Sports teams from the professional level on down adopt names and symbols to reflect the positive images and traits they want to be identified with their team. Historically, Indians were noted for their bravery and courage and their proficiency as hunters and warriors.
That bravery and courage was demonstrated again during World War II. Ira Hayes, an American Indian, was one of the Marines who raised the American flag on Iwo Jima. The Navajo code talkers played a key role in the war because of their radio communications that the Japanese were never able to break.
The campaign to eliminate Indian names and symbols isn't driven by Indians. It is driven by left-leaning political correctness advocates who have convinced themselves and now, presumably, The Courant that using Indian names and symbols is racist [Oct. 31, editorial, "No Indian Names"].
The great irony here is that in the 19th century, some white men sought to eliminate Indians and in this, the 21st century, some whites seek to eliminate names and symbols that serve as a positive testament to a great people.
John Brett, Rocky Hill