And now:Ish <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes: Date: Sat, 25 Sep 1999 07:51:29 -0500 (CDT) From: "Progressive Resource/Action Coop." <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >From "The Michigan Daily" http://www.michigandaily.com/daily/1999/sep/09-23-99/sports/sports8.html What's in a name? Huron controversy rising again at Eastern, other schools By David Horn For the Daily A symbol of pride. An important school tradition. A disrespectful, callous, even blatantly racist stereotype that accomplishes nothing but the propagation of bigotry in our society. Native American mascots are different things to different people, and as schools face increasingly intense pressures from Native American interest groups, the rules of the mascot game are changing. In 1991, Eastern Michigan left behind its traditional 'Huron' nickname in favor of Echo the Eagle. Pamela Young, director of public relations for the school said. "The kids like Echo. They are proud of their school and proud of their teams." That said, some Eastern Michigan traditionalists, including students, faculty, and local fans, will be pushing the next administration to bring back the Huron nickname. "The President and the Board of Directors made the choice eight years ago. It was the right choice, and there are certainly not plans to change it back," Young replied. Groups like the Huron Restoration Committee will face resistance not only from the school administration, comfortable in their 8-year-old decision, but also from native Huron Nation tribe members, such as Ish Tewehsho'non of the Wyandot Indians and online editor of the Native News. "I have plans to put into writing our community's opinion regarding this... People are not mascots, we're not cartoons. We have a right to exist of ourselves, not to embody another's culture," said Tewehsho'non. Ten years ago, Eastern Michigan faced political pressure from a number of activist groups, Native American-based and otherwise. The Native Americans who argue against stereotypical mascots are not alone. Joining them are a variety prominent politicians and organizations, including the NAACP, American Jewish Committee, and the United Methodist Church. These groups have asked their members to boycott products and games that support certain teams, and have demanded that both college and professional teams "change face." Many have responded. Like Eastern Michigan, a number of Division I, II, and III schools have undergone mascot changes. Mid-American Conference rival Miami University replaced the politically unpopular 'Redskin' in October of 1997 with Swoop the RedHawk. College nicknames such as the Florida State Seminoles and Illinois Fighting Illini are among those that have caused controversy. Yet in Tallahassee, the matter appears to be under control, according to Browning Brooks, Director of Media Relations at Florida State. "We use Seminole symbolism that pays homage to the tribe... with the approval of Chief (James) Billie of the Seminole Tribe of Florida. We involve the tribe in planning the clothing of Chief Osceola, who rides an Appaloosa horse, Renegade, at football games. Members of the tribe participate in Homecoming festivities and, in fact, crown the prince and princess. "All activities relating to the use of the name Seminole are treated with the utmost respect and sensitivity and are known to, and approved by, the tribe itself," Brooks responded via e-mail. "Chief Billie is on record saying that he resents outside interference by other Indians, non-Seminoles, who want all Indian nicknames banished nationwide. (Chief Haney) suggested that if anyone were going to protest the name being used, it should be the Seminoles," Brooks added. Among those who support a nationwide banishment of Native American mascots is Dr. Dennis Tibbetts, Director of Native American Studies at Northern Michigan. "Even if Florida State 'makes it accurate,' they are still using symbols that are a part of certain faiths. The eagle feather, for example, is used as a sign of honor in many ceremonies. What does it mean that it is also used on the football field? The (Seminole) tribe can agree, but people outside can still object," Tibbetts argued. Perhaps the most politically charged debate over team mascots is at Illinois. The image of the fictional Chief Illiniwek, mascot for more than 70 years, could disappear from the logo, as groups such as the Progressive Resource/Action Cooperative (PRC) gain support to oust this strong Illinois tradition. Brooke Anderson of the PRC suggests that a "stubborn Board of Trustees" will keep Chief Illiniwek at Illinois for a long time. Even though "a new mascot may usher in a new era of sensitivity at U of I." "The Chief and the environment he creates at the University makes Native American enrollment horrendous. It is difficult to attract top Native American scholars. Why would they come here? This school has no Native American studies program, nor Native American house. I'm not Native American, but I can't imagine what it's like for them here," said Anderson. What would happen if Illinois changed its mascot? "The President would lose his job," suggests Dr. Tibbetts. "These nicknames were created in a time when universities didn't expect to ever encounter Native American students or faculty. "They were created without ill-intent. But they are harmful and disrespectful. They should not exist," said Tibbetts. As support builds for both pro- and anti-mascot groups schools must make decisions about what kind of image they want to present. They are forced to weigh years of acceptance and school pride against tremendous resentment from an equally proud community. Years of tradition could have to make way for political correctness, or popular mascots may be representing unpopular schools. Florida State officials say the school's use of the Seminole name is 'treated with the utmost respect and sensitivity. AP PHOTO 09-23-99 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ©1999 The Michigan Daily ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Letters to the editor should be sent to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Comments about this site should be sent to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] -------------------------------------------------------- Visit the anti-"Chief" homepage of the Progressive Resource/Action Cooperative (PRC) http://www.prairienet.org/prc -------------------------------------------------------- <<<<=-=-= =-=-=>>>> "We simply chose an Indian as the emblem. We could have just as easily chosen any uncivilized animal." Eighth Grade student writing about his school's mascot, 1997 <<<<=-= http://www.tdi.net/ishgooda/racial/ =-=>>>> IF it says: "PASS THIS TO EVERYONE YOU KNOW...." Please Check it before you send it at: http://urbanlegends.miningco.com/library/blhoax.htm <<<<=-=-=FREE LEONARD PELTIER!!!=-=-=>>>>
