Monday, November 13, 2006
University of Chief Illiniwek
During the introductions of last night's Bears-Giants game on Sunday Night Football, New York Offensive Guard, David Diehl announced that he was from the "University of Chief Illiniwek". Thus leading to today's topic.
Normally I am a traditionalist when it comes to these intro's. I prefer the athletes to state their school whithout any ad lib. Things started to change a few years back when a bunch of athletes decided that they went to "THE Ohio State University." After reading the FHM article, I expected all former University of Miami to state they went to "The U". Other players have wandered off of the script as well.
Suprisingly, I was proud of Diehl's proclaimation. Obviously, I am on the side to Save the Chief. I think the Fighting Illini Indian is a dignified symbol of Native American ancestry. It should definitely not be looped in with Chief Wahoo of the Cleveland Indians. 
When did sports symbols become derogatory anyway? Most of them were created to honor various groups. Mascots in my area are the Olympians (athletes), Rockets & Astros (astronauts), Porters, Steelmen, Brickies, and even the Cavemen. They were named to honor the people of the area and graduates, these don't demean.
Frankly, I support the use of Indian symbols as a remembrance of indians in general. If it weren't for sports symbols, society would likely forget about the indians all together. They would soon be thought of as often as the ancient Romans or Egyptians. The days of the Westerns are over, kids no longer play cowboys and indians.
My 4 year old daughter had no clue what an indian was when I asked her. If it wasn't for the Disney movie Pocahontas I would have had no reference.
The indian heritage is an important part of the history of our nation. I fear that it will be forgotten if we no longer honor them with our sports teams.
For those of you not familiar, here is Wikipedia's overview of the Chief Illiniwek debate.
Comments:
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As a person with some Native American ancestry (Mohawk), I agree that this can be done honorably.
I draw the line at cartoonish crap like Chief Knock-a-Homa and Wahoo.
Also, "Redskins" is a tough one to support. That one will probably have to go at some point. It's especially difficult with a team that has so much history, but
I can't imagine a team called the "Blackskins" would go over very well. You name a team that, and Jesse may pay a visit.
I draw the line at cartoonish crap like Chief Knock-a-Homa and Wahoo.
Also, "Redskins" is a tough one to support. That one will probably have to go at some point. It's especially difficult with a team that has so much history, but
I can't imagine a team called the "Blackskins" would go over very well. You name a team that, and Jesse may pay a visit.
I agree that some of the names are derogatory and need to go. Redskins, Redmen, Injuns to name a few.
I hope that in order to get rid of those we don't lose some of the more honorable ones (Braves, Chiefs, Indians) or tribal specific (Seminoles, Blackhawks, Illini, etc)in the process.
I hope that in order to get rid of those we don't lose some of the more honorable ones (Braves, Chiefs, Indians) or tribal specific (Seminoles, Blackhawks, Illini, etc)in the process.
There was never an Illini tribe though. The tribe was the Illiniwek. Illini was the name of a WWI platoon from Illinois.
Some names do need to go, but the rules should be consistent. Example, if I were an Irish Protestant, I'd be incensed about Notre Dame.
Some names do need to go, but the rules should be consistent. Example, if I were an Irish Protestant, I'd be incensed about Notre Dame.
Even on vacation, I come visit your blog.
I'm not AI, I'm black. So I have some empathy for the use of AI stereotypes.
But I'm a sports fan as well. I have to think really hard in order to generate some anger over Chief Illiniwek. Most of what's generated is frustration that the U of I can't "shit or get off the pot" on this. Either get rid of the Chief or keep him and live with it.
I often think of the old skit from "In Living Color," when Jamie Foxx and one of the Wayans Brothers announced that the Cleveland Indians were changing their name to the "Cleveland Crackers." Another team was changing theirs to the "Honkies," and third was the "wetbacks" I believe.
Very funny skit. Kind of summed the whole thing up. Team names can offend, especially those who have too much time on their hands. But if done to honor instead of offend or pander, nothing is wrong with it.
I'm not AI, I'm black. So I have some empathy for the use of AI stereotypes.
But I'm a sports fan as well. I have to think really hard in order to generate some anger over Chief Illiniwek. Most of what's generated is frustration that the U of I can't "shit or get off the pot" on this. Either get rid of the Chief or keep him and live with it.
I often think of the old skit from "In Living Color," when Jamie Foxx and one of the Wayans Brothers announced that the Cleveland Indians were changing their name to the "Cleveland Crackers." Another team was changing theirs to the "Honkies," and third was the "wetbacks" I believe.
Very funny skit. Kind of summed the whole thing up. Team names can offend, especially those who have too much time on their hands. But if done to honor instead of offend or pander, nothing is wrong with it.
I apologize for being off topic, but I couldn't find your email–at least quickly. Check it out Bears fans, it's quite funny:
http://kissmesuzy.blogspot.com/2006/11/f-k-it-im-throwing-it-downfield.html
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