As the sports world evolves to a point where using Native American logos and nicknames have become increasingly more of a sensitive topic to various degrees, students at San Diego State are now petitioning to have the school find a new nickname and mascot. A group of students has proposed the school move away from any reference to the Aztec people and culture.
The proposal was submitted by the Queer People of Color Collective (that’s the name of the organization, just to be clear) earlier this month. The group is asking for the school to drop the Aztec name, the Aztec Warrior mascot and any other reference to the Aztec branding. The group also asks the school to follow a few suggested guidelines when determining a new mascot and nickname.
According to the group’s proposal, the use of the Aztec name and mascot helps “perpetuate harmful stereotypes of Native Americans, including the notion that Native Americans are innately violent, dangerous, and ‘savage,’ which is demonstrated by the Aztec Warrior’s aggressive body language, the Aztec Warrior’s use of a spear at special events, the use of a spear on the SDSU Athletics Logo which is printed on uniforms and SDSU memorabilia, and the slogan ‘fear the spear.’”
The proposal points out the number of schools that have adopted new nicknames and mascots. Will San Diego State be the next school to ditch their nickname for something perhaps a little less sensitive in nature?
