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I think it's terrible. My mom is an Illini alum and is pretty passionate about this tradition. Apparently the native americans have supported this tradition and they don't make a mockery out of it. It's a very serious and honored tradition at Illinois and it's a shame to see it go. What next, are they going to make us rename the Kansas City Chiefs, Washington Redskings, Atlanta Braves, Cleveland Indians, etc?
Where does this end? The state name Illinois is a native american name. Should it be replaced? How about Iowa? Should I be upset that Dallas has the nickname the Cowboys? Will PETA come after the bears, lions, or seahawks? I don't think of teams nicknames as being disrespectful but a source of pride for a group of students and fans.
The question is what happens when only a minority of their group wants it changed and the majority is proud that this represents their heritage.Native Americans have been demonized for centuries as unintelligent savages so how can you blame them for wanting to shed this image? It’s their tribe and their name. If they don’t like being represented in a certain way why should we say no?
As a Redskins fan I'm beggin' for a name change. Sheesh! Redskins how derogitroy could you get (the scalpers maybe?). It's hight time for a change. I feel sorry saying I'm a Redskins fan. I usually try to say "I root for Washington."
Well I'm sure we can rehash the irony that is the University of Iowa Hawkeyes, and not allowing the Illinois mascot to come to Ia City.
I agree, DaddyM. Where are the PC types in Iowa City when you need them? After all. didn't Hawkeye kill Indians, er Native Americans, er those folks that crossed the Bering strait land bridge during an ice age? Is Herky an endangered species? Or will his bird disguise save him?
Yes Sioux City Morningside used to be the Morningside Cheifs and now they are the Mustangs. It was tough and alot of the Alumni were irritated.
Actually, isn't Hawkeye in reference to a Chief Black Hawk?
OK, now think about it from the perspective of an American Indian whose tribe's symbols and sources of identity were taken from them by an outside group 80 years ago. Whose tradition is it really?When something that has been a symbol and a source of identity for a school for this long is taken away by an outside group, it is really hard to replace.
Am I the only one naive enough to believe that when an institition picked a mascot or nickname that they were proud of there decision. Do you think that their thought process was, what would be offensive?
I think most Native Americans also do not have a problem with names like Seminoles etc., but you just need one fanatic to ruin it for everybody.