The irony of all this is if the NCAA is successful in erasing references to Indians they will fade from modern consciousness where young people have little interest in or knowledge of history. Most sports references to Indians are positive, and they will be lost forever.
Pioneer wrote: The irony of all this is if the NCAA is successful in erasing references to Indians they will fade from modern consciousness where young people have little interest in or knowledge of history. Most sports references to Indians are positive, and they will be lost forever.
This is certainly one of the silliest things I have seen on this board. Every, and I mean every, southerner - black or whiter or other - that I have ever met claims to have some "Indian" grandmother or some such ancestor. I don't think we have to worry about non-Indians forgetting about Indians, especially in Mississippi where the Mississippi Choctaws are an economic powerhouse (in many ways besides casinos).
I don't think we have to worry about non-Indians forgetting about Indians
NCAA was not referring to "Indians" in the generic, Black Cat. They were referring to specific Tribes. Take, for example, the Seminole Tribe of Florida. It is relatively small. The Seminole Tribe has endorsed Florida State's continued use of the Seminole Mascot. It was pointed out that Florida State's use of the Seminole Mascot will help preserve the Seminole name for posterity. Schools that have been permitted to continue to use their current mascot have close relations with their respective Tribe and have taken steps to ensure that use of the mascot will be done in a respectful manner.
"The Tribal Council of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians recently adopted “A Resolution To Affirm The Ongoing Use Of The Name Choctaw And Related Symbols By Mississippi College.” Should use continue following NCAA approval, the college will work directly with representatives of this Council to establish policies and guidelines to maintain appropriate use, dignity and respect. Initial communications indicate that continued use will also require some adjustments to current practices including exploring a more authentic mascot and consistently using the full name “Choctaws,” while eliminating the nickname “Chocs.” (For instance, “Lady Chocs,” will be referred to as “Lady Choctaws,” etc.)"