Michigan band drops Chiefs name for inaugural parade

Associated Press ^ | January 8, 2009

[bamahead]

WYANDOTTE, Mich. (AP) -- Members of the Wyandotte Marching Chiefs high school band plan to perform in the inaugural parade in Washington, but they won't be known by the name they've had since the 1950s.

The Detroit Free Press reports Thursday that the band from Roosevelt High School will perform as the Roosevelt High School Marching Band. Patches will be sewn over logos on band uniform sleeves and the band's Marching Chiefs banner won't be carried.

The decision was in response to a letter from a group that opposes the use of American Indian nicknames and logos.

[grellis]

If you would like to be added or dropped from the Michigan ping list, please freepmail me.

[TornadoAlley3]

TAHLEQUAH, OKLAHOMA— Cherokee Nation officials will be giving away T-shirts with the University of Oklahoma logo and quarterback Sam Bradford’s name and jersey number written in Cherokee at the BCS National Championship game in Miami.

The Tahlequah-based Indian tribe says it wants to acknowledge the accomplishments of OU’s Heisman Trophy winner, who is a member of the Cherokee Nation.

Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chad Smith will wear the T-shirt while attending Thursday night’s game between OU and Florida at Dolphin Stadium.

[w1andsodidwe]

I am offended by sports teams that use natural disasters for their mascot. The Iowa State Cyclones and the San Jose Earthquakes (for example) have names that are offensive to me, because I have lived in areas where these disasters have at times occurred and people I might have known might have died.

Won't you join me in writing letters of protest?

You can make anything offensive if you really try.

[gigster]

Sorry I didn’t get back to you sooner.
Go to Freep.com and search for “Wyandotte Chiefs”.
That’s about the easiest way.

[ThomasThomas]

I believe that San Diego high school are the cavemen.

[Balding_Eagle]

The decision was in response to a letter from a group that opposes the use of American Indian nicknames and logos

I agree completely with these types of actions.

The American Indians were some of the bravest warriors on earth, going into battle against impossible odds probably knowing they wouldn't survive, never the less they fought bravely and to the death to defend their homes and families.

There is no place for such courage and bravery in today civilized society, and their names should be stricken from our memories. Removing their names from public building is a good first step. Their memories need to be struck from all textbooks and history lessons too.

Good first step from BHO the most merciful.

[MaggieCarta]

Wonder what would happen if they called themselves, say, the “Wyandotte Marching Mulattos?”

Chortle. Bad...bad...bad...

[MaggieCarta]

Why not change it to “Chefs”?

That's insensitive to people who can't cook.