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Originally Posted by Ol'Drippy
I just had a class talk about this so I thought I'd bring it up just for discussions sake.
What are your guys' take on the idea that teams should get rid of Native American team names, like the Indians and the Redskins? I personally think they can be done in a way that pays tribute to the group, but that it just as easily can be something that contributes to stereotypes. I really don't know where that line is though, so I've never really been big on either side.
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I personally questioned whether or not to submit Cherokees as a nickname, fearing it would not be politically correct and might offend some people.
But I have always revered and respected the great Indian Nations and have looked on them as wise, brave, loyal, strong, spiritial and honest people that care about the land...The image that always comes to my mind when I think of Native American, is of of the movie actor, Jeff Chandler, who played the great Indian chief, Cochise, in the Jimmy Stewart movie, "Broken Arrow". He was very wise, brave, honest and loyal.
So when I submitted it and voted for it, I did it with the greatest respect.
I think as long as the nickname honors our great Native Americans and depicts them in a positive way, it is ok...I would hate for it to become mandatory to ban all references to them in sports...I miss the great nicknames of the past...Miami Redskins, St. John's Redmen...Marquette Warriors...and I think Ripon Redmen, too...I think they were all changed to be politically correct and for no other reason...I'm glad the Washington Redskins and the Atlanta Braves did not give in to political pressure.
I felt it would be wrong to eliminate a Native American name simply to be politically correct, which I think has gone too far in our present day society.
That is my White Man's view...which is biased and could be totally wrong...it would be interesting to hear what a Native American would say about the question. I remember reading how a Native American felt about it and I could in many ways agree with their perspective and feelings. I remember him saying that the Indian head dress is religious in meaning and is to be treated with respect and not used in a light manner...like having a white man dress up as an Indian and bring ridicule to them by acting like a crazed savage...similar to white people in blackface is offensive to Black people.