A bball coaches online mag posted an article discussing Indian mascots...this is the discussion that ensued. Remarkable how early on one could see it would end up with name calling and the really stupid suggestion to end using mascots altogether. Read from bottom up.
Posted from: Larry, 6/4/12 at 12:17 PM CDT
DuWayne
I am glad to be known as a Wisconsin bigot. I am against using Indians as a mascot. I am also against using mascots that depict any nationality in a negitive atmosphere. I was in support of two area teams in a change of mascot. My question is what is a mascot good for. I find nothing. I move to get rid of all mascots.
I am glad to be known as a Wisconsin bigot. I am against using Indians as a mascot. I am also against using mascots that depict any nationality in a negitive atmosphere. I was in support of two area teams in a change of mascot. My question is what is a mascot good for. I find nothing. I move to get rid of all mascots.
Moral Authority
Posted from: Richard Desiderio, 6/4/12 at 8:42 AM CDT
Aren't we all lucky to have DuWayne around to be the moral
authority for the country? Thank you DuWayne for taking the time to be the last
word on all mascot matters. We are truly blessed that you take the time to
enlighten all of us. I guess we can put the matter to rest, DuWayne has given
it a thumbs down.
mascots
Posted from: DuWayne Krause, 6/2/12 at 1:03 PM CDT
And maybe only people from Wisconsin are bigots, but I doubt it.
Virtually everyone who says they believe in Indian mascots because they honor
them is kidding themselves.
The Fighting Whities
Posted from: Dark and Bloody, 6/1/12 at 2:10 PM CDT
DuWayne, maybe folks didn't respond because of how you asked.
Anyway, if you Google The Fighting Whities you will learn it is much more than
a campus thing and still no one takes offense. To help you make your point I
encourage you to visit the Fighting Whities store and purchase a t-shirt or two
and a coffee mug. All for a good cause.
Native-American Nicknames
Posted from: Tony, 5/31/12 at 6:58 PM CDT
We knew a lot of coaches were dumb. Now we learn many are bigots
as well.
From the world of Oz, Oregon
Posted from: Ron Barkley, 5/30/12 at 9:46 AM CDT
You are way of base on this. My wife is Hawaiian and her HS, for
kids of Hawaiian decent are the "Warriors" and she loves it as do
everyone I have met from her school. She looks on it as an honor to the brave
people who fought any invaders for their islands. A small minority who are
offended are looking for something to be offended about.
Mascot names
Posted from: Keith Olson, 5/30/12 at 8:31 AM CDT
Get a life people! In our area we have two schools, one a native
school, with native mascots: Indians AND Red Devils. Schools don't need state
or federal governments telling them what names are appropriate. That should be
up to each individual district. Mind your own business.
mascots
Posted from: DuWayne Krause, 5/30/12 at 7:59 AM CDT
Dark, you cite a good example, but I easily take exception with
it. Your example took place on a college campus, not in the general population.
The novelty of the name is much, much more likely to be accepted there. I
repeat, I never once got a response when I asked what if a tribe team called
themselves the white men? Responses varied from being uncomfortable with the
question to stunned silence, as if the situation was never considered or
couldn't be considered.
Indian Mascots
Posted from: Dark and Bloody, 5/29/12 at 10:15 AM CDT
DuWayne,
There is a test case that responds to your comment. Several years ago, American Indians at the University of Northern Colorado named the intramural bball team "The Fighting Whiteys" to make the point you make. However, what they learned was completely different than what they anticipated. The team was overwhelmed by demand for their team jersey. To their credit they took advantage of this opportunity to earn money for various causes.
So based on the data, the answer to your question is, white folks liked a team named after them.
There is a test case that responds to your comment. Several years ago, American Indians at the University of Northern Colorado named the intramural bball team "The Fighting Whiteys" to make the point you make. However, what they learned was completely different than what they anticipated. The team was overwhelmed by demand for their team jersey. To their credit they took advantage of this opportunity to earn money for various causes.
So based on the data, the answer to your question is, white folks liked a team named after them.
Is it April Fools Day Again?
Posted from: Dark and Bloody, 5/24/12 at 9:49 AM CDT
Indian mascots are intended to honor perceived attributes of the
American Indian. That the mascot's appearance is not historically accurate is
an issue to take up with the particular school, but does not diminish in any
way that attempt to honor American Indians. It is exactly the same thing as the
Fighting Irish, or the Scots, or the Fighting Princes, or the Pirates or the
Vikings btw. Except some American Indians don't like it for personal or
political reasons. (Although in the back of my mind I keep thinking it is
really trademark and licensing issues.) Like those of us with Scottish or Irish
or Scandinavian heritage American Indians are Americans first and it seems
silly to me that they do not want to add their heritage to the dozens of other
heritages honored by athletic teams.
mascots
Posted from: DuWayne Krause, 5/24/12 at 7:49 AM CDT
Banning those Indian mascots is the right thing to do. Typically
it is a dominant white society that wants to keep them. When I lived in
Wisconsin and people would speak out in favor of Indian mascots I used to ask
them "What would you think if the Lac du Flambeau tribe called their
school the white men?" I found it interesting that in all the many times I
posed that question I never (I mean never) got a response.
Way Off
Posted from: Richard Desiderio, 5/24/12 at 7:12 AM CDT
Michael, you are woefully off track on this. As a white person who
are you to speak for Native Americans? Because one doesn't identify as
"Native American doesn't mean that they don't have American Indian in
their blood. I am one who does and I honored my heritage with the connection.
You are entitled to your opinion as am I.
Window dressing?
Posted from: ATF, 5/24/12 at 5:12 AM CDT
Poverty rates on Indian reservations run upwards of 50%.
Alcoholism, drug abuse, suicide, depression, and crime are rampant. And this is
what we choose to care about? Well-intentioned, to be sure, but seems to me
focusing on this aesthetic issue to the exclusion of the real-life ones is like
rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic. Who cares? Focus on what's important:
making these people's lives better.
