnet symbolizes honor and valor for heroic deeds in war. Did those “warriors” know the history of this important cultural symbol to Native Americans? Did they realize that while they celebrated their school mascot, they were also stereotyping an entire group of people?
The school I attend does not have any connections or affiliations with Native Americans and tries to champion equality for everyone, but why as a student body did we chant “Whoo Ha...on the War Path?” In my ninth grade year, I was eager to fit in with the girls on the cross country team. When we huddled together before our first meet, we began to rock side to side and we chanted “Whoo Ha... on the War Path.” I did not realize it at the time, but this chant had become ingrained in our school culture without anyone really understanding the meaning behind the chant. For many Native Americans, “warpath” is not a positive term; it is not simply a group of warriors going to battle. It is used by the dominant culture to deem Native Americans as savage and brutal in their actions during war and make them out to be uncivilized.
In the State of Ohio, there are approximately eighty-five high schools that have a Native American mascot. There are Warriors, Braves, Indians, and Redskins. While I cannot speak from personal experience about being Native American, I am committed to making a difference for what is right by seeking to eliminate these offensive mascots. Native Americans are not historic relics or symbols to be used, but humans who deserve dignity and respect. As I learned about the marginalization of Native American culture in a recent history elective, I felt as though something had to be done in my community. As a senior leader on the cross-country team, I changed our chant, so we did not disrespect Native Americans. We also talked with other student leaders who were able to make sure that at the Homecoming pep rally the athletic department did not promote this cheer and our school would no longer perpetuate this stereotype.
In order to change perspectives, we must start at the local and state levels. I would like to petition OHSAA and the Governor of Ohio to follow other states who have legally outlawed the use of these mascots. In 2015 Adidas offered schools new gear if they eliminated these racist mascots; unfortunately, none in Ohio accepted the offer. While many school systems in Ohio may cite tradition as a reason to keep the mascot, Native Americans are not honored by these representations. Ultimately, the use of these mascots perpetuates and normalizes a stereotype that must change.
Julia Newman is a senior at Hawken School where she runs cross country, plays lacrosse, and enjoys studying English, World Religions, and Art. She helps her family to raise guide dogs for Guiding Eyes for the Blind. She is interested in global affairs and wants to study abroad in England during college in pursuit of a degree in political science or international relations.
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May 15, 2020 at 06:12PM
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‘Whoo Ha... on the Warpath!’ Stop the Hate Youth Speak Out finalist - cleveland.com
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