LETTERS
It's time to put DQ Joe in the museum
To the editor: As a native of Du Quoin and graduate of the DTHS class of 1963, I am writing in support of Martha Malan's proposal to retire the caricature image of the high school mascot known in my day as the Crazy Indian.
Indeed, it is part of the history of the school and could perhaps be noted as such in local records. However, as a caricature, it is by definition an exaggerated image "to create a comic or grotesque effect" and is, in essence, racist.
I agree with Fred Huff that the name "Du Quoin Indians" for the high school's sports teams is a tribute to the revered eponymous Chief, but it's time to put DQ Joe in the museum.
Linda Thornburg
Kendal, England
Nothing crazy about the Kaskaskia Indians
To the editor: I would like to join Martha Malan in her suggestion to retire Crazy Joe.
I am an historian of the 18th-century Mississippi Valley fur trade between the British and the Kaskaskias. The record is clear that none of the Kaskaskias were crazy. They might have been confused about the European demolition of Kaskaskia traditions. But they were also savvy merchants and cultural brokers.
At least one fur trader, George Morgan, found the Kaskaskias formidable commercial partners and loyal customers. Morgan never forgot his native friends and spent his life, among other accomplishments, helping natives negotiate the changes Europeans, and then Americans, wrought upon native culture.
I would offer that, in tribute to the people George Morgan respected, Du Quoin could do worse than renaming their high school mascot the Merchants or the Fur Traders. It would indicate respect for all sorts of people important to southern Illinois' heritage. And it would eliminate the casual racism Ms. Malan identifies.
David P. Dewar
Austin, Texas
Let's keep context in mind
To the editor: I just read your article in the recent edition of the "Call," regarding Martie Malan's objections to the display of the racist caricature on the high school's floor. Like Martie, I am a 1964 graduate of the high school. Unlike her, I did not attend the 40-year reunion and so could not register my objection at that time.
We should all be aware that context is everything when it comes to such displays. A caricature of a political leader on the editorial pages of a newspaper sends a very different message than the public display of such a caricature on the floor of a taxpayer-funded public institution of learning.
Jim Manis
Pennsylvania
Who's embarrassed?
In response to a letter to the editor from Marty Malan: Washington Redskins...GONE!!! Is 'DQ Joe' the 'Crazy Indian' mascot NEXT?
In a recent letter to the editor the 'Crazy Indian' mascot was described as a racist caricature! Offensive and embarrassing! ...to who? Ms. Malan says it is time to remove the offensive, embarrassing symbol. She described his image as casual racism?
There's nothing "casual" about racism! (a racist is a racist!) Is this just another Liberal term to intimidate and shame those who disagree with them? The question is, are the DHS Indians and the community still the proud, tough and hard-fighting people as in years past or, are they ashamed, embarrassed and offended of DQ Joe and the proud history he represents?
What's next? Is the name "Du Quoin" offensive? How about Cahokia, Kakaskia, Peoria? Illinois maybe? Oh, by the way, ALL lives matter ... black, white, red or yellow!
Steve Opp
DTHS Class of 64
ON FACEBOOK
A proud DQ Indian
I am a proud DQ Indian and will fight to keep our Indian Joe. No mascot in southern Illinois is as revered as he is. Don't go messing with Indian Joe!
-- Erin Kay Holmes
Nothing wrong with DQ Joe
I see nothing wrong with DQ Joe. I don't think he looks evil or scary and pray tell what does a hook nose have to do with it? Am I missing something? Don't mess with something that is part of Du Quoin's history including the pride it has brought to many great sport events.
Gayla Neville Hammel
Our city's namesake
Our city's namesake, Jean Baptiste Du Quoin (sometimes written "Ducoigne"), was born on Jan. 21, 1750, the son of a Frenchman and a Tamaroa Indian woman. His life was characterized by contrasts and conflicts. He was baptized at the Church of St. Anne outside Fort de Chartres, yet was made chief of the Tamaroa Indians in 1767.
Editor's note: The entire post, about Du Quoin's history, is too lengthy to reprint in print. Visit the Call Facebook page to read it in its entirety.
Paula Jones Tennison
Stay the course
Do not cave, DQ!
Rick Tennison
