Native Americans, Are you offended by Chief Illiniwek? Illinois Fighting Illini?

Question

I've heard the Seminole Nation fully endores the Florida State Seminoles, What's your take on that?

Answer 1

Yes I am offended by the mascot. I have responded to many posts with ignorant and culturally insenstive remarks. I know MANY Natives that are offended.

It is true that the Seminoles support this mascot and also the Utes support the Utah Utes. Here's the thing. Instead of the majority population misrepresenting the culture, stealing it, and using it for their own benefit - these tribes have a voice in how it is being used. This is allowing the tribes self-determination. There are living descendents of the Illini and from what I know they do not support the "Chief". Also the Seminoles and Utes benifit from their name being used. They get scholarships for it.
To add to that, they always have the right to discontinue support if they feeling their names are being used inappropriately.

Also, remember that just because the tribal government supports it doesn't mean all the people do.

Having said all that: That these tribes allow use of mascots can hurt Natives as a whole. Why? Because many people today are uneducated about Native people. A lot of people don't seperate different tribes causing the same problems as with other mascots in the general Native community.

It's all a matter of being educated, compassionate, and culturally sensitive.

Answer 2

. The Stanford Indian was raised on the reservation; he was Native to the core. He was well aware of his image and the feeling that his presence gave to the student body, alumni as well as America. It was a time in history when survival was the issue therefore Indian country did not have the presence to stand up and say collectively would society stop with the many mascot’s that were degrading. I know that is hard for society in general to understand. There are some mascots that are a proud symbol that is respected. Where do you stop and where do you draw the line with an issue that demeans a race of people.

I think that the mascot thing started as an Indians, in your face, as if mascots were a sign of the continuing dominance. Although the Stanford Indian was a striking image as many other mascots portrayed it’s a fact taht many gone to the wayside images were symbols that the general public accepted as what Indian Country was all about, a joke without saying.

In Indian Country the phrase red skin is degrading because of this historical fact. Native American’s were hunted and killed and then a piece of scalp that was considered red was cut from the murdered Indigenous persons scalp and then the scalp was taken to the local legal system and the killer received one dollar or five acres of land. Now tell me that Native people are wrong with righting this wrong that continued with mascots. Being reminded of this fact and knowing the real traditional dances compared to mascots made the experience surreal to tribal members.

I know that mascots at some schools ended up being revered by the student body and alumni and that they are upset about losing their respected and beloved mascot. It needs to be understood that with an issue such as mascots; that in the beginning some were very degrading to Native Americans and laughed at by many that saw humor first and identification as time passed on. Things change but this issue dragged on from the days of mascots being a joke with undertones pointed at those Indians to becoming a cherished memory. The mixed results of mascots in America, many angry and many more with feelings of hurt that may never be resolved. The old cliché “live and let live” has to be worked on to make all parties agreeable

Answer 3

As an American Indian I am not in the least offended by that. If anything why shouldn't I take it as a complement. I do however just wish that maybe people would be a little more interested in our real culture and know the difference between Disney and entertainment . People seem to forget that we like the rest of the world have a language, culture, customs and we are not a thing of the past were still here and have them. Other then that no way do I have a problem with that.

Answer 4

I am 1/2 Native American Cherokee, and this does not offend me at all. I grew up being called and "Indian" and that does not bother me. Now. Let me say that I've no relationship with the Seminole Nation, nor the Florida State Seminoles. I'm just telling you how I grew up.

Answer 5

Personally, I have more important things in my life than to worry about the U of I mascot. However, I have met Natives that are quite offended at the use of Indians as mascots.

More power to them I guess. Its one of those "one man's garbage is another man's treasure" type things. Some Natives might see Illiniwek as a wonderful homage to the tribes of Illinois and another Native might see Illiniwek as the greatest blow to civil rights since MLK was assasinated.

Eye of the beholder I guess. I got bills to pay and kids to raise. I could really care less.

Answer 6

basically you could determine yet as a christian myself i even have faith in issues which at the instant are not motioned interior the bible like as an occasion i dont remember any ufos yet i've got faith in them . IM not sure if im answering you question so think of roughly this dose this individual have a tree at christmas via fact Christmas bushes at the instant are not something to do with Christ nor are easter eggs why do those issues no longer indignant him think of roughly that

Answer 7

There is no more cheif illniwek so why should I be ?