Tuesday, October 6, 2009
I agree with catos comment below that the indian people were very wrongly treated by europeans when they were exploring america. But I think that by using them as mascots it does honor them. It honors them be showing that they were part of our history and it is a way that they can still be remembered in todays society. I also think that it would be perfectly acceptable to have continued to call the Illinois teams the "fighting illini". I say this because what they are fighting for is to win the game. It is no different than notre dame being called the "fighting irish". I just think that the indian mascot controversy has been blown out of proportion. I think that they are often cleaver names, that are no different than an animal mascot. If we dont allow these indian names are we going to band animal names next because it offensive to animal protection agencies? I just feel that many people are looking for reasons to be offended instead of an actual circumanstance being offensive.
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Well I think the question we have to ask first is, are Native Americans still alive? Could there be a vital difference between Notre Dame and every school that has Native American mascots? Also are these mascots actually dealing with the culture of Native Americans?
ReplyDeleteI think that these schools try to honor them but naming themselves after a Native American tribe, but since none of the schools founders were Native Americans, then the mascot isn't being portrayed necessarily how they feel it should. I don't really see the problem with naming a team after a Native American group, except for the Washington Redskins which I feel is out of line, but I don't think these teams try to insult or disrespect the Native Americans. But without knowing the culture firsthand, its tough to know what would be disrespecting the Native Americans.
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