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August 16, 2005
It's about time for a new mascot!
Here's what I don't understand: why is the idea of an unchanging mascot/logo/etc so important?
Last week, the NCAA made a very clever ruling. They said that teams playing in NCAA championship games cannot bring mascots that are offensive, nor can their players (or cheerleaders for that matter) wear uniforms that bear offensive logos or images of mascots. Here's the listing of teams the ruling applies to:
Alcorn State University (Braves) Central Michigan University (Chippewas) Catawba College (Indians) Florida State University (Seminoles) Midwestern State University (Indians) University of Utah (Utes) Indiana University-Pennsylvania (Indians) Carthage College (Redmen) Bradley University (Braves) Arkansas State University (Indians) Chowan College (Braves) University of Illinois-Champaign (Illini) University of Louisiana-Monroe (Indians) McMurry University (Indians) Mississippi College (Choctaws) Newberry College (Indians) University of North Dakota (Fighting Sioux) Southeastern Oklahoma State University (Savages)
Beyond being a person interested in all things related to higher education, I have some investment in this issue. I attended the University of North Dakota for my undergraduate degree. I cheered for a few championship hockey teams in my time there--not to mention cheering against the gophers (but we'll save that for another time). I never really liked the fact that the UND mascot is a likeness of a Native American head. While I was in residence in Grand Forks, Central High School changed their mascot from the Redskins to the Bulldogs. And, a movement to change the UND mascot/logo began.
Into the fray stepped Ralph Engelstad, the then-owner of the Imperial Palace Casino in Las Vegas and underwriter of much of UND's hockey success. He was extremely outspoken against a name change until his death a few years ago. In fact, he threatened to stop work on the new arena he was financially supporting if the name was ever changed. Sadly, money talks.
There are certainly some interesting arguments made in support of the Sioux name, mascot, and logo. In an open letter to the NCAA, UND President Kupchella points out that there are really two separate Sioux tribes in North Dakota, and that while one tribe is outspoken against the name/logo/mascot, the other tribe has been supportive as long as the university maintains a commitment to education for North Dakota's Native American youth. Other people point out that the Sioux name/logo/mascot raises the importance of tribal tradition for the state of North Dakota.
Yeah, well, as someone born and raised in North Dakota, and now living on the outside, I think the Sioux logo does a lot to create a misunderstanding of North Dakota. I think it perpetuates the misconception that (sadly, many folks believe) that people live in tipis and still live a rugged existance of more than 100 years ago. The further insistence on using the Sioux name/logo also demonstrates to the rest of the world that North Dakotans ARE slow to change, unwilling to be respectful of other people's feelings on a global scale.
Some people might not know that the logo in question is only the "sports" logo. It looks like this:
The "other" logo that appears on letterhead (and on the university's official website--which, by the way, the sports logo generally does not) is the "Flame to Name" logo, which looks like this:
Nonetheless, the university feels compelled to continue on with the Sioux logo for sporting events.
Some people might not know that the sports logo was designed by an Ojibwe student. This is a detail that President Kupchella likes to point out. Does one student saying the image is acceptable make it right?
Some people might not know that UND does not have an official mascot, per se. Yes, they have the image of a Native American head on the uniforms of their sports teams, but there's no actual mascot. President Kupchella likes to point this detail out in his protests against the NCAA. Whether or not there's an underpaid student stuffed into a hot, stinky costume doesn't take away the image of the mascot on the uniforms. The mascot may be unofficial, but it's there in the consciousness of all who watch a UND hockey game. I've been there.
Some people might not know that there are plenty of people out there who want the name/logo/mascot to be changed. Some of these people are Native Americans; some are not. Out of respect for those who feel discomforted by the name--let's change the name! It's only a name, after all! Calling UND's team something else (might I suggest a few: the Fire, Flamers, Praire Dogs, Oilers, or Flickertails) will not change UND's illustrious sports history. A name change, will, however, allow us all to move on and simply enjoy the sports without the negative cloud of unfortunate bullying that comes both with the name/logo/mascot as well as the university and its supporters stubborn unwillingness to change.
Some people might not know that before UND had the Fighting Sioux, they had the Flickertails. The name/logo/mascot has been changed before. It's time to change it again.
Posted by chri1010 at August 16, 2005 4:45 PM
Comments
Right on! I found your blog while searching for info on the original Flickertails logo. I've heard one of the logos is in the architecture of Merrifield Hall... Some of my friends and I are on a Flickertails kick, making t-shirts and posters.
It's time for a change!!!!
Posted by: Kathleen at September 17, 2005 6:57 PM
I am a Grand Forks Central Graduate of 1965. The Redskins nickname was changed to Knights, not Bulldogs. I went to a 20 year reunion in 1985 and was dissappointed that the cheerleaders came prancing out in their Redskins uniforms from the past. There is nothing cute about racism or the old "cliques" that were still intact. I haven't been back to a reunion since.
The Sioux Logo and tradition are 180 degrees from the Redskins nickname. They were, in the distant past, soiled by several "less than honorable" likenesses but have since become a beloved and respectful tribute to the Sioux indians for a couple decades now. Don't confuse an intent to honor with an intent to ridicule.
Posted by: Lynn Bergman at March 21, 2006 2:29 PM
sioux logo rocks
Posted by: geofrey dahmer at September 14, 2006 12:22 PM
i like the logo
Posted by: joe da at September 14, 2006 12:23 PM
I have no problem with the Fighting Sioux logo. I understand what it means. And where it had come from. That is right...one tribe dislikes it...and another supports it. So it's a stalemate. Leave it alone...it's history. My father is a Grand Forks Central High graduate of '65. And he was proud to be a Redskin...and my Uncle was proud to be a Fighting Sioux. I watch the University of North Dakota hockey team play like that is the game that will determine whether I come home from Iraq early or not. Leave the logos...leave the names...support the heritage...and make history. I'm from Texas...but I have school spirit for North Dakota. And the Sioux Native American logo for UND does not give anyone the misconception that everyone lives in tipi's and crap like that. I know it sure as hell didn't me. It showed me a state and university that is proud of it's Native American history and heritage. But opinions are like assholes....everyone's got one.
If you disagree with me...you can email me at randallraider05@yahoo.com or message me through MySpace at myspace.com/missiktphaith....better yet...check out my MySpace page and see my background...then tell me that people are trying to ridicule the Native American Sioux tribe...
Justin Grantham
21/m
Amarillo, TX
Posted by: Justin Grantham at October 9, 2008 1:51 AM