Comments on: The Sad Resurrection of Chief Illiniwek http://www.dissidentvoice.org/2007/10/the-sad-resurrection-of-chief-illiniwek/ a radical newsletter in the struggle for peace and social justice Tue, 14 Oct 2008 15:52:42 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6.1 By: paul http://www.dissidentvoice.org/2007/10/the-sad-resurrection-of-chief-illiniwek/#comment-10482 paul Sun, 09 Dec 2007 18:40:11 +0000 http://www.dissidentvoice.org/2007/10/the-sad-resurrection-of-chief-illiniwek/#comment-10482 are American Indians the only group that can feel offended? if any of you really felt it was a fight worth fighting, how about getting rid of the offensive Notre Dame nickname and mascot as well?? are American Indians the only group that can feel offended?

if any of you really felt it was a fight worth fighting, how about getting rid of the offensive Notre Dame nickname and mascot as well??

]]> By: PDS http://www.dissidentvoice.org/2007/10/the-sad-resurrection-of-chief-illiniwek/#comment-9716 PDS Mon, 26 Nov 2007 21:42:40 +0000 http://www.dissidentvoice.org/2007/10/the-sad-resurrection-of-chief-illiniwek/#comment-9716 Actually, you're factually incorrect. At least 2 Latino students have portrayed Chief Illiniwek. Then again, to this author and the volleyers of the peanut gallery, it's probably all the same. Actually, you’re factually incorrect. At least 2 Latino students have portrayed Chief Illiniwek. Then again, to this author and the volleyers of the peanut gallery, it’s probably all the same.

]]> By: hp http://www.dissidentvoice.org/2007/10/the-sad-resurrection-of-chief-illiniwek/#comment-8327 hp Fri, 02 Nov 2007 19:04:49 +0000 http://www.dissidentvoice.org/2007/10/the-sad-resurrection-of-chief-illiniwek/#comment-8327 The only true holocaust i believe ever happened and look at what the country, abetted by the media, has done for our natives. They need more lawyers and bankers. The only true holocaust i believe ever happened and look at what the country, abetted by the media, has done for our natives.
They need more lawyers and bankers.

]]> By: JBPM http://www.dissidentvoice.org/2007/10/the-sad-resurrection-of-chief-illiniwek/#comment-8277 JBPM Thu, 01 Nov 2007 21:59:02 +0000 http://www.dissidentvoice.org/2007/10/the-sad-resurrection-of-chief-illiniwek/#comment-8277 I wouldn't get too bothered about this "resurgence" of the Chief. The major victory was won earlier this year when his appearances at games and on merchandise was finally ended. Richard Hermann was probably just capitulating to the big donor alums who wanted to wave their Chief regalia at homecoming. Sad, particularly for a chancellor who actually seems to have a lot of his shit together, but not altogether unexpected. And I've got to say, this comment---"freedom of speech is more important than respect for another race and culture other than his own?"---stirred up a lot of conflict in me. On the one hand, I'd sure love it if we were all a lot kinder and more respectful toward one another. However, I'm not sure that controlling people's speech is such a hot idea either. Guess I'm just too big of a fan of the Enlightenment dictum, "I may not agree with what you say, but I'll defend unto the death your right to say it." Just my 2 cents, as a progressive working class white guy in Urbana. I wouldn’t get too bothered about this “resurgence” of the Chief. The major victory was won earlier this year when his appearances at games and on merchandise was finally ended. Richard Hermann was probably just capitulating to the big donor alums who wanted to wave their Chief regalia at homecoming. Sad, particularly for a chancellor who actually seems to have a lot of his shit together, but not altogether unexpected.

And I’ve got to say, this comment—”freedom of speech is more important than respect for another race and culture other than his own?”—stirred up a lot of conflict in me. On the one hand, I’d sure love it if we were all a lot kinder and more respectful toward one another. However, I’m not sure that controlling people’s speech is such a hot idea either. Guess I’m just too big of a fan of the Enlightenment dictum, “I may not agree with what you say, but I’ll defend unto the death your right to say it.”

Just my 2 cents, as a progressive working class white guy in Urbana.

]]> By: Ivan http://www.dissidentvoice.org/2007/10/the-sad-resurrection-of-chief-illiniwek/#comment-8264 Ivan Thu, 01 Nov 2007 14:15:46 +0000 http://www.dissidentvoice.org/2007/10/the-sad-resurrection-of-chief-illiniwek/#comment-8264 It's like It's like the the national soccer team of Turky having a little Armenian soccer player as a "simbol". I believe that all this stupid cheering crowd for Chief Illiniwek is not counting on the fact that America commited genocide against the Illie people. What about the next basquetball world cup, the American team having an Iraq oil worker as a mascot? It’s like

It’s like the the national soccer team of Turky having a little Armenian soccer player as a “simbol”.
I believe that all this stupid cheering crowd for Chief Illiniwek is not counting on the fact that America commited genocide against the Illie people.
What about the next basquetball world cup, the American team having an Iraq oil worker as a mascot?

]]> By: NDN MAMA http://www.dissidentvoice.org/2007/10/the-sad-resurrection-of-chief-illiniwek/#comment-8253 NDN MAMA Thu, 01 Nov 2007 05:03:27 +0000 http://www.dissidentvoice.org/2007/10/the-sad-resurrection-of-chief-illiniwek/#comment-8253 Wow, some people will just never get it! So according to "Illini Grad", freedom of speech is more important than respect for another race and culture other than his own!? "the author showed a blatant disregard for the history of Chief Illiniwek and the state of Illinois." Do you know the history of Illinois? Do you realize there was no such person as Chief Illiniwek? And the Illini didn't consist of white men dressed up as Indians?! Illinois' history is not based upon Uof I and the creation of Chief Illiniwek. Pick up a book and learn about some REAL history! Get over it, a mascot is not representive of our people, and you are so white-washed to realize that. It's sad how people who don't have a culture, think nothing of disrespecting others. Have pride in where you come from, your history, not a racist mascot to be hailed at sports games. After all the struggles Natives have been put through, after the millions that were killed, and all that are living in poverty after everything's been taken from them...we are supposed to also allow you to dress up as us and run and jump around like an idiot? That's showing Natives respect?! How about listening to them when they say it's disrespectful and it's racist? That'd be showing them some kind of respect. Talk to some REAL Natives and understand that we are PROUD people, and as much as you'd like to keep Chief Illiniwek around, and no matter how you try to justify it, we will keep on fighting against it. Like my Uncle Vernon. He was a REAL man that should be respected and highly regarded. Unlike a white kid playing Indian. R.I.P. VERNON BELLECOURT WE WILL KEEP FIGHTING YOUR FIGHT.. Wow, some people will just never get it! So according to “Illini Grad”, freedom of speech is more important than respect for another race and culture other than his own!? “the author showed a blatant disregard for the history of Chief Illiniwek and the state of Illinois.” Do you know the history of Illinois? Do you realize there was no such person as Chief Illiniwek? And the Illini didn’t consist of white men dressed up as Indians?! Illinois’ history is not based upon Uof I and the creation of Chief Illiniwek. Pick up a book and learn about some REAL history!

Get over it, a mascot is not representive of our people, and you are so white-washed to realize that. It’s sad how people who don’t have a culture, think nothing of disrespecting others. Have pride in where you come from, your history, not a racist mascot to be hailed at sports games.

After all the struggles Natives have been put through, after the millions that were killed, and all that are living in poverty after everything’s been taken from them…we are supposed to also allow you to dress up as us and run and jump around like an idiot? That’s showing Natives respect?! How about listening to them when they say it’s disrespectful and it’s racist? That’d be showing them some kind of respect.

Talk to some REAL Natives and understand that we are PROUD people, and as much as you’d like to keep Chief Illiniwek around, and no matter how you try to justify it, we will keep on fighting against it. Like my Uncle Vernon. He was a REAL man that should be respected and highly regarded. Unlike a white kid playing Indian.

R.I.P. VERNON BELLECOURT
WE WILL KEEP FIGHTING YOUR FIGHT..

]]> By: Sam http://www.dissidentvoice.org/2007/10/the-sad-resurrection-of-chief-illiniwek/#comment-8251 Sam Thu, 01 Nov 2007 04:01:41 +0000 http://www.dissidentvoice.org/2007/10/the-sad-resurrection-of-chief-illiniwek/#comment-8251 This is mindless and pointless posturing. The use of Native American names, figures, etc. is in no way a triumphalism of western culture. This is a non-issue. Cripes! My people are from the British Isles - largely conquered, screwed, and tattooed by those that came later. It happens. My Welsh and Irish and Scots flags still fly on my car, in front of my home, etc. Thank the way things go that even my name has old forms within it; in America we still have towns, counties, and team mascots that proclaim the past. Crap, judging from the color of my father's eyes and skin, he was ( and I by inheritance) part Roman, or very recently African. You should be better spending your time bemoaning the fact that the Cleveland INDIANS lost the chance to go to the World Series. (By the way, when Jerry Seinfeld (in some episode of "Seinfeld") is embarrassed by the phrase "Indian giver" he should have known that the "Indian giver" was the US government: never met a contract yet which could not be reneged on.) To adopt Native American tribals as models of fighting spirit cannot be an affront to anyone who thinks things through. These "were" great nations. Who knows what might happen in these nations in the future. If the Scots and Irish can preserve the western world and form it, a world based on a Roman dominion model, who knows what the tribes/nations of the Americas can do. This is mindless and pointless posturing. The use of Native American names, figures, etc. is in no way a triumphalism of western culture. This is a non-issue. Cripes! My people are from the British Isles - largely conquered, screwed, and tattooed by those that came later. It happens. My Welsh and Irish and Scots flags still fly on my car, in front of my home, etc. Thank the way things go that even my name has old forms within it; in America we still have towns, counties, and team mascots that proclaim the past. Crap, judging from the color of my father’s eyes and skin, he was ( and I by inheritance) part Roman, or very recently African. You should be better spending your time bemoaning the fact that the Cleveland INDIANS lost the chance to go to the World Series. (By the way, when Jerry Seinfeld (in some episode of “Seinfeld”) is embarrassed by the phrase “Indian giver” he should have known that the “Indian giver” was the US government: never met a contract yet which could not be reneged on.) To adopt Native American tribals as models of fighting spirit cannot be an affront to anyone who thinks things through. These “were” great nations. Who knows what might happen in these nations in the future. If the Scots and Irish can preserve the western world and form it, a world based on a Roman dominion model, who knows what the tribes/nations of the Americas can do.

]]> By: WARONRACISM http://www.dissidentvoice.org/2007/10/the-sad-resurrection-of-chief-illiniwek/#comment-8250 WARONRACISM Thu, 01 Nov 2007 02:07:21 +0000 http://www.dissidentvoice.org/2007/10/the-sad-resurrection-of-chief-illiniwek/#comment-8250 If the university and whoever is willing to share in all there logo profits say 50% with the indians to develop economic development on the reservations then we will approve the chief. If the university and whoever is willing to share in all there logo profits say 50% with the indians to develop economic development on the reservations then we will approve the chief.

]]> By: Illini Grad http://www.dissidentvoice.org/2007/10/the-sad-resurrection-of-chief-illiniwek/#comment-8239 Illini Grad Wed, 31 Oct 2007 19:23:43 +0000 http://www.dissidentvoice.org/2007/10/the-sad-resurrection-of-chief-illiniwek/#comment-8239 I am not going to go into a long discussion about this topic. However, I would like to point out that the author showed a blatant disregard for the history of Chief Illiniwek and the state of Illinois. He also has shown a lack of knowledge of the law and freedom of speech. As someone holding themselves out as a journalist, he should be more familiar with the First Amendment and take it to heart. I am not going to go into a long discussion about this topic. However, I would like to point out that the author showed a blatant disregard for the history of Chief Illiniwek and the state of Illinois. He also has shown a lack of knowledge of the law and freedom of speech. As someone holding themselves out as a journalist, he should be more familiar with the First Amendment and take it to heart.

]]> By: Ruben B. Botello http://www.dissidentvoice.org/2007/10/the-sad-resurrection-of-chief-illiniwek/#comment-8225 Ruben B. Botello Wed, 31 Oct 2007 13:30:15 +0000 http://www.dissidentvoice.org/2007/10/the-sad-resurrection-of-chief-illiniwek/#comment-8225 How much more racist can "higher education" get? It is clear the University of Illinois is preparing young minds to become white-collar racists intent on perpetuating the Anglo-American myth that "Indians" are still fair game because of their "inferior nature" when it comes to cultural genocide. It is not enough that the ancestral lands and freedoms of today's Native Americans were stolen by the offspring of the European savages that invaded the Americas not so long ago. Nor is this about "freedom of speech," this is about institutionalized racism, protected by stone-cold racists in three-piece suits who pretend to be "civilized" in their efforts to keep indigenous Americans in their place, i.e., poor and oppressed. Mimicking the memory of Chief Illiniwek does nothing to promote or inspire Native Americans to continue their education in "Whiteman schools." In fact, this racist act inspires Native Americans to hate "higher education," at least in blatantly racist colleges and universities like the University of Illinois. And the White majority wonders why so many poor and oppressed people protested so long and hard in the Sixties and Seventies. There's more White racism now than ever before, thanks to upper class racists like Illinois chancellor Richard Herman. How much more racist can “higher education” get?

It is clear the University of Illinois is preparing young minds to become white-collar racists intent on perpetuating the Anglo-American myth that “Indians” are still fair game because of their “inferior nature” when it comes to cultural genocide.

It is not enough that the ancestral lands and freedoms of today’s Native Americans were stolen by the offspring of the European savages that invaded the Americas not so long ago. Nor is this about “freedom of speech,” this is about institutionalized racism, protected by stone-cold racists in three-piece suits who pretend to be “civilized” in their efforts to keep indigenous Americans in their place, i.e., poor and oppressed.

Mimicking the memory of Chief Illiniwek does nothing to promote or inspire Native Americans to continue their education in “Whiteman schools.” In fact, this racist act inspires Native Americans to hate “higher education,” at least in blatantly racist colleges and universities like the University of Illinois.

And the White majority wonders why so many poor and oppressed people protested so long and hard in the Sixties and Seventies. There’s more White racism now than ever before, thanks to upper class racists like Illinois chancellor Richard Herman.

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