America has become too sensitive.
There's no better sign of this than the extinction of Chief Illiniwek from University of Illinois sporting events.
Succumbing to pressures from the NCAA, the University has put an end to the spirited -- and traditional --dance that all Illini faithful used as common bond since 1926.
This isn't some sideshow comedy act that was put to rest on Wednesday night. Thousands of fans didn't stand every half time to laugh and mock the dance. They stood to honor it.
Call me ignorant, but how does the dance exploit the Native American? I would argue that Chief Osceola down in Tallahassee riding aboard Renegade with his spear hoisted in the air (above, right) paints a more racist picture than Illiniwek's dance (video of the final dance is below).
I am fully aware of America's wrongdoings to the Native American people. It's another reason to be ashamed of our forefathers' callous attitudes to people not like them generations ago. But times have changed, and while there is plenty of ignorance still alive in the world, we must embrace all of America's cultures and honor them, not shun them.
Video: The Chief's Last Dance
Comments (2)
Adam, the image of Chief Illiniwek does not honor Native Americans. You said it best when you said that the FSU mascot "paints a more racist picture"--both are racist, but one is more racist? Removing the Indian-themed mascots is not the NCAA trying to enact some cultural revenge for US policies, it's a way to make collegiate sports opening and inviting for ALL students. I wish you would have taken a look at how Natives truly felt on this topic, rather than basing your claims on what thousands of overwhelmingly white folks did or did not do. The fact is that there is a culture of tolerance still towards portrayels of certain minority groups that greatly hurts members of those groups. Allowing certain mascots like Illiniwek alienate and offend, and are not harmless. Removing these mascots and their dances is not being overly PC, but an effort by somebody to try to put an end to this institutionalized, subconscious racism that still permeates our white-dominated society. Getting rid of Illiniwek won't solve it all, but it's a positive step in the right direction.
I tend to agree with Blake on this topic. What makes Florida State such an interesting example, however, is that Florida State has such close ties to the Seminole tribe, and the tribe actually condones the usage.
In general, however, you've got to think about how and why these terms are used for mascots. It's not about honoring American Indians. Instead, it's to convey a message of being a savage warrior. And that's a pretty frustrating stereotype a lot of American Indians have been trying to escape.
I agree 99 percent that America has become too sensitive. I think political correctness does more to hamper rational debate than it does to protect people's feelings. But we're not talking about a stand-up comedy routine poking fun of cultural differences. And we're not looking at a single column that appeared in Newsday. We're talking about the ongoing and institutionalized stereotyping of a race of Americans.
As our society continues to evolve and we see more examples of perjoration, I think it's only fitting that we revisit our terminology and practices.