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In the 1990s, following my heart, I opposed the changing of the Newtown High School mascot [Indians]. I've matured a lot since then, and learned a lot, too. So I have little tolerance of the opinions of others voting with their hearts, as in Watertown.
As reported in the @RepAMNewsdesk this morning, this is what Cathie Rinaldi had to say: “during this time of uncertainly and sadness in the world, I have to follow my heart and I can’t take away the pride and passion of our Watertown community.”
First of all, voting to change a mascot isn't voting to take away a town's pride. The pride is in the school and the kids and the history, not in the name of a mascit, which is offensive to many, many people.
Second, Rinaldi told @RepAMNewsdesk that this was the hardest decision she's had to make as a member of the board of ed. Really? This should have been the easiest. Had she voted with her head instead of her heart, it would have been.
Professional sports teams, who had vowed never to change their mascots or the look of their offensive "Chief Wahoo" caricatures, have followed well behind colleges & high schools across the country. For the last mascot holdouts, it's smart choice and the only choice.
As 4 taking a town's pride - Consider Newtown. No direct correlation, of course, but NHS has had manyscholarship athletes & league & state titles since becoming Nighthawks. Ask residents, who probably don't remember Indians, or alums, if they R any less prideful? Doubt they are.
