The controversy over what to call the Farm's sports teams still smolders, at least among the 50 alums we buttonholed for our bimonthly poll.
For many, the Indian remains a beloved symbol of an earlier day. Two-thirds of Indian backers graduated before 1972, the year the mascot was abandoned out of concern that it was insensitive to Native Americans. "For me, it will always be the Indians, because that's my era," said a homemaker, '58, from La Jolla, Calif. But several alums acknowledged unease with their preference. "I never was offended by the Indian, but I can see there was an issue," said a teacher, '62.
Supporters of the current team name, the color Cardinal, spanned the decades. They favored its abstract uniqueness. "Stanford shouldn't do anything straightforward or obvious," said a nonprofit executive, '67. Cardinal is good because "it requires explanation." Indeed.
Farm teams were known as the Cardinals until 1930. The University should have stuck with the bird, said a psychology major and part-time tennis instructor, '75. "I like the tree," she said. "But I just can't see that as a serious symbol. I'd never want the Indian, and 'the Cardinal' just sounds strange."
The Tree, a symbol of the University since its 1891 founding, found favor among an eclectic clique. "It sets itself apart," said a sequoia-loving software executive, '94. A free-lance designer, '94, admitted to having given the matter little thought over the years. But, she said, "the dancing tree is entertaining."
Judging from the supply of ideas for new mascots, the name game shows little sign of dying altogether. Suggestions included the Microchips, the Players, the Gryphons and the recurrent Robber Barons -- because, said an information technology executive, '76, "it's even more offensive than Indians!"
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