In My Younger Days

Carol,

In my younger days, I might have argued that the name of the college should be changed.  Given my Native heritage, I might have even wanted to change it back to an "Indian" name.  But I am not that young anymore.  

These days, it is the best I can do to merely "support" the actions of others ... when those actions make sense to me.  With regards to changing the name of the mascots, I think it is a teachable moment (if done appropriately) that can foster a better understanding of other cultures.  I certainly think it can make one pause to think about whether every Amherst student should be indoctrinated by singing a song that historically is not true.

However, whether the mascot is changed or not will not cause me to lose any sleep.  As you and I both know, there are more important things to do in this world than to fret over a college mascot.  For me, on today's agenda, is getting home by 7pm tonight so that I can sneak onto my local golf course and play six holes while watching the sun set.  That is my highest priority for the day.

Skip

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Subject: Re: Lord Jeffrey Amherst

Do you feel the name of the college should be changed? Why or why not? 

Carol
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I have been following the debate about the retention of Lord Jeffrey Amherst as the College's mascot with some interest.  Initially, I had ambivalence about the retention.  Now, after reading the various posts, I find myself being inclined to support the perceived initiative of the current administration to change the mascot.

By way of background for this position, I should point out that I was born in Oklahoma and like so many African Americans from Oklahoma, I have Native American (more specifically Cherokee) blood coursing through my veins.  In learning about my Cherokee heritage, I learned a great deal about how my Cherokee forefathers came to be in Oklahoma. You can read about some of the history yourself at   

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trail_of_Tears

In light of the recent discussion, I ventured on to Wikipedia and read what it had to say about Jeffrey Amherst.  You can read it yourself at

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeffery_Amherst,_1st_Baron_Amherst

While the Wikipedia article does not conclusively say that Amherst engaged in using chemical warfare against the "Indians", it certainly indicates that he was generally supportive of the idea.  And most importantly, it gives credence to the fact that Amherst was not the benign general that I once so proudly sang about.  You may remember this song...

Amherst Song

Amherst Song

Lord Jeffrey Amherst was a soldier of the king
And he came from across the sea,
To the Frenchmen and the Indians he didn't do a thing
In the wilds of this wild country

But for his Royal Majesty he fought with all his might
For he was a soldier brave and true
He conquered all his enemies whenever they came in sight
And he looked around for more when he was through.

On Amherst, Brave Amherst
'Twas a name known to fame in days of yore
Reign ever victorious
Till the sun shall climb the heavens no more.

It once was so much fun to sing this song.  But, over time, and with a growing awareness of the good general's war time activities and relations with the "Indians", I no longer feel comfortable in heartily saying "To the Frenchmen and the Indians he didn't do a thing".  Of course, Amherst is the name of the College and it might seem odd to not have the College's namesake be the college mascot. However, I am also aware of the stance

that the Indigenous Americans have taken with regard to Columbus which led to many communities and states no longer recognizing Columbus Day.  See

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indigenous_Peoples%27_Day

I also am aware of what happened in South Africa, after the end of apartheid with regards to the renaming of cities and places that had been formally named for apartheid leaders, so, for me now, the issue of the changing of mascots is not a "foreign" idea.  

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_placename_renaming_in_South_Africa

In conclusion, I am inclined to agree with the changing of the college's mascot and even it's signature "fight" song.  Indeed, in light of the town's two most famous authors, I would suggest that we consider calling ourselves the Amherst "Poets".  

Peace,

Everett "Skip" Jenkins

Class of 1975