On the front page of your Wednesday August 16, 2017 paper “Metuchen High plans proving ground Aug.19.” My neighbors and I object to the aggressive names given to the “Proving Ground Team Building Challenge.”
“Modeled after the popular mud run competitions.” Pirate Walk, Tarzan Swing, Stuntman Climb, Detonator Hill and two others.
In our society of violence we don’t need to develop more aggressive names that might be subliminal to most but also can be real and further give voice to male aggression.
We need to teach respect and produce more neutral names to tone down the rhetoric; such as Shining Star, Victory, Winner Station, All American, Hero and Heroine Place, or try and think of others to replace and produce less aggression. As educators we have a huge responsibility to offset negativity, even if it becomes or is unpopular and falls into the mainstream acceptance of certain names.
Thank you,
H.M. Stummer
Metuchen
