In the wake of the Power & Privilege Symposium, a conversation has been ignited about the possibility of Whitman changing its mascot.
The Whitman College mascot has undergone a more complex evolution that we often consider. The Missionary mascot was designated by Reverend Eells when he created the school, and over time the phrase “Fighting Missionary” was adopted in the spirit of competitive athletics. Since the adoption of the name, there has been lingering debate over which, if any, logo should be used to represent the Fighting Missionaries. Eventually designed by the Angelus-Pacific Company of Los Angeles, the original icon is officially not used by the College today. Approved logos include the intertwined W and C often seen in the Athletic Department, and the traditional clock tower logo. Any images of fighting missionaries are absent from the College’s approved icons.
For many members of the Whitman community, changing the mascot has long been a goal, and the conversation is getting serious. During Senate last Sunday February 22, Vice President Sayda Morales initiated a call to action to make this change during an update from the Student Affairs Committee. Senators first-year Emma Bishop and junior Nick Hochfield, also contributors to the project, emphasized the importance of listening to student feedback as a new mascot is brainstormed. Although the project is still in its early stages, suggested plans include gathering ideas for a mascot from the student body, and eventually writing a Resolution discussing reasons the Fighting Missionaries need to be left behind, and why it is time for Whitman to unite behind a new mascot.
As student involvement and feedback will be vital throughout this process, all members of the Whitman community are encouraged to voice their thoughts and ideas! The process of deciding on a new mascot can serve not only as a chance to make a tangible change in the community, but as an opportunity for students to rally together in support of an important cause.
Esteban • Apr 6, 2016 at 4:34 pm
The idea that changing the mascot will bring some relief, or justice to the american indian community is absurd. This would be no different than attempting to change the american flag for the same controversy – to erase the list of wrongs committed by our ancestors and government.
This stirring up, is another minority attempt, fueled by the mainstream agenda, to do away with Christian identities in our communities. The proponents often use such catch phrases as tolerate or coexist. But we’re not seeing those meaningful terms applied fairly to beliefs, cultures, and historical identities that have a perceived Christian influence, or nature. Whitman College was a tribute to Whitman and his motivation in life. By changing the mascot, there’s an injustice to this tribute and to religion in general. If you are a proponent for this change I question your understanding of what toleration is and whether you have interest in preserving history of varying cultures.
Lastly, the term missionary can be applied to any religion, or anyone sent out with a goal to accomplish. If you’re a graduating student at Whitman, your achievement in attaining certification has prepared you for a mission and you are ready to be sent out accomplish your goals whatever they may be. There’s a lack of understanding, and close-mindedness that accompanies anyone who refutes this logic.
Respecting white supremacy, not history • Mar 9, 2015 at 5:57 pm
Will,
I reject your argument entirely. To disown a racist cartoon is not the same as trying to erase this institution’s history. There is ample evidence on this campus of the Native American genocide that took place, most of it being far older and more authentic than the mascot. Memorial Hall, Treaty Rock, and other symbols of Whitman’s dark past are still here to remind us of what happened. Furthermore, doing away with the mascot is not “disrespecting” the foundation of this college, if anything it is an effort to improve its image (literally and figuratively). You are arguing that we need to remember Whitman’s past, but you advocate doing so in a way that not only offends certain students, but celebrates the mass murder of Native Americans. This is not respecting history, this is honoring white supremacy.
Natalie Berg • Mar 8, 2015 at 3:25 pm
Find a more detailed history of the Missionary mascot here:
http://whitmanpioneer.com/news/2014/10/23/missionaries-mascot-continues-to-raise-controversy/
Will Thompson • Mar 3, 2015 at 9:12 pm
As a college we need to respect all cultures. I think changing our mascot away from the Missionaries would disrespect the foundation on which our college was built–even though a lot of the history of this country, especially our treatment of American Indians, is dark, uncomfortable, and a disgrace, it’s also a disgrace to try to erase the history of those moments. We need to understand where we came from in order to move forward. Buffing that off by changing the name won’t accomplish anything other than get Whitman bad press on Fox News.