I was trying to use the Irish to juxtapose the issue.

It seems here that the Native Americans have been told by well meaning people that they should be offended because of the different perceptions, and this has led to the current situation.

I never really looked at the Fighting Irish name as a misrepresentation, or as any representation, of the Irish. I guess I have as much of a stake in that name as the Sioux have in UND’s knickname. And when I see ‘Fighting Sioux’ and the logo, it doesn’t conjur up images of savagery or war. Just like Notre Dame doesn’t invoke thoughts of drinking, brawling or bombing. In the end, if the Sioux people are truly offended the name should be changed. This shouldn’t come from outsiders who are worried about what other outsiders think or feel about a name. The name belongs to the Sioux, they should be comfortable with how they are perceived… I just hope that they and other liberals understand exactly what the true perception is.

Why is the use of American Indian people as mascots and symbols offensive?

The continued use of American Indian people as mascots, logos, and symbols is wrong. It denies a race of people the basic right of respect. By tolerating the use of demeaning stereotypes, we desensitize and objectify people. When using a race of people as nothing more than mascots and symbols, we are teaching the next generation of non-Indian children that it is okay to participate in culturally abusive behavior.

Why is it okay for schools on reservations to use “Indian” logos and nicknames?

Only American Indian people have the right to choose how they are portrayed. If a reservation school chooses their school name, it is their perogative. Native people should have the right to say how their image is projected to the outside public.

How does the continued use of “Fighting Sioux” harm Native American people?

By portraying Lakota, Dakota, and Nakota students on campus as the “Fighting Sioux,” you are participating in a misconception of American Indians as being inclined towards particularly “war-like” and “violent” behavior. This denies the Native students on campus their sense of pride, integrity, and place in a unique cultural heritage. It transforms them into dehumanized “things.”

Aren’t there more important issues for Native people to be concerned about?

There is nothing more important than one’s sense of identity and self-worth. A person’s self esteem is shaped, to a great extent, by how they are portrayed by others. This is especially true with children.

Why do some American Indian people support the use of “Fighting Sioux”?

American Indian people, like Euro-American people, are not monolithic. People’s perspectives vary. However, virtually every national American Indian organization supports a change.

Can we find a common ground on this issue?

UND administration’s strategic plan calls for more educational forums emphasizing cultural awareness and sensitivity. Increasing racial awareness is always a step in the right direction. However, until the symbol and nickname are removed the plan is no more than broken promises and empty, hypocritical rhetoric.

Why aren’t American Indian people honored by the use of “Fighting Sioux”?

Saying it is an “honor” does not make it one. American Indian people have never asked for this. Honoring a race of people because of their “war-like abilities,” gives the impression that Native people are relics, existing only in the past.

If you take it to the conclusion those in the liberal left would like and assume the name is changed to North Dakota Fighting Bisons (I apologize in advance to all Bisons who are offended by that name), what then? Does Grand Forks become a more tolerant society simply because the name was changed. Not likely.