Something I have noticed is all the schools that I have seen or heard of, are represented by male mascots.  What this told me when I was younger was that I cannot do everything a male can, and that I must not be meant to represent a business, or school as they do.  All genders are effected by this.  Girls are unconsciously given the thought that maybe their gender isn't the one meant to represent.  And many boys may feel as though they are the only ones to have a say in what goes on in this world, this would leave many girls thinking "Who am I to have a say in this?"  And where does such gender bias start?  At schools.  Look no further than the school mascot for the continual nonverbal gender bias.

If mascots can help students see both male and females as strong figures, then future generations would grow up with a more dominant female presence in their lives.  This could cause gaps between the genders to fade.  Boys would understand girls are powerful, just like them.  And girls would realize boys are powerful, just like them.  We need to raise girls knowing that they can do anything they put their minds too, we need them to realize gender does not have any say in what a person can and cannot do.  Having a female mascot represent schools would represent the commanding and prominent presence a female has. It would also provide another place for students to see and embrace a powerful figure.

I propose the idea of changing male dominated mascots to females.  Furthermore, I propose changing Dolan Middle School's mascot from a male raider to a female raider.  I need your support in signing my petition to change Dolan's mascot.  With your support, we can make the principal take notice and allow the student body decide on the change of the Raider Mascot.

Join me in making a change at Dolan Middle School that can cascade to other schools in addressing this human rights concern.

Sincerely,

Mey Silvey