With the emergence of racially related problems such as the BLM riots starting in 2020 and AAPI movements, people are starting to reconsider the use of ethnic groups, such as “Trojans” and “Scots” as mascots for organizations.
For example, many sports teams and schools have ethnic groups as mascots, like the Cleveland Indians and the Minnesota Vikings. The University of Southern California’s mascot is Traveler the Trojan, and Carlmont’s mascot, Monty, is Scottish.
The origins of Monty, a kilted Scottish highland warrior, comes from where Carlmont is located. Carlmont is located between San Carlos and Belmont, and the hilly area where Carlmont rests upon is known as the “highlands.” This led to the mascot of “Scots.”
“Having Monty at events, high fiving, hugging, interacting with people in the community, really sets a mood that is positive. I think that Monty is a figure that people can rally around to have school pride,” said Administrative Vice Principal Gregg Patner.
The slogan “Go Scots” can be equivalent to both “Go Bruins” or “Go Indian Chiefs,” as all refer to mascots. However, the latter one can be seen as racist.
“I’ve never heard a person complain about ‘Go Scots’ sounding racist. Technically speaking, if ‘Go Indians’ or ‘Go Mexicans’ is racist or culturally insensitive then I’m sure saying ‘Go Scots’ is as well. I feel like the reason people are okay with ‘Go Scots’ is because it does not sound nearly as racy as ‘Go Indians.’ Same with ‘Go Mexicans,’” said Ciana Jin, a sophomore.
However, Carlmont students do not have strong feelings against Monty.
“I don’t really have a strong feeling towards our mascot being a Scot considering I am frequently clustered with work from my classes so I spend little amounts of time pondering whether or not I approve of our mascot. With that being said, I think another important factor to consider is that I am not of Scottish heritage so I do not have any affiliation to the culture that could further connect me to Monty,” said junior Parsa Kazerani.
Junior Zara Ainge, who has family that lives in Scotland, shares similar views with Jin and Kazerani.
“I think it’s kind of odd but I don’t mind too much cause it’s not stereotypical. It just feels kind of unnecessary since most schools have animal mascots. I mean it is sort of stereotypical with the bagpipes but at least he’s not a ginger, fighting the Loch Ness monster. I guess it could be worse,” Ainge said.
However, the origins of having an ethnic group as a mascot does not always bring non-negative responses, as shown in the case of the Kansas City Chiefs, named after the Kansas City mayor Harold Roe Bartle who was instrumental in bringing the originally Texan team to Kansas City, Missouri. However, Bartle is not ethnically Native American which still sparks conflict between the masses. In a survey published by Sage Journals, 65% of Native American respondents were offended by the use of Native American mascots.
“That [Kansas City Chiefs’ mascot being Native American] is probably not culturally appropriate, in my opinion. If there shouldn’t be a ‘Go Indians’ then maybe there shouldn’t be a ‘Go Scots ‘either,” Jin said.
In regards to student inquiries on the ethnic mascot matter, Patner believes that it is important for students to communicate with the administration.
“I think it is really important for those who may be offended to reach out to the administration or a trusted adult on campus with their concerns. If someone is not feeling included or is struggling with the fact that Monty represents a Scottish Highland Warrior, we would like to know about it and provide support or address the concerns,” Patner said.
