Something that has been lingering in North Dakota news for some time is the controversy over the Fighting Sioux Logo. Some say that it is racist, while others look at it as a symbol of pride and bravery. It is something that the school has been struggling with for the past few years.
Tribal leaders of North Dakota's Sioux asked the school to change the nickname to something else. “Sioux” is a nickname used to refer to the Lakota, Nakota, and Dakota Indian tribes.
Most recently, the tribe of Spirit Lake overwhelmingly supported the University of North Dakota’s Fighting Sioux nickname on Tuesday. The unofficial results are 774 “yes” and 378 “no,” giving the nickname 67 percent of the vote.
However, the Grand Forks college is not the first to have an Indian team mascot. North Dakota is amongst at least 20 other universities that have had their school’s mascot or logo challenged since the 1970’s.
This issue does not only affect college teams but professional sports teams as well. Do the Cleveland Indians, Atlanta Braves, etc. ring a bell?
The movement to keep the nickname and logo is led by UND alumni, sports fans, and athletic players and officials, as well as the present university administration. The campaign to change the nickname and logo is led by several Native American tribes and student organizations, as well as many UND faculty members. The most powerful ally of those seeking change has become the National Collegiate Athletic Association.
Students feel strongly on both sides. It is easy to see when you search for the Fighting Sioux Logo on Facebook.
My opinion is to keep the UND logo. I honestly could care less about UND, but I feel that the logo and mascot have a lot of history and mean a lot to many people who are part of the school. I feel that it is something the Indian community should be proud of, that they are a symbol of bravery and strength. Should all fraternal and identical twins be offended that there is a professional baseball named after them?
What are your thoughts? This is definitely a hot topic in North Dakota and especially amongst UND students. A few friends of mine are VERY against changing the logo, and they have only gone to school there for a few years. Should the logo be changed? Is this a big to do about nothing?
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I agree with your opinion and many other UND student's who are against changing the UND logo. The logo has been a part of that school for so long and has so much meaning. Especially, since the athletic programs are growing and are decent there. The Native tirbe should be honored to have UND have the fighting sioux as their mascot. You make a very good point with the Twins example and there are other teams out their that a lot of people could complain about.
ReplyDeleteSami- what an excellent observation about the Atlanta Braves, and Cleveland Indians. I have heard about the fight for the sioux name. You mention that you're against changing the name, which I agree with you. If anything, I think people need to be proud to have a name like that. UND, is helping and insuring the history of the Sioux legacy and representing their sport names with it. I would feel honored in a way. Kind of weird that those who actually hold the name, don't like it. It's kind of feels like they are ashamed. I hope the name stays.
ReplyDeleteI have heard every side imaginable on this topic. In some cases I am in favor of the name changing. For example, Dickinson State University's nickname used to be the Savages, but they changed it to the Bluehawks. I could also see where the Washington Redskins nickname is offensive and could be changed. However, in the case of UND I think it should stay Fighting Sioux. I grew up pretty close to and Indian Reservation and most of my Native American friends do not have a problem with the nickname. Two other nicknames to think about: as a Norwegian-American I am proud of the Minnesota Vikings nickname. And I have yet to hear any uproar over Notre Dame's Fighting Irish nickname.
ReplyDeleteSam,
ReplyDeleteI agree with your opinion that UND should keep their name and logo. I have been to Fighting Sioux hockey games and they run video before the game that praises the native people and talks about their heritage. They are nothing but respectful towards them in my opinion. The native people should feel proud and honoured that UND would want to use that as their logo and name. In my opinion it’s ridiculous and just another thing for the Native American people to complain about. I’m sorry, but it’s true. I don’t mean to offend anyone by saying that, but I’m personally sick of hearing all the complaining.
This controversy seems a bit trivial given what is happening in the United States. The economy needs attention, the flood victims of ND need assistance, and we are still at war.
ReplyDeleteThis same diversionary tactic was used in Florida not to many years ago. The mascot for Florida State University is a Seminole Indian. Someone (not a tribe member) decided that it was not politically correct to have the Indian portrayed as the mascot and sued the University to have it removed - Then called the media. This VOCIAL MINORITY person got a lot of press yet very little backing.
The Seminole Tribe of Florida testified to all that would listen that they were proud of the fighting warrior image and is happy to be associated with the university.