Skip to main content

Majority of NH citizens believe Spaulding High School in Rochester should keep mascot

Image
News Date
Body

Recently, a concerned parent wrote a letter to the Rochester school district to ask that the high school change its red-skinned Native American mascot, which prompted the Live Free or Die Alliance (LFDA) to gauge the sentiments of Facebook members. 

In answering the question, “Should Spaulding High School in Rochester, NH keep their ‘Red Raider’ mascot?” a total of 90% of respondents answered directly or with a concurrence. Out of these responses, an 89% majority said Spaulding High School should keep its mascot with 11% against it. Of the remaining respondents, 5% opted to discuss the subject in broader terms while 5% commented on unrelated issues. In sum, 172 citizens participated in the discussion with a total of 402 responses. 

For those of the majority opinion, including many who cited they are from Rochester, the mascot is anything but offensive. One respondent remarked, “I'm native American, born and raised here as were my parents. I have no problem with the logo.” Many referred to the complaint as unnecessary political correctness. “It’s been there for years,” one gentleman noted. “Leave it alone.”

For those who said the mascot should be changed, the fact it offends anyone is reason enough to change it. “There are many other ideas for mascots out there that do not stereotype and dehumanize First Nation’s people,” said one woman. Added another respondent, “I'm a Rochester resident and I'm glad someone is finally talking about this.”

For respondents who did not provide a direct “yes” or “no” to the question, comments ran the gamut. One respondent touched on a theme that underscored much of the discussion. “Political correctness is a disease which will destroy the country,” he said. “It stifles expression, freedom of speech and art. It wants to re-write history and ignores reality.”   

Click here to read the full Facebook discussion of this question. 

Do you think Spaulding High School should keep its mascot? Leave a comment and have your say. 

Comments

Login or register to post comments

Thank you to our sponsors and donors