Can someone tell me the whole story of stopping the Indian mascot dancing of U. of Illinois?

Question

What is the big deal about that. I have missed the whole thing.

Answer 1

I think it's a question of the kind of image of indians we (as whites) tend to project. A faux-fearsome, tomahawk-wielding savage is what's repellent to them. It's as if we're making fun by using an indian image created by a non-indian.

In point of fact it was white men in this country who were the first to take scalps but history was written by whites and says the opposite,. The indians DID take scalps but it was in retaliation for whites doing it first to indians. The indians saw it as disgusting but thought if that's how white men fight, we'll show them it's not a one way street.Their feeling the indian image shouldn't be denigrated has much to do with this lack of respect in reporting historical events as their continued poor treatment. Did you know the poorest counties in the entire country are not Harlem slums but the reservations where they are still trapped by lack of money, jobs, farm land, roads and medical treatment? It's a disgrace and we should be embarrassed to be using an indian image as a mascot for games. It's similar to blacks being upset by the little darkie boy image who dances around saying "Yas massa". They certainly have a right to feel that way, don't you think?

Answer 2

The Indian race thinks that we are degrading their nationality by having an indian as the mascot. I think that they think that mascots are to be funny and entertaining in a funny way. They do not think that someone of their likeness should be dancing around at sporting events. I guess I really still do not totally understand their protest. I thought mascots were a good thing. I did not think it was disrepectfull. I am interested in others opinions on this matter also, so that I can get a better understanding of the Indian views