- 09:00 PM
- 11/23/24
Well, irunfromclones, I can't say you've changed the way I FEEL about Chief Illiniwek. I'm still proud that he is a symbol of the University, and I can honestly say it's not because of some white guilt or that it's "cool" or whatever, but because I do honor and respect those who made this country their home far before my ancestors left Poland and Czech for the U.S. And not because the university told me that this is their reason behind the Chief. How do you believe people are perceiving these Native American symbols and what is incorrect about these perceptions? Is it not up to us to honor Native Americans? Does it matter if I'm black, white or whatever? Can only Native Americans appreciate their history and do it due justice? I kinda get the feeling that nothing a non-Native could do would ever be good enough. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, I'm just trying to see what it's like from the other perspective. And you know what, if you say "there ain't SHIT a white man or woman can do that dignifies or respects us," I can completely understand that. It would make perfect sense to me.
posted by vodkinator at 05:08 PM on August 15, 2005
ifunfromclones, did you honestly go to the University of Illinois? Because Chief Illiniwek doesn't have an axe, nor does he "hoop and holler" as you suggest. I know this has a 1994 alum that went to sporting events at the University. I don't mean to downplay your opinions and your viewpoint, but I also don't think it's fair to portray your perception (did you see him perform, since you boycotted the events?) as reality. I also hate when people call the Chief a mascot, like he's dressed up in a big furry costume and doing cartwheels after each touchdown. He's only on the field during halftime to perform the 3-in-1 with the Marching Illini. I consider him a symbol of the University and a reminder of the origins of Illinois and the midwest. Unfortunately, it is a white guy dressed up in traditional garb (donated by Native Americans to the University) because there are no Illiniwek left. Sometimes a symbol is just that - a symbol - not something that should be deconstructed into "white boy with costume". I have a tremendous amount of pride being a U of I alum, and a lot of it has to do with the tradition and history of the school and Chief Illiniwek plays a great deal into that. I don't know if I would feel the same way if it was the University of Illinois Fuzzy Bunny Slippers. It made me want to learn more about Illinois and its Native origins. Maybe that's just me, but I look at Illiniwek with pride and reverance.
posted by vodkinator at 05:00 PM on August 12, 2005
Excited Fitzgerald ready to watch Cards rise from ashes
Warner sux under pressure Yes, he was especially horrible and a complete choker in leading the Rams to a Super Bowl title in his first full season as an NFL quarterback. He's also still the most accurate passer in the history of the NFL. It's not about having a short memory, it's about "what have you done for me lately?" Warner isn't the same player he was when he went to 2 Superbowls, I think we all have to admit that. Leinart is one injury away from being the "man" in Arizona. I think this team will be special in a couple years, but this year? 8-8 seems realistic, with a lot of great things to build upon.