Brave enough to be better

Editor:
I with to thank Christopher Dodd for his letter about the noun “ Brave” as used to name (in the plural) our local baseball team. I am a fan of The Braves. I love the history of Gowan Park and relish the action of the game, the camaraderie of the players, the role of the umpire, and the mood of the crowd.
His letter, well researched and finely crafted, is also revealing and persuasive for it brought back a memory. When I entered Paris District High School in 1959 there was mix of town kids and country kids. The word “farmer” too often got a snicker, even from teachers. A farmer was someone awkward, likely smelly and certainly non too bright. My dad was a farmer, I lived on a farm, and of course I knew farmers who were smart, dressed well and were eloquent: But, as a kid, you hear only the snickers and think “Am I like what they think too?” And then pride of heritage and parentage is at risk.
Christopher is correct; folks with a lot or a little Indigenous blood in their veins are all around us (including some of my grandkids and those of my cousin) and those kids must be proud of that fact if we are to build a better life here in Canada. Words change just as we do, sometimes for the better (as did “farmer”) too often not. I have been led to see that “Braves” is no longer the best we can do. This creative and caring community is certain to mint a new name in which we can revel. Then every single one of us can sit back, relax, and joyfully watch the game.

James McPherson,

Creemore.