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InResponse: Letters to the Editor

To the readers of The Metropolitan and its staff,

First off, I have been reading The Metropolitan for many years. I believe the students of Metro State College, as a result of reading this great publication, receive information and viewpoints which allow for an overall better college experience.

But I am troubled by an article that was published in the Aug. 31, 2006 edition. My reputation as a mascot was damaged by the article, ‘She (almost) did the mascot mash’ by Andrew Flohr-Spence. While the article was well written, the damage caused is irreversible. I, Rowdy the Roadrunner, have been subjected to ridicule and embarrassment as this article has spread to my mascot friends at other colleges in Colorado.

There are several misconceptions in the article that I would like to clear up. One, your wife was mistaken by assuming that I “stepped in her way and honked my horn in her face.” It was actually one of my friends that stopped by to visit and to help me usher in the semester. My friend happened to be caught in the electrifying atmosphere here at Metro and was overcome with excitement; my friend wants to apologize to anyone that was uncomfortable with her energy, especially your wife.

Two, I wasn’t impressed with your comparison of my personality to that of a character at an amusement park. In my opinion, a college mascot has depth, history and an appeal that isn’t a dime a dozen, which you often find in amusement-park mascots.

Three, I find it insulting to our professors, department chairs, deans and the provost to state that “Germany takes its higher education seriously,” inferring America and Metro State does not. Ha! I beg to differ. In my opinion, your time at this remarkable institution should not just be spent entirely in class, taking tests or doing research in the library; you should also have the opportunity to be involved in music, drama, sports, etc. That way, when you graduate you will have had a well-rounded experience.

Four, even though your wife did not appreciate my involvement in the first week of class, many other students did. I helped quite a few have a laugh, some at my expense, and I helped to educate incoming freshmen and transfer students about Metro and our rich history.

Lastly, I’ll leave you with this point: You should never threaten violence to a mascot. Hitting a mascot is no laughing matter. Besides, I have many friends on this campus. You never know if one is around the corner. Thank you, and I wish everyone great success this school year.

Amber Michael • michaeam@mscd.edu - Rowdy the Roadrunner