KnowtheFacts

If its not that big of a deal, then lets change it and move on.

Don't you think it might be easier to change one university logo than to try to change the names and cultural identities of hundreds of thousands of people? I don't think a Sioux being called Sioux is offensive. I think a Sioux being called a "Fighting Sioux" and being expected to symbolize an entire race because of a stereotype promoted by an Indian-head logo whose image and colors represent ideals for a hockey team and its fans, *is* offensive.

How about the University and the Board of Education actually *read* the Resolutions that many tribes including almost all of the Sioux tribes and almost all of the American Indian Programs that they brag about on this campus have *already written* and respectfully retire the name as a show of "honor" for the people they say they respect and admire so highly. The compromise is simple. UND retires the name, therefore showing our "honor" to the Sioux people. How about instead of going backward, we move forward to a name that we can *all* be proud of? How about teaching our kids about the Sioux people outside of the context of a hockey game? I learned about Sioux culture because I met and talked to people who were Sioux, not because of a logo or a hockey arena exhibition. Maybe that should be the new way of learning about someones culture.

The NCAA is learning what it's like to be Indian

Im am so sick of talking about this point. If you dont believe some what in democracy, then you need to move to another country. but then there your opinion *really* wouldnt matter. according to *you*, Gov. Hoven's statements today are a bunch of political b.s. and I can summarily dismiss them since there is no reason for me to believe that he is reflecting anyones opinion but his own and the people who financially back him. (But I am thinking since he supports *your* views that what he said is okay.)

A *tuition* waiver is hardly a free education. Big difference. ESTIMATED YEARLY EXPENSES The following table gives an estimate of the expenses of a single, undergraduate student residing on campus during the nine month, 2000-2001 college year. Detailed information about the cost of attending the University is available from the Office of Enrollment Services. North Dakota Tuition and Fees* $ 3,662 Room and Board** 3,932 Books and Supplies 700 Personal Expenses 2,600 Total Est. Costs $10,894 *Plus matriculation fees ($35 one time)

I was looking for some of the questions you said I hadn't answered. I am trying to answer but we keep going off on tangents. Your line of questioning is so hypocritical. First you ask how an individual can speak for an entire nation of people, meaning that one voice does not matter as much as the entire tribe. Then you use the exact opposite argument to support your view: "what about the individuals who say it honors the tribe?" The point I am making *again* is that there are elected leaders who speak for the tribes. Their decisions are based on input from their constituents. That is how these resolutions from almost all of the Sioux tribes have come about. Not by a couple of people who feel one way or the other. let's see- we already had the discussion on polls and how they can say whatever a person wants them to say... And I think we already decided that we cant really use polls to support either argument.

so you are adding to the string: Proponents of the name: It's an honor. Opponents of the Name: Well, we don't feel honored. Proponents of the Name: Well, I dont care what you think or how you feel. I am the majority and I can do whatever I want without regard to anyone else. So shut up and feel honored dammit.

please go back and read the post in context. then maybe you will understand my comments. I agree that changing the name will not change some peoples behavior. However, changing it will be a huge step forward in that process. I think in changing it, people will follow the institution's lead in trying to understand that "Fighting Sioux" really did have a negative impact on NA students. Second, the institution itself will no longer be promoting the stereotype. Of course there will be people, like on these boards, who will continue to wear Sioux jerseys and chant Go Sioux, but that only shows that they are unwilling to change or accept that maybe there was some question to the use of the nickname. yeah, yeah free speech blah blah blah. It is one thing for one person to speak freely. It is certainly another for a state and federally funded institution to promote such things. I worked with some Indian students a few summers ago. They were minding their own business and certainly not trying to push their agenda on anyone. However, throughout the summer there were several instances where racial slurs were yelled at them for no reason, and an unprovoked assault with racial slurs spoken at the time. Just because you aren't aware of it doesnt mean it does not happen. speaking of which: you said, "Most people don't want to be told what to think or do and this often creates unnecessary annimosity." Do you think that being told to just shut up and be honored could be part of what creates some animosity?

Oh, my bleeding heart! Im so insulted. You must have nothing to say about my comments so you resort to personal attacks. That only really goes to show what kind of person *you* are.

You forgot a really huge issue that still faces Native Americans in your list. That is having to deal with racism and stereotypes imposed by people like you. It's kind of hard to get out of a rut when everyone thinks of you as a poor pregnant criminal who abuses alcohol and drugs. What are YOU doing? After all you are "honoring" the Sioux right? I'm working on MY part. but since I am currently studying at UND where I get to deal with *this* every day. I work on the name issue, because I believe that what people learn about the Sioux from the UND experience leads them to treat NA's poorly in real life. Yes if the name is changed, the poor treatment will continue. but in time that will change because we wont be raising our children on these false beliefs. see quote below as well.