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OK - I"ve got a brilliant idea...

Let's just eliminate the use of all mascots!

Quite simply, it's now obvious that the use of any mascot is likely to cause offense to SOMEONE....weather it be some "American Indian" reference like Chiefs, Redskins, Worriors, Redmen, Apache, Braves, etc. or it be national sympols like Patriots, Minutemen.

Technically, most Christians and Jews should be offended by the use of pretty much any animal or other symbol as a mascot. In a very basic way this represents Idol worship. Fortunately, most Chiristians and Jews don't consider this idolatry, instead considering it just good fun. How about someone who's life has been devastated by natural disasters - Hurricanes, Cyclones, Tsunami would all represent names that will or could offend that group. BUT, if just one person in these groups is offended, shouldn't we remove this offense from their lives? (note the sarcasm in that sentence).

It is one thing to intentionally offend someone with a mascot or nickname - yet in every case I know of, the mascot/nickname should actually be considered a compliment - after all - what is a mascot suppose to do? Inspire pride, confidence, and strength. All traits that a thinking person should consider positive.

So, my proposal is open - either do away with any sort of mascot or nickname for a school's teams, or everyone just needs to shut up about it...

Let's just eliminate the use of all mascots! Quite simply, it's now obvious that the use of any mascot is likely to cause offense to SOMEONE....

We in the "do not own a dog or cat" community are deeply offended by the absence of a mascot.

So this idea won't work either.

How about someone who's life has been devastated by natural disasters - Hurricanes, Cyclones, Tsunami would all represent names that will or could offend that group.

Not necessarily. Griffin, Indiana was devastated by a killer tornado way back in the waybacks (1920's or earlier). Their teams subsequently were the Griffin Tornados until school consolidation erased the moniker.

Of course, that was a saner time in a saner part of the world.