February 22, 2007
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Chief Illiniwek
The state I live in has had an ongoing issue with an American Indian mascot for the University of Illinois.
There are those who thought having an Indian mascot was “racist and and insulting.” The mascot just performed at his last even tonight a the men’s basketball game. The NCAA banned the school from hosting postseason athletic events because of the mascot. An agreement was reached so that the university could begin hosting postseason events by getting rid of the mascot. Here is the link: Link
Is an Indian mascot racist?
Comments (116)
Get rid of the chief and replace him with a Scottish highlander. I promise not to be offended.
In my opinion, no.
Make him a British Redcoat, and I’ll sue your ass!
just kidding.
I don’t think it’s racist, but I could see how it might offend some Native Americans. But I don’t think it portrays them in a bad light.
RYC: That must have been quite an experience. Did you have a close relationship?
No. This banishment is idiotic and pretentious, and will remain so until (at least) one of the supposedly offended parties actually says they were offended.
How denigrating is this, taking up the responsibility of taking offense for someone else? It’s the ultimate conceit, and it is one of my pet peeves…
I actually took a class last semester over Native Americans, with a whole segment on discrimination. I don’t believe it’s racist, but I can see how some groups of Native Americans might find it offensive. You’d be surprised; not all Native Americans find that offensive, but the ones that do overule any other decisions.
it might not be racist so much as ridiculous. it just reinforces stereotypes and ignorance.
I think it’s more of an honor.
Why would you chose a mascot that you were going to mock or drag down? I have yet to hear a team say that they chose their mascot because they thought it would give them a bad image.
Get over it already. Unless you want Notre Dame to give up their name because it degrades Irish people.
Two letters – B.S.
Political correctness is so pathetic.
you should be the mascot, dan.
No, I think it’s part of history
I don’t think so, because they’re not particularly offending the Indian/Native American culture.
White guy dresses up as a Native American stereotype and prances around. Uh, yeah that’s offensive. Would this even be a discussion if he was wearing black face?
i don’t understand racism, it is ignorance, and this falls into that category……….from the racist, non racist, and the ones that feel it is racism……….get real, there are far more important things to worry about! Just my opinion………..
I don’t think so.
plain and simple No
to me, no. i think the indian nation would be proud to have that as a symbol of a major university and how people see it and feel about it.
no but it does stereotype many diverse cultures as one in an arguably harmful way.
He looks nothing like any of the Native Americans I know.
…and I have actually met quite a few recently. My uncle is part of a tribe. So I agree with those who have said it falls more into ignorance and stereotypes rather than racism.
It presents a racial stereotype and makes it a bit cartoonish. I don’t believe it is purposely racist, just ignorant.
How is the banishment of the mascot such a great loss? I don’t see why people waste time defending it.
PC is gay.
It’s just as racist as having a team mascot that is black because “black people are intimidating and aggressive”. There are Native American mascots that are even worse than the one you’ve mentioned; the Redskins’ mascot is disgusting. If you want to know if something is racist, switch things around to a different race and it should be pretty clear. The only exception, I’d say, is affirmative action. On the most technical level, it is “racist”, but it’s racism with a purpose, which is to help combat racism, and therefore is an acceptable policy. That went random fast.
Hidden_sandwhich- you CANNOT combat an evil with another evil. That’s like saying I’ll steal from you, because someone else stole from me, and I’m perfectly justified.
Well just for thought, Notre Dame and their Fighting Irish, so what am I as a person of Irish ancestry to feel of this?
We had a Greek Warrior as my high school mascot, I don’t know what the Greek Community felt.
I think if the depiction of the mascot is somehow insulting and derogatory it IS then offensive, not knowing much about that team, I could not say.
University of Illinois, how about the Lincolns for their mascot? Someone with a beard and a big top hat, dancing around to “Who let the dogs out” That may work?
Make him a cow and PETA is after you. We need to get all thsoe orginization under one parent organization called “FSI” or Funsuckers Incorporated.
No. Its not.
Though I like the first guy’s idea. I’d totally go with a Scottish Highlander over an Indian Chief.
is a black pimp mascot racist?
No. Its not like they are ridiculing Native Americans. Its their mascot, the one image that represents the spirit of the school.
I would think it was a compliment. Schools choose things that are fearsome yet noble as their mascots normally which to me being associated with those traits would be an honor. However, I am not an indian so I cannot say how they would feel about it.
its the opposite
Wait what about all of the schools with animal mascots? How can we be so cruel as to degrade the animals and worsen their plight? Why has the NCAA not done anything about that yet?
Seriously this political correctness crap is stupid. The native americans who oppose these mascots are doing more to give themselves a bad name than are the schools with the mascots.
thats not a very good picture that depicts how we (i go to UIUC) look at the chief. we highly pride & honor our chief, it represents values that the University wants to portray & im pretty sure that eventually the University will revoke their decision. word is that the amount of money the university is losing from alumni donations is MORE than the amount of money the university would be gaining by getting rid of the chief in order to host athletic NCAA events or what not. we are talking MILLIONS, 80+ years of alumni have a lot of pride in the university. i DONT think it is a racist act to keep the chief as a mascot. the only reason NCAA keeps going for US is because we’re the bigger school, so if we get rid of ours, other schools with similar mascots will “have to” get rid of theirs too.
its like telling another country, “no you cant use the bald eagle as a mascot because we called it first.” Chief itself is a universal symbol. its so sad that it has come to this..i had a blog about it last week (Friday) when they announced it would be retired. its sooo much crap, in my opinion. but whatever, i HOPE the university literally pays for this.
p.s. i realize i never really answered your question. indian mascots CAN be racist, but we dont depict the Chief to be barbaric or warrior like. therefore, i dont think we are negatively stereotyping; if so, then you can complain about stereotypes with EVERY mascot. we might as well make mascots something materialistic, like binders or books, to accurately “depict a university.”
I don’t think I’d like a chinese running around with chopsticks yelling out cheers of proverbs.
I’m korean, but you get the point.
Similarly, there’s been controversy with the team called the Redskins. They portray Native Americans to be vicious in their actions.
Are Native Americans heathen-like and uncivilized?
You might say it’s not meant to offend, and I’ll agree with that.
But I don’t think the typical caucasian would like a mascot portraying them as obese with a blatant lack of intelligence or regard for other cultures.
Not to be stereotypical or anything.
A Scotish Highlander for a mascot is a good idea.
no.
Can you still buy Big Chief tablets? Are they racist too? Could they ban the mascot if he really WAS Native American and not just portraying one? Wouldn’t that then be considered racist for banning an individuals right to express his cultural identity?
Good Lord, I had this smae issue in middle school when our mascots were the Warriors. We were not calling the darkies or anything. I don’t get what’s offensive. I live near the Cherokee nation and the picture you posted looks exactly like what the touristy plays and crap they put on to attract money to the reservations.
*same
*calling them…
I really need to read before I submit.
Everyone who doesn’t think it’s racist:
what if the mascot was a white guy? Is that still “not racist”?
No really. How about a white guy mascot. I mean, isn’t it time white guys were mascots?
That should be ok, since it’s not insulting at all.
I hate all sports, so I think all of them should be banned.
I think native american mascots show ignorant stereotypes. I don’t think they are meant to be racist or insulting–but they are to some people.
What if they had a roman mascot and the team was called The Crucifiers and at half time they pulled out a dummy of a member of the opposing team and nailed it to a cross and pranced around holding it up and hooting and hollering?
I bet a lot of people thinking it is okay like it is now would be offended by that.
As a UIUC grad, I do think the Chief needs to go. To most people he caused no problem, but the symbol (not mascot) of the university should not be a problem for any student and the chief was a problem for a very small few. I heard a great speach by an American Indian while attending UIUC who would not go to sporting events becuase of the chief and eventually he left the school because of the atmosphere it created.
The chief needs to go and be replaced by something innocuous like a cow or ear of corn.
For what it is worth, the person portraying the chief is an American Indian and as far as I know always has been. Certainly back into the 70s. Generally the person was like 50 or 25% American Indian. That is not a reason to keep it, just a comment.
A few Indian nations have complained about it and wanted the symbo canned. The one from which the university obtained the outfit the chief wears wanted it returned (UIUC bought it from a former tribe member. I think of the Sioux, but I am not sure of that).
people should get laid more. Honestly, it’s a mascot to rowdy up the crowd. I blame republicans who live in their office.
well, i don’t personally find it racist, but sum people might.
White guy dresses up as a Native American stereotype and prances around. Uh, yeah that’s offensive. Would this even be a discussion if he was wearing black face?
Posted 2/21/2007 11:52 PM by yet_another_discalceate_hoyden
Good point.
Nah, I’d consider it more a cultural heritage. And its not like they have hteir mascot personally degrading himself, but rather, he’s the leader of the team.
I don’t think so.
Kinda,I’m part Native American.
Everything Is Racist these days.
I don’t think so at all. The Nebraska Cornhuskers have a farmer for a mascot and you don’t hear the Nebraskan farmers saying “Hey that’s racist!” That’s pretty interesting since 90% of Nebraska is AG land. How many Native Americans in the entire US are there? Probably not even close to 10% of the population. I rest my case.
University of Oklahoma once had the same issue over their mascot. They ended up having to get rid of him.
No, but calling it Indian is. Its Native American now =P
…..why an american indian?!…cant they just have like..what…a beever?!i guess it could be a little offensive, but its true right?i mean, american indian cheifs dress like that dont they?and its just a mascot..if someone had a chinese kung fu guy as sum mascot i wouldnt be offended, and im chinese…i wont be offended because its partly true…kung fu did come from china and we do own it…:D
No, I just wish they would have a Native American protray the mascot. That’s my only complaint. I think by making the Native American Illini’s mascot, they are honoring the heritage of the people of Illinois, not dismantling it. It was a sad, sad dance.
P.S. I didnt know you were from Illinois!?!
I want to start a college team and call them the “Hillbilly Cracker Boys”. Our mascot will be “Jethro Bodine.” I wouldn’t be offended by that.
All of these groups that are getting their panties in a twist over stupid stuff like this need to get a hobby! They all want to yell “racism!”, but they sure don’t want to give up their “Black University Students Club” or “Native American Students Club” or “Miss [ fill in your race here ] pageant.” They would scream bloody murder if we had a “Miss Whitey America” contest.
Good grief, people. The world (especially America) is EMPLODING around us, and all we can do is whine about college mascots and entertain ourselves TO DEATH!!!???
that is the most retarted thing i’ve heard all week.
it’s an honor. kind of like the voulenteers (gag me please….go gators) it’s like we’re strong and smart, prepared, undefeatable. we’re a legend in our own…we’re the indians and get ready to get served.
geez
I hate PC. I don’t care that there is a team called the Dallas Cowboys. I guess Canadians should be in up in arms about the Vancouver Canucks.
It’s just people being overly-sensitive, often about things that are 0% hostile and inflammatory.
As has already been stated, a mascot is embraced and respected by its team, not made fun of. They are in a weird, stupid way represented by that mascot.
It’s a shame that people detect things like racism where it’s not and then make a big stink about it. Normal people who aren’t racist, sexist, etc. don’t see the big deal.
I vote nay – not racist.
this mascot thing is the biggest bunch of shit ! has any one asked the friggin indians what they think ? pretty soon we won’t be able to use animals because some asshole thinks it’s offensive to them. get a life !!!
Can someone explain to me in lucid terms precisely what is wrong with stereotypes? I find them valuable.
That’s retarded….
“Cant we all just get along…” LOL
Boy, I’m not sure how I feel about this. I came in here with a “get over it” attitude and after reading all the comments and agreeing with most, I’m wavering. The comparison to a white guy being in black face did it. And La Faerie’s comment is true as well. I think I need to think about this a bit more.
“The Nebraska Cornhuskers have a farmer for a mascot and you don’t hear the Nebraskan farmers saying ‘Hey that’s racist!’ “
‘Farmer’ is an occupation not a race, but there’s still a good point there.
“The only exception, I’d say, is affirmative action.”
Why make an exception for ANY form of racism?
Idk, what’s so great about native americans anyway?
Didn’t put up much of a fight for their land, live on reservations in poverty and have huge rates of drug abuse.
Great mascot.
)
(btw, I’m jokin’ i’m Cherokee
No. I think it could be viewed as a celebration of Native American culture. . .But in Atlanta, we lost our Chief Nocahoma (sp?) for the Braves too. He was the mascot guy from when I was a kid. He was awesome. He used to do this war-cry thing and come running out on the field. I don’t think there was anything degrading or negative about what he did. But we are living in a p.c. world.
I grew up in Illinois, and as schoolkids, (although most of us were white and not “native” to Illinois) we were ALWAYS taught about our state’s Native American heritage, taken to museums with artifacts, focused on it in school, and were still finding arrowheads in our farmer grandfathers’ fields – all of this made us TREASURE and RESPECT our lands’ heritage – although not Native by blood, many of us hold this heritage dear to our hearts. We were born here – through no choice of our own, but because our parents were here – most of our families do not go back as far as the time when the Native Americans were driven out of this land, but our families immigrated later. We love the Native people and our state’s heritage…that is why the Chief became a symbol at U of I. Universities don’t choose their mascots to make fun of that symbol, but always to respect it, honor it, and often to honor the heritage of the surrounding area. Honestly, an ear of corn or a cow? The Natives were here first.
Is it racist to have a cowboy as your mascot? I didn’t think so. Is it offensive to Hindus that schools use bulls as their mascot? Didn’t think so. This is a dumb argument. Yes its stereotypical and ignorant, but anybody who gives something stereotypical and ignorant weight is dumb, and needs to find something meaningful to complain about.
The only exception is the Washington Redskins, because that’s a racist term, and is not suitable for use in modern society, just like other racist terms.
Uhh, no.
I want an albino mascot.
absolutely not. keep the chief safe!
I like how all the white people are the one’s saying it is racist. I have never heard another indian say that a mascot like this was offensive.
Shouldn’t it be up to the people being “offended” to decide if it is actually offensive or not? Why do you have to decide for them?
Then again, white people have always known what is best for the indians.
As a member of the Cherokee Nation, I personally have no problem with mascots such as this. Most indians are very proud of their heritage, likely more so than many other race.
There was nothing wrong with Chief Illiniwek. He was just a mascot for a team that happened to be known as “the fighting Illini,” which does not put Native Americans in a bad light.
Sidenote: Because it’s SO much better for an NFL team to be called the Redskins.
nooo
If that’s the case, the Atlanta Braves ought to change their mascot as well, shouldn’t they?
I personally don’t think it’s racist. If they were holding negative connotations to it, it wouldn’t be their mascot.
Actually… my bad. I was thinking about the tomahawk…
>_>
NO
I MISS CHIEF.
ugh. silly .
and. the people who wear the costume have to take a class on it. and it’s meant to honor the Illiniwek tribe, not make fun of it
Two letters – B.S.
Political correctness is so pathetic.
Posted 2/21/2007 11:42 PM by cincyredsfan38
Oh, oh, oh, what is wrong with you…. oh wait.. nvm i agree. I think this political crrectness is getting retarded. For homecoming at our school the 10th graders choose sizzilen’ butter as their theme, i don’t know why, but on the float they wanted to put Aunt Jemima(sp?) fixing pankaes but the principal said it was racest. I think he is on heroine, but he wouldn’t let them do it. I’m not sure if this applies or not. Just thought i would mention it.
Absolutely not. Our school has an Indian mascot and we were told that it should be banned immediately but we never did. We never let go of our Indian mascot because our town is of Native American land.
no, I believe that it would be an honor to have that if I was an Indian. It is showing respect for them and celebrating them, not insulting them
No. People are to sensitive…
no. personally, i like the idea of a native american mascot. i myself am slightly [and very slightly] cherokee. i think the mascot was – well flattering isnt the right word, but close. maybe.. a compliment. they chose the chief because they thought it would give an impression of strength and intelligence and everything native americans represent. native americans did have special dances for ceremonies and rituals and so on. sure they probably werent like the chief’s dance but it has to be a little exaggerated for a mascot.
i find this whole thing is just plain short sighted. i see it as a way to represent native americans.
screw political correctness. you cant make everyone happy.
No.
no, it’s only racist if the indian is from a certain tribe. my school’s mascot is an indian and no one has a problem with it because it isn’t from a certain tribe..
I don’t think its racist. Its silly and insulting, but not racist.
they chose the chief because they thought it would give an impression of strength and intelligence and everything native americans represent
Posted 2/22/2007 4:15 PM by Ix3Beethoven
Exactly.
Even though no offense was intended, I guess it technically is because offense was caused.
Then again, I think a lot of people are too easily offended these days.
I think so. its offensive as well. The mascot is making fun of their beliefs and way of life which isn’t right. It would be like a team having a Pastor as a mascot and reading bible verses or something. Christians all over would be offended. You would never see that happen.
“Is it racist to have a cowboy as your mascot? I didn’t think so.”
it’s not racist because cowboy is not a race. a group of people and a race of people are totally different. No one would name a mascot “Negroes” or “Jews” or “Caucasians” as mascots for their athletic teams, neither should “Indians, Redskins, Braves, or Chiefs” be mascots. Yet it continues.
I think the mascot is racist, maybe not necessarily the name. It’s just promoting a stereotype.
What do you think would happen if we had a Pope as a mascot, and he baptized babies every time we scored a basket? I think it would be hilarious, so yeah, I dont have a problem with the mascot.
are the football team the “redskins” racist then?
i don’t think so.
Yes, an Indian mascot is racist. Washington Redskins – BOO!
no, its not like they’re making fun of Indians. They’re using them to represent their school as strong, tough and whatever other word you want to use to describe an Indian.I don’t think people know what racism is anymore.
no, that’s our school mascot also (!warriors!). i’d be proud, not offended
No i don`t think its racist
well, i don’t think it’s that big of a deal.
I just got accepted to that school!
Native American, not Indian, please.
Erm…I dunno enough about the issue to decide.
Next using a green frog as a mascot will be disrespectful. Although I do not agree with live animals for mascots..
Offensive and insensitive, but not racist. I wonder what people would say if the university applied Al Jolson’s “the jazz singer” as it’s mascot??
How about “the Illinoise Fighting Whities?”
what about the vikings, the padres, the celtics, the cowboys? its not racist, the indians are just being babies now
Dan, being from Illinois, you’re probably aware that the Dan who has performed as the chief, and all the ones before him, go to a particular reservation and learn the dance from natives. This dance is done with the utmost respect and honor. This particular group does not find it offensive, apparently. I live on the U of I campus, and it’s really interesting to see how this is affecting people. I was sort of apathetic in talking about it with others this past week, but now that I think of it, I can recall so many U of I games where that was what I wanted to see. Our local news had a comment from a woman. She said “if anything the NCAA is making a martyr of the chief, and people are just going to love him more.” It’s been a few days, but on the way to work I’m already seeing chief stuff everywhere. So far, she’s right.
“How about “the Illinoise Fighting Whities?”
How about since you live in the U.S., learn to spell Illinois… The nois is pronounced NOI, btw.
not racist, but definitely reinforces stereotypes the native community has been fighting for years.
for the record: I’m native… for what it’s worth.
The University of Illinois should take a cue from Sufjan Stevens and make their mascot “The Illinoisemakers”!!!!
Stupid – It’s just tradition – The University I went to just had to change their name from the Northeast Indians to War Hawks – It sucks. I was so upset. They’ve been the Indians for ages.
What’s next? – Are the Bulldogs, Dolphins, Tigers etc. going to riot?
Our Mascot was Chief Brave Spirit – He is no more. Sad.
No, it’s not offensive. Nobody is trying to get Notre Dame’s mascot changed, are they?
No, and it’s Native American.
I go to Arkansas State University. Our mascot is the Indians. We had Runnin’ Joe when I was a kid, but they got rid of it and now we have the Indian Family. It is a Chief, Maiden, and Warrior. Their costumes are very authentic and the training that the people have to go through is crazy. Ive heard that one of the tribes that was native to Arkansas consulted about the mascots beforehand. Not sure which one… They dont run around like ‘savages’ the mood is very serious and respectful. I do however think that the name should be changed from Indians to something more correct like the Osage or Quapaw.
Here’s the link sorry. http://www.asuindians.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=7200&ATCLID=204610
What about the redskins?
NO! For crying out loud people! Shut up and realize that it’s not really bothering anyone except those that are supposed to be protecting the rights of everyone and are just telling people what they should think and feel.
uhm, no. Having a mascot represent a team is actually sort of an honor in my opinion. Like, if someone picked me as their mascot, I’d feel pretty damn sweet. But that’s sort of off topic. It’s not racist. It’s no more racist than having a black man or a white man or a Mexican man as a mascot. Who cares? It’s just all in fun, it’s a damn sports team, jeez.