Indian Mascots

BLACKHAWK DOWN! BLACKHAWK DOWN!

Just when I was finally becoming to gripes with the feeling that "Custer died for my sins", up jumps the National Collegiate Athletic Association. Members of the NCAA's Executive Committee have decided that they didn't have the authority to bar the use of Native American mascots by individual schools, but agreed that they could issue guidelines for championship events. The policy was approved Thursday (Aug 4, 2005) and announced Friday. The NCAA’s idea that if anyone uses Native American imagery it’s got to be wrong. Just what the sports world needs, another self-appointed guardian of acceptable thinking. It’s political correctness run amok. Well, there are a number of Universities that better get out their airbushing equipment. Yes, I realize that there is a faction within the Native American population that has been trying to ban the use of American Indian names, mascots and logos for the past 5 years. In 2002, they couldn't find enough Indians to protest. Indians simply weren't offended. 75% of Native Americans polled by Peter Harris Research Group for Sports Illustrated said that use of Native American team names and mascots do not contribute to discrimination against Indians. http://www.nationalreview.com/daily/nr030802.shtml Is one to believe that Indian images are irreparably damaging, humiliating, and derogatory, and must never again be seen in public? Will the NCAA suggest we tear down all those Indian casinos that have any proximity to one of NCAA’s member schools? Now there is an idea that might bring better financial security to many citizens in our country. Would most people accept the idea that native mascots can be an embracing to our country’s history and support of diversity rather than anything offensive? What's next? Banning Pontiac automobiles, Tecumseh engines, and Land O'Lakes butter? Do native Americans really care about this? Does having a student dress up like one for sporting events demean people of that noble blood? Political correctness is becoming a national irritant. It is time for the silent majority to become the vocal, questioning majority.

Come to think of it, animals have feelings too. Will the NCAA go after our U of A Wildcat logo? Is there anyone that accepts a Sun Devil (Arizons State) as anything other than disrespectful, ignorant and offensive? The NC2A’s laws and policies need to serve more serious purposes than allowing people to escape their psychological hangups.

POLITICAL CORRECTNESS IS ABOUT POWER