Those who follow the Braves and keep tabs on the nickname controversy with the NCAA might want to read this story from the Minneapolis Star Tribune, to see how other schools are doing in their fight.
For the record, my feeling is this: There’s only one truly offensive name left in sports, and it’s right under the noses of our nation’s legislators. Until something is done about the name “Redskins” and someone stands up to the bully NFL, the NCAA should leave EVERY school alone regarding this matter. Also for the record, I have no problem with “Warriors”, “Braves”, “Chiefs”, “Sioux”, “Illini”, “Seminole”, and every other team nickname which harkens to a tribe or their bravest warriors. Those who knuckled under since this became an issue 20 or so years ago should be ashamed. There really wasn’t a need to, unless your nickname was “Redskins”. Now, those who used offensive mascots or awful caricatures and changed them…I’m fine with that…but there’s nothing wrong with honoring a people with a name like “Brave” or “Warrior”.
1 response so far ↓
1
Pudge
// Sep 12, 2007 at 3:03 am
My feelings on this. The NCAA is probably one of the most hypocritical organizations in the world. They have deemed that some indians are okay to stay around (FSU Seminoles, UNC Pembroke Indians) but others are not okay, and not only that, NCAA rules just state mascots that could be “hostile and abusive” what about the negative imagery that the fighting irish give off? Also why does the NCAA feel that it is in their interests to regulate this? Why do they feel like they are the moral authority. This is the same organization who cannot even get it right in College football to be able to get a real national champion (boise state only undefeated team and they are not national champs???) Would you want these people making any decisions on anything that is important? How is the FSU Seminole not hostile imagery? The guy dressed as an indian chief, rides a horse to the middle of the field and throws a flaming spear into the ground. Don’t get me wrong, I think that that is a cool pregame tradition, but Chief Illiniwek’s imagery is more hostile than that??? I don’t think so. Chief Illiniwek has legitimate Native American history behind it. It all just doesn’t make sense.
Why would a team choose to be represented by a people they don’t respect?
And BJ, you’re right, Illini, Braves, Sioux, warriors, none of these names are racial slurs. If they want to get rid of these names, start at the top and get rid of Redskins.
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