Why do Native Americans insist on changing Unversity names that reflect a Native American background?

Question

I understand when Native Americans protest the use of terms such as "Digger", or "Savage". But, I know of a University in Oklahoma whose team name was recently changed from "Redmen" to "Riverhawks".

The name of the state of "Oklahoma" means "Red Man". It was Native Americans themselves who used the terms "Red Man" and "White Man" to differentiate. If a group of white men came and asked, "Who lives to the West?" The Native American tribe might respond, "Red Man", meaning a different Native American tribe. This is why we sometimes use names for tribes that isn't what the tribe traditionally called itself. Most tribes called themselves "The People", or some variation.

Now, this University is called "The Riverhawks", a generic term, if you ask me. The University was once a Seminary for Native Americans, and I feel that the name was respectful and a tribute to the Native American history of the University.

Is it possible to be too sensitive, aka "politically correct"?

Answer 1

again it's because a HANDFUL spoke, and MANY did not care about it enough to speak out.

Myself, I couldn't give two rat turds about this whole 'mascot issue" simply because I see Skins wearing these logo's EVERY DAY. I'm a proud owner of a REDSKINS cap. Some of the people I Pow Wow with have these logo's beaded into their regalia (dance clothes)

It pisses me off that these assholes worry about a mascot instead of fixing the hole in grandmas roof on the rez! or making sure she has enough firewood to get through winter.

That's the difference between "native americans" and us "INDIANS"

Answer 2

because one: the people who choose the name only asked the dominate native in the area. many times, one name can mean something totaly different in another language. I.E. a "F.A.G" in american terms, means someone of gay orient. A "f.a.g" in britain means a smoke.
and two: not every native wants to be remembered as a REDMAN, which term came from an era where our body parts fetched a price.
personaly, I could care less. I know who my ancestors are. But some kid attending college running around pretending to be "Indian" to celebrate school spirt, having no idea what he wears represents a great and nobel culture, does make me wish for a greater change.

Answer 3

Maybe its because they are sick of seeing this country marginalize their culture into something that is silly and cartoonish.

I think if the white population in Europe was whittled down to a mere 1% while Middle Easterners, Asians and Africans took over and began making costumes and drawings of European dress as a costume or joke, we wouldn't be talking about whether its possible to be too politically correct.

If Native Americans are offended, they are offended and it should be respected.

Answer 4

In this case, I feel that it is the Native Americans themselves that determine whether it is derogatory or not. If there are people in the area that are offended, they have that right. Where I live, it is Indian everything. As far as I know, there haven't been any complaints.

Answer 5

If we have 'All-Black' Colleges, I don't see what's wrong with Native American Colleges.

Answer 6

Yes, it's possible to be so politically correct that it becomes a hair-splitting contest about labels that are not and were never used derogatorily.

Answer 7

I don't care one way or another.