Answer:
Lapointe included information about the Seminole's history and their situation today to demonstrate how some students admire a Mascot for its historic value in a tribe and and symbolizes courage and bravery of not backing down no matter what the situation, this also include the U.S. army.
"Bonding Over a Mascot" is an essay to show the country that an Indian mascot cannot let a community (college) down. It is a great expression by Lapointe to illustrate how absurd things are getting in America.
You had it right, it is a simile because it uses the word as.
Answer:
Bassanio rejects the gold casket because he is aware that European moral iconographies repudiate earthly wealth (though, ironically, Bassanio is a poor illustration of the principle).
Hope it helps
