Is this disrespectful and/or politically incorrect?

[CornField]

I'm working with a school district to develop a district-wide newsletter (from the administration to the students, parents, patrons, etc.). The district's mascot is the Indian. They have always been super-careful and respectful of the Native American population -- there has never been a problem.

I suggested that we call the newsletter "The Smoke Signal" or "Smoke Signals" -- the verdict is split. Half think this is way out of line, the others don't see a problem with it. I'm a quarter Cherokee and, of course, I didn't find it offensive.

What do you think?

[Vincardog]

1. Who has a problem with it? Why?

[roguevalley]

2. if the majority find it offensive, then it is. that sort of sorts it out.

have you checked with your client base?

[Autonomy]

3. The mascot is worse than the newsletter name

but drawing attention to a disrespectful mascot by continuing the theme is itself disrespectful.

[NEDem]

4. I don't have a problem with it.

Why? Smoke Signals were used for many years a s a form of communication. The modern newsletter started otu as smoke signals. I don't see anything remotely offensive.

[troubleinwinter]

5. What is meant by

"the Indian"

?????

[Carla in Ca]

6. IMO, the rule of thumb should be

whether anything you decide on will take away from your initial intentions. You want a lot of people to read the newsletter, not have a negative reaction to it's design. As my grandmother used to say
'When in doubt, don't'.

[uppityperson]

7. I like Smoke Signals

It signifies the fact that there are many messages now, as there were when smoke signals were used. It seems fine to me as I don't recall smoke signals having a spiritual base in particular, and it doesn't seem any more racist than "Indian".

[johnnie]

8. I don't think it is

But I'm not as "PC" as many.
How about having a poll in the first issue.
Or call it something like "The Peace Pipe".

[CornField]

9. LOL -- that was on the list, but it got knocked down quickly

Can't have anything to do with pipes, especially peaceful ones, in this hysterical non-drug use climate. :sarcasm:

Seriously, the district has many non-smoking efforts in place. To name the newsletter the peace pipe would go against those efforts... and it still has that same "iffy" politically correct stigma.

[NYC]

11. Why not just

Signals?

[madeline_con]

10. Works for me.

Unless someone, like a Native American (not just some whitebread fool who thinks they speak for them) says something, don't sweat it.

"Smoke Signals" is very cool.

[JohnnyBoots]

12. How about "The Straight Arrow" is that still offense? It still

works on several levels

[DURHAM D]

13. If Smoke SIgnals is offensive in order to be pc

do I need to quit saying "You are a wet blanket" ?

[lonestarnot]

14. How about smoke up your ass? Oh

[jazzjunkysue]

15. No good. Don't go there. Just my opinion.

[ismnotwasm]

16. Can you have the kids vote?

If it's a very large district, probably not a very good idea. My problem with general "Indian" references is that it ignores the wealth of diversity and culture that the original bands possessed. Even many Natives Americans themselves have a kind of Pan-Indian thing going on, clinging on to what's left. Not every band had sweat lodges, or used the "peace pipe" (And for you pot heads, the sacred weed was tobacco!)or used Eagle feathers or did bead work or used sage for prayer --you know the list. There was so much more, but in the public mind, the original cultures are down to a few recognizable items. My son is from a Canadian band, and he doesn't find such things offensive, if there is respectful intent. I believe there are tribal newsletters with the same name. I just wish there was more education on the topic. So very, very much was lost.