ADAM RAMSEY, Kennewick

The Washington State Board of Education is urging state schools to replace their Native American mascots. That would be a grave mistake.

For too long in this country there has been this ideology of victimhood that has become prevalent. Dropping Native American mascots such as the Kamiakin Braves would forever cement this idea that Native Americans are victims.

Indian tribes had it rough, but let us not think of them as victims, but as a proud peoples and warriors who defended themselves the best they could against an overwhelming tide of settlers.

A mascot such as the Kamiakin Braves is not racist or discriminatory. It is a salute and compliment to proud warriors and people.