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
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
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.
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
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