University of Illinois drops Native American mascot. Are "Chief" mascots racist? (mystic, choice)

MysticSang'ha · #1 02-23-2007, 11:20 AM

http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/new...9?OpenDocument

Quote:

U. of Illinois bars Indian symbol

By David Mercer
ASSOCIATED PRESS

02/16/2007

Chief Illiniwek performs during a game.

(University of Illinois)

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (AP) -- The University of Illinois will drop its 81-year-old American Indian mascot, Chief Illiniwek, following the last men's basketball home game of the season on Wednesday, officials said.

The move makes the school eligible to host postseason NCAA championship events, but it angered many Illini fans who say the chief honors American Indians.

The NCAA in 2005 deemed Illiniwek -- portrayed by buckskin-clad students who dance at home football and basketball games and other athletic events -- an offensive use of American Indian imagery and barred the university from hosting postseason events.

American Indian groups and others have complained for years that the mascot, used since 1926, is demeaning..............

Well? Does the use of Native American mascots show a demeaning/blasphemous image or an honorable one? Did Illinois do the right thing or did it pander to political correctness?

Peace,
Mystic

standing_alone · #2 02-23-2007, 11:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MysticSang'ha

Well? Does the use of Native American mascots show a demeaning/blasphemous image or an honorable one? Did Illinois do the right thing or did it pander to political correctness?

Illinois, though they did it quite grudgingly, did the right thing. American Indian mascots are demeaning and make a mockery of American Indian cultures.

jamaesi · #3 02-23-2007, 11:36 AM

Why is respect for other people and cultures mocked as "political correctness"?

FatMan · #4 02-23-2007, 11:40 AM

I firmly believe that one day, my favorite team is going to be the New York Big People.

Scratch that, make that the NY/NJ/CT Big People.

Radio Frequency X · #5 02-23-2007, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MysticSang'ha

http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/new...9?OpenDocument

Well? Does the use of Native American mascots show a demeaning/blasphemous image or an honorable one? Did Illinois do the right thing or did it pander to political correctness?

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I was watching that on the news and the fans were actually crying out of disappointment that it would be the last time the Chief was used. I think its PC nonsense. But, if the university decided to change it, its ultimately their choice. They can do whatever they want.

MysticSang'ha · #6 02-23-2007, 11:47 AM

Mods:

I'd like to open this topic up for debate. It seems we already have a lot of polarity of opinions regarding this issue. Can the thread be moved if debating isn't appropriate in Current Events?

Peace,
Mystic

MaddLlama · #7 02-23-2007, 11:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FatMan

I firmly believe that one day, my favorite team is going to be the New York Big People.

Scratch that, make that the NY/NJ/CT Big People.

Personally I think that's taking it a step too far. The NY Giants are not demeaning, making fun of, or exploiting people who have giantism, thier "mascot" rather refers to the mythical giant, like the ones in the fairy tale of Jack and the Beanstalk. Nobody's complained about their team name.

Native Americans are not mythical creatures, and have been exploited by and suffered at the hands of the Europeans who settled in the US. They deserve more respect than being a mascot for a sports team, or for the environmental movement.

MaddLlama · #8 02-23-2007, 11:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Radio Frequency X

I was watching that on the news and the fans were actually crying out of disappointment that it would be the last time the Chief was used. I think its PC nonsense. But, if the university decided to change it, its ultimately their choice. They can do whatever they want.

Would it be PC nonsense if the team's mascot were Uncle Tom, or some other caricature of African Americans? It's "PC nonsense" to ask a team to change thier name from the racist term "Redskin", but it would be unconcionable to use the "n word" as the name of a team.
Do the Native Americans not deserve respect? Because we find thier images and cultural heritage "fun", they should want thier culture to be used and paraded around like Smokey the Bear? They are people, not a mascot.