Posted on 08/26/2005 10:07:40 PM PDT by neverdem
EARLIER this week, the National Collegiate Athletic Association reversed its recent decision that would have forced Florida State University to drop the use of the "Seminole" name and related symbols. But it continued to ban the use of Native American mascots and nicknames in postseason N.C.A.A. tournaments, a decision that affects 17 other universities.
As a member of the Seminole Tribe of Florida, I believe the N.C.A.A. should encourage those colleges that have Indian mascots and nicknames to build better relations with the Native American community. Perhaps each university could establish a relationship with a reservation, involving programs like internships, scholarships and tribal history and culture classes.
Here in Florida, the relationship we have with Florida State goes beyond the football field. Florida State encourages members of the Seminole Tribe to apply for admission and spreads information about Seminole culture and history.
Too many Americans, including Native Americans, get caught up in the debate over the tomahawk chop and miss the opportunity that comes in having a tribe in a close alliance with a major university. While the Seminole Tribe of Florida gets no financial compensation for the university's use of the Seminole name and related symbols, the richness of the relationship brings a variety of social and economic benefits to our tribe.
The use of Indian nicknames and mascots by colleges and universities started in the early 1900's. Many of these names were generic - Braves, Chiefs and Warriors - but some were the names of tribes like the Chippewas, the Hurons, the Sioux and, of course, the Seminoles. Eventually, there were more than 100 colleges with Indian mascots and some 2,500 high schools. Professional sports teams joined in, too.
In the 60's and 70's, however, activist groups began challenging the use of some of these names, calling them...
(Excerpt) Read more at nytimes.com ...
wrt the Atlanta Braves, is it possible that the name is derived from the bravery Confederate citizens and soldiers showed during the siege of Atlanta?
Thank you......for bursting my bubble.
You playing the race card now?
I think most Conservative American Indians here wouldn't leave over a remark like that. I doubt they appreciate you speaking for them.
Well except maybe the oversensitive race-baiting Fairbanks. But he seems more like a liberal. Jesse Jackson would be proud of him.
Don't forget the New Delhi Racing Foundation, aka: Hindi Racing League.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.