Reclaiming Indigenous Identity: How the New Mascot Name Honors San Diego State University's Heritage

By admin

San Diego State University's mascot name is the Aztec Warrior. The university adopted the Aztec as its mascot in 1925 as a way to pay tribute to the indigenous peoples of Mexico. The choice of the Aztec Warrior as the mascot reflects the university's commitment to diversity and inclusivity. The Aztec Warrior is a symbol of strength, bravery, and resilience, representing the spirit and values of San Diego State University. The mascot can be seen at various sporting events, rallying the crowd and cheering on the teams. The choice to use the Aztec Warrior as the mascot has faced some controversy over the years.


Revised and massaged several times over the years, they are still imprinted with the core genes of their intent: a political version of the Malleus Maleficarum (a medieval guide for witch hunting) to destroy “subversive” thought and movements in the South and to squelch political opposition.

For example, under the South Korean National Security Law, for the act of praising or sympathizing with North Korea in the legislation, the North is always referred to as anti-state group s South Korean individuals can be imprisoned for up to seven years. Up to 10 years in prison for those who confer, correspond, or communicate using other means with anti-state groups, members or those under their control, being aware that their acts will endanger the national security and the democratic freedom.

Witch hounding in Korea

The choice to use the Aztec Warrior as the mascot has faced some controversy over the years. Some argue that it perpetuates cultural appropriation and stereotypes. However, the university has taken steps to ensure that the representation is respectful and honors the Aztec culture.

How a Class Debate on Comfort Women Turned into a Big South Korean Witch Hunt

Professor Lew Seok-choon is facing charges of defaming former comfort women during a classroom debate, but the prosecution has failed to provide evidence.

Dr Lew Seok-choon (© Lew Seok-choon)

In September 2019, Dr Lew Seok-choon was giving his last developmental sociology lecture at his alma mater, Yonsei University. As often, Lew engaged in heated discussions with his students on Japanese imperialism and the roots of South Korea's modernization. While answering questions, Lew made several remarks on comfort women that contradicted conventional wisdom and irked many of his students.

Without consent, one of his students recorded the entire lecture and leaked the tape to major left-wing media outlets in South Korea. These outlets immediately headlined this story and began unilaterally denouncing Lew as a historical denialist and a colonial apologist. The unwarranted attacks continued for months.

About a year after the incident, South Korean prosecutors decided to indict Lew for criminal defamation. Prosecutors argued that parts of his three-hour lecture contained false accusations that constituted a severe criminal liability.

Specifically, they alleged that Dr Lew:

1) Defamed former comfort women by claiming they were a "type of prostitution" and denying their forced abduction.

2) Defamed the Korean Council (comfort women advocacy group in South Korea) by claiming they coached former comfort women to provide imprecise testimonies.

3) Defamed the Korean Council for claiming that senior members of the organization are associated with the Unified Progressive Party, a banned pro-North Korean political entity.

Lew Seok-choon being attacked by left-wing activists who stormed into his office. The primary perpetrator was later indicted and found guilty. (© JTBC News, screenshot)

San diego state univrrsity mascot name

San Diego State University has worked with the local indigenous communities to ensure that the portrayal of the Aztec Warrior is accurate and respectful. The university has also implemented policies and protocols to educate students, staff, and faculty about the significance and meaning behind the mascot. Overall, the Aztec Warrior represents the rich history and diversity of San Diego State University. It serves as a symbol of pride and unity for the university community, while also recognizing and honoring the indigenous peoples of Mexico..

Reviews for "Protecting Trademarks: Legal Considerations in Choosing San Diego State University's Mascot Name"

1. John - 1 star
I was extremely disappointed to learn that San Diego State University's mascot name is just their initials, "SDSU." I believe a university should have a mascot that reflects its identity, history, and values. Using initials as a mascot name is unimaginative and lazy. It lacks creativity and fails to engage with the community and fans. I expected better from a respected institution such as SDSU.
2. Sarah - 2 stars
As an alumna of San Diego State University, I was underwhelmed by the choice of the mascot name "SDSU." It feels generic and uninspiring. Considering our vibrant campus culture and the diverse range of sports teams at SDSU, I expected a more unique and captivating mascot name that truly represents our spirit. It's a missed opportunity to showcase the pride and energy that our university community possesses. I hope they reconsider and come up with a more memorable mascot name in the future.
3. Andrew - 1 star
What a letdown to have a prestigious university like San Diego State University resort to such a lackluster mascot name like "SDSU." It's as if they didn't put any effort or thought into it at all. A mascot should evoke a sense of excitement, enthusiasm, and pride among students and alumni. Unfortunately, "SDSU" falls flat in all these aspects. It's time for the university to reevaluate their decision and choose a mascot name that reflects the rich history and achievements of SDSU.
4. Emily - 2 stars
Choosing "SDSU" as a mascot name for San Diego State University is uninspiring and unimaginative. As a member of the university community, I would have liked something more engaging and unique. It's disappointing to see that our school's identity is reduced to just a combination of initials. I believe a mascot name should be representative of our spirit and should foster a sense of unity and pride. "SDSU" fails to do that, and I hope the university administration reconsiders and rebrands our mascot name to something more inspiring and meaningful.

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