Quote:
Originally posted by rainmaker
Many Native Americans believe that their identity as people is diminished by the nicknames and mascots of Indians. My point of view -- and I recommend it to others -- is to not want to do harm. If someone tells me that my actions belittle and dehumanize them, I will stop, if possible. Then if they continue to be offended, that's another story. You think it's silly for the Indians to make a big deal out of the nicknames. But if you fight that request, then you're making a big deal, too.
But if you immdeiately change the nickname/mascot, then you get a lot of brownie points, and you get to spend your time on something more important, like graduation rates, and affirmative action.
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One major problem I see in this is that the common arguments are lumping all "Native Americans" into one bucket with regards to thier views. However, there were hundreds (or perphaps thousands) of difference tribes on this continent and the only thing many of them had in common was the continent. The had different languages, customs, and practices. Just because some Indians are offended doesn't mean all are. Why should the the fact that an indian of the Illini tribe is offended about use of their image matter to the Seminoles or Utes who are apparently satisifed and supportive of the use of their image? This is no more right than saying all (fill in a race or ethnic group) are (fill in a word)?