The Chief at the University of Illinois

United States
February 19, 2007 4:17pm CST
As a student at this University, I am kind of confused about recent events. I understand that it has been a downward spiral, and we have had pressure from the NCAA to get rid of our Chief, and also from Native American groups. I still do not understand why this angers the Native Americans. The students get excited and honor the chief, we don't see him as a mascot. We see the chief as a symbol of honor. I am a small portion of native american, and although some may feel that it isn't enough, I am proud to be represented by a symbol that is so revered by the students. I just can not understand why it is not ok for us to respect the chief, while Notre Dame can keep their fightin' irish in the same respect.
1 person likes this
1 response
Amber
@AmbiePam (85314)
• United States
20 Feb 07
I have read and seen a lot about what you are speaking of. I don't quite understand it myself. How far are the head honchos going to take political correctness? Mocking Native Americans and paying respect to them are vastly different. What the Native Americans used to be and what they are now are different, but no less important. The Native American people were given a hard, and deadly time. And I see your point about the Notre Dame Irish. They were discriminated against sooo much when they emigrated to America. I don't know where to draw the line, but I know it shouldn't be drawn yet.