NCAA ban on mascots

[rainmaker]

Originally posted by Ref in PA
In this case with the NCAA, some feel that school nicknames are offensive and degrading. Some feel that the schools mock things sacred to offended group. Others think the Indian tribes are being petty by taking offense. Who is right? It is a tough question and the NCAA has reacted by mandating certain actions. Some feel the NCAA has not gone far enough with their mandates while other feel that NCAA has overstepped their boundaries.

Now, for my opinion: If the actions of a group do not infringe upon the rights of another, then it should be legal. What right is being violated by a school adopting a nickname? We live in a country of freedoms and rights. I am unaware of any freedoms or rights of an Indian tribe being violated by these nicknames or mascots. Therefore, I think the issue is a silly one. Just my opinion.

I think the comparison of your daughter's dislike of chewing noises to the offense taken by Native Americans to the mascots is specious. 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.