A New Flag for Massachusetts

Native Americans in Massachusetts have assembled outside the State House on Beacon Hill calling for a change to the official flag of the commonwealth: A Native American in the middle of a blue shield. The shield is in front of a white background. The Native American is holding a bow and arrow. The arrow is pointed down to signify peace. Under the shield is the motto of the commonwealth: "Ense peiti placidum, sub libertate quietum". The phrase is Latin for "By the sword we seek peace, but peace only under liberty."

The sticking point about the flag is a hand holding a sword over the native's head. This is interpreted as the White Man exercising his strength and power over the Native American and his people. Some of the people assembled have called Massachusetts the, "last U.S. state, whose flag includes representations of white supremacy."

Slow down.

The flag depicts an Algonquian man standing there with two of his daily tools: a bow and arrow. Other than than, the man is just standing there. The flag does not insinuate that the man is threat to anyone or anything. He is standing there. If this a threat to anybody, there is a new level of "triggered" I am not aware of. The sword? Is it threatening the man or is it there above him ready to defend him against anyone who may try to attack him? This, of course, could be open to interpretation.

The "Heritage Bill", as it is being called, goes on to require schools and sports teams in the commonwealth that use a Native American as a mascot to replace said mascot. Proponents of this measure say there is a "stereotype" that "relates to civil rights".

Earlier this week, the Washington Redskins gave in to protestors and agreed to get rid of the name and logo, a profile of a Native American's face.

I am trying to figure out how a man standing tall and holding his tools of daily living can offend someone of this heritage. Native Americans used bows and arrows to hunt and defend themselves, not only against white people but also against rival tribes. The man on the seal is not depicted as an idiot. He is not shown as someone inferior to another tribe or even to another race. He is simply shown as a man.

Protestors want this symbol removed. What's next? The name "Massachusetts" comes from one of the tribes that once inhabited a part of the commonwealth, the Massachusett. Does that exploit Native Americans? No, you say? Just wait.