Oh, wow, Hey thanks! Someone with an interesting perspective and some ideas instead of the usual shoot the messanger crap that everyone else on this board has been spewing. I just joined the board last week, so what if I've just been lurking around the rest of the website and haven't posted, give me a break. So, anyway thanks for the cognitive thoughts, I was getting worried!
I agree with you that people would still yell "Sioux" after the name is changed. In fact this is one area where I think name change advocates aren't being realistic. Perhaps I'm being unfair, but it seems like many of them think that once the name changes all the problems relating to the racism directed toward American Indians on this campus will cease. Of course, and most unfortunately, that probably won't be the case.
A few responses to your thoughtful comments: <<"Each team has its own tradition, but the entire athletic program has a completely separate tradition with the Sioux name and logo that every team symbolizes and wants to play exactly like how the Sioux lived.">>>
What? that's just wacky. You really think athletes and coaches want to play "exactly like how the Sioux lived?" Do you think any of them even have a clue how the Sioux lived? Come on, that's ridiculous and irrational. Sounds pretty, but doesn't hold up under the weight of logic and common sense.
<<"Don't assume that we know nothing about the Sioux tribe, it's people, or its history. You'd be surprised I think at what we do know or the amount of people that take the time to try to understand the history and culture of the Sioux tribe. You'd be suprised how many students take a class on Sioux history or Native American history in general because we are intrigued and interested in the topic.">>>
Look, I hate to be cynical, but I just don't buy it. I mean, you seem like someone that would fall into that category, but, sadly, I think you're in the minority. The evidence suggests that most people couldn't care less about actually learning about Sioux culture. Let me ask you this, how many people step around the Eagle feathers of the logo on the marble floors at the Ralph? The reason I ask is because those who know about plains Indian cultures like the Sioux could tell you that the Eagle was an incredibly sacred and revered creature. To attain eagle feathers required two warriors. They would go out and dig a hole and then one of them would get inside. the other one would cover the hole with brush and then put some bait on the brush. When the eagle swooped down, the warrior inside the hole would grab the eagle (can you imagine!) and the other warrior would bag the eagle. So, the eagle and the feathers which symbolize the eagle are highly respected. It seems to me, that if you really wanted to honor and respect Sioux culture, you would walk around those sacred feathers when walking through the Ralph. It seems to me that, the University would refrain from putting the logo and its feathers on center court or center ice only to be run and skated over. I remember reading a few years ago that the Chair of the Indian Studies department at the time and some Native students and faculty were upset about the new logo being placed on the Hylsop court. Yet, the University went ahead and put it there anyway. Sure you could say, 'who cares if a handful of people didn't want it, majority rules.' But, if you're trying to say that the UND athletic community strives to be respectful, then it seems to me that you honor such a sensible request. Look, I really, really apologize if I come across as upitty, but it seems to me that people can talk honor all they want, but its the actions that really count.
Who knows, maybe the name can be a positive by highlighting occurances like this and using them to educate people about American Indian culture. Maybe we need a mandatory class or workshop where students learn about the Sioux culture. Heck, it wouldn't be a bad idea to send out some educational material to the alumni. Maybe you are correct that a community education event on Sioux culture would be helpful (although, I suggest a venue with less stigma, like the Alerus Center). I don't know, but when people are buying and selling stuff like H-Sioux-O water and then talking about honor, it shows that we obviously have some work to do.
Let me respond to one more of your comments and then I gotta go. <<"How has this university minimized the history of the Sioux people and minimized the people who have played a role in creating that history?">>>
Actually, you don't even need me to answer that question for you as you answer it for yourself later on in your post. <<"Every coach tells them to honor them on their respective court/ice sheet/etc...exactly how they want everyone to remember them...as Warriors....They want to play with respect, courage, toughness, etc...and show everyone that they are truly honored to be wearing that jersey.">>
See, that's where the Natives I know who are against the use of the name get angry. They would say that your dipiction of the culture as Warriors is a simplification and stereotype of the culture. I would agree with them. While I have a great deal more to learn about Sioux culture, the more I have learned the more I begin to understand that while these people were and are (don't forget that American Indians, including the Sioux, serve in our Armed Forces in higher percentages than any other group) great warriors their culture emcompasses so much more than the warrior ethos. They have a very complex and beautiful spirituality. In fact, it is my understanding that other tribes throughout the continent have borrowed spiritual rituals from the Sioux because their traditions are so much more intact. Then of course there is the artistry, the songs, the dances, the games, ect. By oversimplifying the culture and focusing exclusively on the warrior facet of it, you are basically trying to freeze that culture in time (like around the time of Custer). In doing so you MINIMIZE THE HISTORY OF THE SIOUX PEOPLE
