University of West Georgia drops Braves name

[MafiaMan]

But the majority of your own people, Kracker, don't agree with you on this issue.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

You're forgetting, mikejm, that not all Sioux people have been "educated" on this issue, so people like GK do in fact speak for all of them. The only Indians who would support the nickname fall into one of several categories:

#1) They're not really Sioux so their voice doesn't count.

#2) They're not Sioux enough in terms of blood so their voice doesn't count.

#3) They're hang around the fort Indians so their voice doesn't count.

#4) They've never left the reservation and haven't experienced racism so their voice doesn't count.

#5) They have their own opinion and support the Sioux nickname so their voice doesn't count.

[dagies]

Were those situations caused because of the nickname though? Changing the nickname will not prevent any of those situations from happening.  Whether the nickname is Sioux or Spagetti-O's, the teepe will still be set up every year.  Every once in a while, some stupid kids are going to do something idiotic.  This isn't limited to the teepee though. Any time anything is set up on campus, it stands a chance of being defaced by a couple of drunken bufoons. The nickname isn't what causes these things, ignorance is. This is why instead of bickering, the two sides should work together to find a common ground and to educate people.

This is exactly what I wanted to respond with. Thanks for getting there first.

[Goon]

[dagies]

  Everytime I do, its "not really" racism, its just some stupid kids having fun, right?  Lets see....there was this time our tipi was egged ( I was there, and it was premeditated,unless everyone carries eggs in their pockets....there are the many times I was told to go back to the reservation and work at the casino.....my friends threatened and called prairie niggers......the summer I called the cops 5 times because my Native High school students were spit on, cussed at, threatened, had things thrown at them, why?  Because of their long hair?  Because they don't look like you? 

  Whatever.  I have seen and felt the racism here on campus.  Its not everywhere and not everyone does it, but its there.  Will it get worse before it gets better?  Probably.  But does that mean I'm going to let up?  Hell no. 

  So go ahead and think I hate the world.  But I know that what I'm doing is because I love my people.  I see them hurt, so I will stand up for them.  Someday this will all be over and my people will be able to be treated with respect, treated equally, and not used as logos/mascots, but until then I will keep up the fight.

I think I've reached one level of understanding so far in all these threads and pages. If I was on the recieving end of this sort of treatment, and believed that it was UND students I would have a hard time accepting their cheering "GO SIOUX" at the football or hockey game on Friday. I probably would desire they give up using that name of which I am proud.

That emotion and reaction I can understand.

There's more to it, and that is the fact the name isn't causing the problem in the first place. Many people are proud of that name, whether they are American Indians or if they are white, black or Hispanic. And there's a lot more good people who support using that name than ignorant trash who can't get beyond their racism.

I don't know if I've ever bought into the argument that UND using the nickname is meant to "honor" the Sioux people. However, as has been stated here before, UND has identified the Sioux Warrior of the plains as having qualities they would like the sports teams to emulate.

Imitation is the highest form of flattery, is it not?

Like many have said, the best solution to this issue is to find a way to work together so everyone can be happy. I'm sorry GrahamKracker, but changing the name will solve none of the problems you have brought up, in this message (above) or in others. Better to find a way to use it as a tool for progress, rather than retire it and lose that mechanism.

GrahamKracker, I do feel sorry that you experience that kind of behavior from people. I just believe your solution is misplaced, and unproductive.

[MafiaMan]

There's some real logic being displayed on this thread, so naturally, GK has disappeared and moved on.

[fightonsioux]

"So go ahead and think I hate the world. But I know that what I'm doing is because I love my people. I see them hurt, so I will stand up for them." GrahamKracker

Except the ones that disagree with you. Like the Sioux woman who is afraid to wear her backpack with the Sioux logo on it because of the harassment she gets from her own people...like you.. who say "But I know that what I'm doing is because I love my people. I see them hurt, so I will stand up for them."

Like Dorreen Yellow Bird says in her column "Don't judge a whole group by the actions of a few."

I am not going to judge all the Sioux people by your actions.

[airmail]

But I know that what I'm doing is because I love my people.  I see them hurt, so I will stand up for them. 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

What other causes, besides changing the nickname, have you been involved in? You reference racism and slander frequently and it's tie to UND, but I'm curious if you are also involved in proactive solutions to the multiple social and economic troubles found on reservations. What, if anything, are you doing for your people regarding these issues?

No flame or bait intended, but if you are this active on the name issue, I'd like to hear how you are involved in what many (and myself) consider "more important issues."

[ScottM]

There's some real logic being displayed on this thread, so naturally, GK has disappeared and moved on.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Naw. He's busy applying for admission to UWG.

[THETRIOUXPER]

The funny thing about GK is that the very hate, abuse and hostility that he so persistnetly speaks out against, he somehow condones and rationalizes it against everyone else who does not share his sentiments, he wonders why people don't take him seriously. I want my cake and I want to eat it too, nice when you can make up your own set of rules, but hey, if it makes him feel better I guess that's all that really counts.