i have cherokee, choctaw, and apache native american blood running through my veins. on my father's side, my great-great-great grandmother was a choctaw indian princess and my great-great grandmother was a cherokee indian princess. i fully SUPPORT the chief. BRING HIM BACK!
No. That's what you probably think in your own head. That mascot should not have been removed. This issue with mascots when are other issues are happening is ridiculous. It's just a sad thing to do. Well I guess everyone can wear Chief then , because they do anyway
@mrblob1012 Haha can't handle the truth so remove it? I'm affiliated with the Miami Tribe, the one that was wiped out and its remnants sent to Oklahoma. I've attended dances and experienced the spiritual ceremonies that ignorant people just love to mock directly to our faces. It's a "religious" practice, if we got out there and had the pope dancing around like an idiot, you "patriotic" social conservatives would yell out bloody murder because it's happening to you instead.
Please tell me there is college mascot called the "White Man" dressed in overalls, smells like sht, missing teeth, and has kids with his cousin living in a trailer? That's how ALL white people are right?
@chasityrabbit oh please, what civilization DOESN'T have blood on their hands? i think people are making a big deal out of this. it's true we should never forget what happened, but do we really need to limit or punish ourselves to such an extent? i mean c'mon.... it's a symbol for goodness sake. plus, it's not like we were being racist or disrespectful. i would think, in most occasions, using a tribal name or a native american symbol or person IS out of honor and respect
I Don't go to Illinois, I mean I live here. I think its sad. You have TMZ and all this bullshit out there.. But this Mascot that has been there FOREVER because people think its wrong. ( LETS ALL READ THE COMMENTS ON HERE FOR ONCE) What's wrong.. "ohh the Indians" ARE YOU INDIAN ? NO! OHH They don't know the History of Illinois or the damn sports or mascot. I mean its sad, but the country is too. Lets take away logos but give illegals some free health care. I mean c'mon.
there was many councils with the school about trying 2 get the chief more like a Illinois chief an they refused 2 respect the native culture i have told the school if they hold a pow-wow 2 show they honer the people they portray the school refuses an one of the biggest problems with the chief is the school racks in tons of money off his image an gives zero of it 2 native american indians an that it self is verry dis respectful ~~~ i like 2 see the chief return but do it in a way its respectful
I really dont see this as offensive, they are in my opinion portaying the cheif as a symbol of strength. I mean florida state has a native american as the mascot and the ohio indians have a cartoon character indian, yet they werent told be rid of them.
Yep, very emotional issue on all sides. I come from a three generation family (possibly a fourth this fall) of Illinois alumni. One of my best friends in school portrayed the Chief in the 1980's, and I accompanied him on several trips to address schools and Boy Scout groups. Kids blew off recess for Q&A. It was always handled with total respect and deference to the Illini nation - a true symbol of the University, never a mascot. Where does this end? Do we change the name of the state?
HAHA Be careful, you might hurt their feelings. Since majority think their "tradition" is greater than actual Indigenous people. Which majority don't know a thing about and careless. Out of sight out of mind right? Just as long as we go along and agree with everything they say, they love native people! BS if you tell me.
this is no honor, it is a spit in the face to our ancestors who killed the wasicu, who were murdered by the wasicu and who were kidnapped by the wasicu. we are told to get over it but you see billboards saying "never forget 9/11." what's up with that?
You dumbasses.. the chief is made to honor and remember the illini nation. everything that the chief does and wears is real. they should take it as an honor. the florida state seminoles get to keep their mascot because the chief of the noles sees it as an honor. he compared it to someone naming their kid after you. thier mascot isnt even authintic.
Look who is a dumbass. In whose honor are you talking about? How about I honor your grandpa by wearing bib overalls and fucking a goat. Does that bear an accurate resemblence to your redneck family?
That has nothing to do with this. Saying ur goin to wear bibs and fuck a goat would be fake because no one in my family has ever fucked a goat. The things the chief does in this video is authentic. What he is wearing was given to him by a native american, so if u have a proplem with it talk to him u pussy ass liberal. Leave this school alone and go cheat on your wife in ur office cubicle and meet up with your buddies for a wine sipping party afterwards. judge me again asshole
Oh, but it everything to do with this. Unfortunately, your pea-sized brain can't seem to process the fact that one Native American giving something authentic doesn't mean another Native American or any other non-redneck can't be offended. You really are a dumbshit, aren't you?
Well i just happen to be irish but im not cryin about an irish guy as a mascot of ND. I just happen to no a guy who was related to a steel worker that died on the job but u dont see me cryin to the nfl about the stealers mascot. so u just need to shut ur pussy ass up and quit lookin for stuff to bitch at
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Irish? What part of your 257 combination mutt ass is that? Give me a fucking break and die already. Maybe you'll come back as a purebred and understand what culture is really about.
@kolbias None of these moves are authentic, the tribes never ratified the dance and the school itself had to officially state that it was in fact not an accurate portrayal. This is not coming from a so called "pussy ass liberal," its just fact.
I supported the mascot, but the dance was as dumb as it was insulting to all native american religions and cultures.
Chief will never be dead. On March 7,2008 I went to the game against minnesota and chief came during half time in the stands where he used to dance! He was all dressed up and everything! The crowd went wild. and he passed about 10 feet infront of me!
Chief will never be dead. On March 7,2008 I went to the game against minnesota and chief came during half time in the stands where he used to dance! He was all dressed up and everything! The crowd went wild. and he passed about 10 feet infront of me!
im officially from Champaign Illinois and you people who say you are offended by the chief need to get the hell over it, we hold the chief with high regards and respect he holds a place of honor with in all he sees, and just to remind you an indian chief gave us the uniform the man wears, geez pick something else to bitch about.
I am going to ban the Notre Dame mascot because my ancestors are Irish and the fact they use the mascot as the Fighting Irish highly offends me.Or maybe I am going to ban the Oklahoma State Cowboy because it is highly offending to white people. Maybe the Georgia Bulldogs. I have a bulldog and the fact they use a bulldog as the mascot just is insanity. Not. I dont give a crap. These people need to learn that they are being recognized if anything by the mascot. Un freakin believable.
I'm a Michigan alum who loved the Chief He represented an admirable culture in our national history. To delete these icons from our lexicon is to erase history. Why should we retain mascots like Cowboys, Sooners ,49'rs even "Patiots" how did they treat our native Americans?
If you're a history teacher, then by all means, dig a bit in to history, and you will find that EVERYTHING about The Chief was AUGHENTIC. Maxim, while you make some very strong arguments, the dance was traditional, and tought by the Chief who made the headdress. They are just exaggerated a bit, so that everyone in the back can see what The Chief is doing and enjoy it just as much as those in the front.
I think here people need to just mind their damn own business and go along with what your doing. Im Irish and when i see a little fighthing Irish, that doesnt mean shit, thats a Catholic school, cmon! Shut the hell up and let it be you pansy asses, the Chief at least moved, im saddened by it. You kids need a life and shut the fuck up!
The Chief was a SYMBOL of those attributes and our university; this woman showed and had those attributes (I can only assume). There's a difference. The Chief was NOT meant to be a representation of all Native Americans, just our school! Nobody watched the Chief dance and said, "wow, that's how all Native Americans must dance" and if they did, they're stupid. Almost everyone knew that that wasn't a traditional dance, and if they didn't, they're ignorant, so what's the problem?
You're an ignorant ass hole who won't take the time to look at the proof that this mascot is demeaning, but you'll spend hours on YouTube trying to convince people you're right.
Also, even if the Chief wasn't offensive to people, the dance is stupid and you all need to get over it. Your main argument against the people offended by the Chief is 'get over it,' but you can't do the same thing.
wow.. and were the racist ones. i cant recal ever making and comment about a native american in a way u make one about midwesterners being an inbreed. ive lived in the midwest my whole life and ive never even seen an inbred family. freakin idiot, even if u dont agree with what illinois was doing u should lower urself to the racist level.
They're not eagle feathers. They are turkey feathers because they realized the religious significance of them and changed it. It is not meant to be a representation of all Native people, in fact, it's not even really meant to be a representation of how the Illiniwek actually looked and acted like, it's a representation of the qualities that we hope to have at our school. A physical manifestation of courage, honor, loyalty, and pride. If you look beyond the race, it is a non-issue.
I would like to know what stereotype this presents ('cause it's certainly not suggesting that the Chief and his tribe were violent people) and I would also like to know how this is claiming that American Indians are inferior (because that is the definition of racism). If you can't answer these two questions, then you are just protesting 'cause you have nothing else to do, and there's nothing wrong with Chief Illiniwek.
no,political correctness has no shame.Chief Illiniwek was such a beloved figure in the Illinois collegiate world,even for those of us who went to SIUE and what a shame he had to go.I was fortunate to be there at his last performance,and how emotional it was,so sad.RIP chief illiniwek!
We in the college world used to be proud of Illinois for not bending to these stupid rules, but the in this democracy, the minority's opinion is valued above all else. As long as the minority can "Feel good" who cares about the majority. Did you see how they all, Black , White and hispanic locked arms and sang as one, cheered as one, and cried as one for their alma mater.
This is the WCIA version. Where is the ESPNU version? I hated and still hate how WCIA would manipulate itself to make it seem like the Official Station of the University of Illinois. Guys, gals, ladies, gentlemen, CAN'T WE ALL JUST GET ALONG? Shouldn't there be a way both sides could come to a compromise?
This is just a cheerleader in a costume "acting" as an Indian, according to the stereotypes the general culture supports. Native Americans are people, not mascots.
Why would you say that? I have my opinion, you have yours. And my educated opinion is that Native American mascots are wrong. Check back to kajcountry's comments.
If you don't have the facts straight, your opinion is less valid. That's a principal of logical arguments. You can have any opinion you want, but until you know more about the history, and more than what you see in a video or two, it's not an informed one.
By the way, as I'm sure you were unaware, the Chief is not a mascot. He didn't perform cheers, he didn't run up and down the sidelines acting stupid like Bucky the Badger or Sparty, he only existed for three minutes at a time on the field, then he would be gone again.
Then I guess it really doens't matter that he isn't there, right? And by the way, my credentials for my comments are certainly more than these videos. I've been teaching history, American History at that, and Sociology for 34 years. Let's leave it at that.
Ok, but do you know more about the tradition and what goes into than what you saw in the videos? Those three minutes on the field mean more to most students and alumni than the actual games themselves. When we had down seasons in football, most people would stay until halftime just to see the Chief, then leave.
you've taught sociology for 34 years and you're picking fights on youtube. and u have the gall to call someone unintelligent. aren't you supposed to be teaching instead of trying to convince us all that you are a teacher? LOL
Picking fights? No, it's called discussion. And I encourage all my students to do that. That is teaching. And I don't think you'll see any comments of mine referring to anyone as "unintelligent."
This is just a cheerleader in a costume "acting" as an Indian, according to the stereotypes the general culture supports. Native Americans are people, not mascots.
There is absoulutely nothing racist about the Chief. Anyone can be offended if they want to be. Get a life you tree hugger. What symbol would you use to unify people? Emel Jones, a gopher, badger, buckeye? I can guarantee you won't go through your life and not be offended sometime. Why is your opinion more important than the majority that understand the spirit of Chief Illiniwek? Who are your heros? Al Gore, cabon emissions, Hillary Clinton?
That's true. Nobody has the right to not be offended by something in their lifetime. Everyone will be offended by something, it's just a matter of how ridiculous it is. Should we change the name of the state because people are offended that we still use a Native American derived word for it? Where does it stop??
You don't understand at all. Why would anyone be offended by the word. You need to educate yourself. Either you don't understand the effects mascots have on Native Americans or you don't care. It your problem is the first one I recommend you check out the APA page on indian mascots (or do you know better than those psychologists).
Then, I recommend you learn why the groups at UofI that would have the most knowledge of the group that is being "honored and respected" would favor eliminating the chief such as the Anthropology dept,History dept, Psychology dept, Sociology dept... in addition to the organizations: the Red Roots, American Indian Studies Network, Native American Students, Staff and Faculty for Progress, Native American Student Organization, Student-Faculty Senate, Student Anthropologists...
Chief represents fighting spirit, class and courage and to encourage the team to fight hard and win. This is something the anti Chief supports don't understand. U of I should have kept this proud tradition. Let's hope the Chief will return and the protestors all 15 of them will leave.
That's an important aspect. However, wouldn't it make more sense to come up with a symbol that unifies the university and exemplifies courage that isn't racist?
Well, I guess racist isn't the right word. But it is disrespectful. Initially the Chief was suppose represent the Native American feather dance. However, instead of performing the dance properly you have the Chief performing the dance improperly and calling it that. Personally, I don't think the Chief would be terrible if he performed the dance as one is suppose to. Then again...it probably wouldn't be very entertaining to most people in the same way.
I agree. I think there were so many ways to compromise, but there was so much animosity that no real dialog could ever occur. There still has never been a true dialog or debate about the issue with equal representation, and there never will be.
I don't think anyone really believes that the Chief's dance is traditional. We know it's an exaggeration, therefore, how is it still disrespectful? I still think that compromise would be the best option, but I would still like to know.
i have cherokee, choctaw, and apache native american blood running through my veins. on my father's side, my great-great-great grandmother was a choctaw indian princess and my great-great grandmother was a cherokee indian princess. i fully SUPPORT the chief. BRING HIM BACK!
Oblivionflower 5 months ago
No. That's what you probably think in your own head. That mascot should not have been removed. This issue with mascots when are other issues are happening is ridiculous. It's just a sad thing to do. Well I guess everyone can wear Chief then , because they do anyway
Chumpster1981 1 year ago
Comment removed
BreakinGuitarz33 1 year ago
@mrblob1012 Haha can't handle the truth so remove it? I'm affiliated with the Miami Tribe, the one that was wiped out and its remnants sent to Oklahoma. I've attended dances and experienced the spiritual ceremonies that ignorant people just love to mock directly to our faces. It's a "religious" practice, if we got out there and had the pope dancing around like an idiot, you "patriotic" social conservatives would yell out bloody murder because it's happening to you instead.
BreakinGuitarz33 1 year ago
Please tell me there is college mascot called the "White Man" dressed in overalls, smells like sht, missing teeth, and has kids with his cousin living in a trailer? That's how ALL white people are right?
Sincerely, Ute Native American
chasityrabbit 1 year ago 4
yes
mrblob1012 1 year ago
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@chasityrabbit oh please, what civilization DOESN'T have blood on their hands? i think people are making a big deal out of this. it's true we should never forget what happened, but do we really need to limit or punish ourselves to such an extent? i mean c'mon.... it's a symbol for goodness sake. plus, it's not like we were being racist or disrespectful. i would think, in most occasions, using a tribal name or a native american symbol or person IS out of honor and respect
Oblivionflower 5 months ago
I Don't go to Illinois, I mean I live here. I think its sad. You have TMZ and all this bullshit out there.. But this Mascot that has been there FOREVER because people think its wrong. ( LETS ALL READ THE COMMENTS ON HERE FOR ONCE) What's wrong.. "ohh the Indians" ARE YOU INDIAN ? NO! OHH They don't know the History of Illinois or the damn sports or mascot. I mean its sad, but the country is too. Lets take away logos but give illegals some free health care. I mean c'mon.
Chumpster1981 2 years ago
Bring the Chief back
illini100 2 years ago 3
i dont get it.....
why do we lose our mascot....
and yet the douchebag from Florida State is still around.....
skinny123222 3 years ago
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there was many councils with the school about trying 2 get the chief more like a Illinois chief an they refused 2 respect the native culture i have told the school if they hold a pow-wow 2 show they honer the people they portray the school refuses an one of the biggest problems with the chief is the school racks in tons of money off his image an gives zero of it 2 native american indians an that it self is verry dis respectful ~~~ i like 2 see the chief return but do it in a way its respectful
crazycoyotie 3 years ago
I really dont see this as offensive, they are in my opinion portaying the cheif as a symbol of strength. I mean florida state has a native american as the mascot and the ohio indians have a cartoon character indian, yet they werent told be rid of them.
polishgrl87 3 years ago
Yep, very emotional issue on all sides. I come from a three generation family (possibly a fourth this fall) of Illinois alumni. One of my best friends in school portrayed the Chief in the 1980's, and I accompanied him on several trips to address schools and Boy Scout groups. Kids blew off recess for Q&A. It was always handled with total respect and deference to the Illini nation - a true symbol of the University, never a mascot. Where does this end? Do we change the name of the state?
hibob418 3 years ago
very good point... where does this end?
tomcolordo 3 years ago
shouldnt*
kolbias 3 years ago
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Get over it white people, the chief will stay dead for good.
quicksilverwade 3 years ago
HAHA Be careful, you might hurt their feelings. Since majority think their "tradition" is greater than actual Indigenous people. Which majority don't know a thing about and careless. Out of sight out of mind right? Just as long as we go along and agree with everything they say, they love native people! BS if you tell me.
inawaste 3 years ago
this is no honor, it is a spit in the face to our ancestors who killed the wasicu, who were murdered by the wasicu and who were kidnapped by the wasicu. we are told to get over it but you see billboards saying "never forget 9/11." what's up with that?
quicksilverwade 3 years ago
That's a good point
inawaste 3 years ago
You dumbasses.. the chief is made to honor and remember the illini nation. everything that the chief does and wears is real. they should take it as an honor. the florida state seminoles get to keep their mascot because the chief of the noles sees it as an honor. he compared it to someone naming their kid after you. thier mascot isnt even authintic.
kolbias 3 years ago
Look who is a dumbass. In whose honor are you talking about? How about I honor your grandpa by wearing bib overalls and fucking a goat. Does that bear an accurate resemblence to your redneck family?
2bin 3 years ago
That has nothing to do with this. Saying ur goin to wear bibs and fuck a goat would be fake because no one in my family has ever fucked a goat. The things the chief does in this video is authentic. What he is wearing was given to him by a native american, so if u have a proplem with it talk to him u pussy ass liberal. Leave this school alone and go cheat on your wife in ur office cubicle and meet up with your buddies for a wine sipping party afterwards. judge me again asshole
kolbias 3 years ago 2
Oh, but it everything to do with this. Unfortunately, your pea-sized brain can't seem to process the fact that one Native American giving something authentic doesn't mean another Native American or any other non-redneck can't be offended. You really are a dumbshit, aren't you?
2bin 3 years ago
Well i just happen to be irish but im not cryin about an irish guy as a mascot of ND. I just happen to no a guy who was related to a steel worker that died on the job but u dont see me cryin to the nfl about the stealers mascot. so u just need to shut ur pussy ass up and quit lookin for stuff to bitch at
kolbias 3 years ago
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Irish? What part of your 257 combination mutt ass is that? Give me a fucking break and die already. Maybe you'll come back as a purebred and understand what culture is really about.
2bin 3 years ago
@kolbias None of these moves are authentic, the tribes never ratified the dance and the school itself had to officially state that it was in fact not an accurate portrayal. This is not coming from a so called "pussy ass liberal," its just fact.
I supported the mascot, but the dance was as dumb as it was insulting to all native american religions and cultures.
BreakinGuitarz33 1 year ago
let me ask you how you know have you seen every native american dance if not shut the fuck up
mrblob1012 1 year ago
Chief will never be dead. On March 7,2008 I went to the game against minnesota and chief came during half time in the stands where he used to dance! He was all dressed up and everything! The crowd went wild. and he passed about 10 feet infront of me!
CHIEF WILL NEVER BE DEAD!!!
ILL-INI
ILL-INI
swv1995 4 years ago
Chief will never be dead. On March 7,2008 I went to the game against minnesota and chief came during half time in the stands where he used to dance! He was all dressed up and everything! The crowd went wild. and he passed about 10 feet infront of me!
CHIEF WILL NEVER BE DEAD!!!
ILL-INI
ILL-INI
swv1995 4 years ago
alexjd09 is totally right!
Paraphyco 4 years ago
im officially from Champaign Illinois and you people who say you are offended by the chief need to get the hell over it, we hold the chief with high regards and respect he holds a place of honor with in all he sees, and just to remind you an indian chief gave us the uniform the man wears, geez pick something else to bitch about.
alexjd09 4 years ago
I am going to ban the Notre Dame mascot because my ancestors are Irish and the fact they use the mascot as the Fighting Irish highly offends me.Or maybe I am going to ban the Oklahoma State Cowboy because it is highly offending to white people. Maybe the Georgia Bulldogs. I have a bulldog and the fact they use a bulldog as the mascot just is insanity. Not. I dont give a crap. These people need to learn that they are being recognized if anything by the mascot. Un freakin believable.
grinsm123 4 years ago
Sad, you're ignorance and lack of education is revealed.
inawaste 3 years ago
While I agree with you, sadly, so has yours.
jpetryuiuc 2 years ago
I'm a Michigan alum who loved the Chief He represented an admirable culture in our national history. To delete these icons from our lexicon is to erase history. Why should we retain mascots like Cowboys, Sooners ,49'rs even "Patiots" how did they treat our native Americans?
jbdmed 4 years ago
Go Chief. Illini will never be the same without the him.
tromboneguy95 4 years ago
If you're a history teacher, then by all means, dig a bit in to history, and you will find that EVERYTHING about The Chief was AUGHENTIC. Maxim, while you make some very strong arguments, the dance was traditional, and tought by the Chief who made the headdress. They are just exaggerated a bit, so that everyone in the back can see what The Chief is doing and enjoy it just as much as those in the front.
allid1986 4 years ago
The dances were inspired by the Boy Scouts, nothing authentic in white Boy Scouts spinning and jumping.
quicksilverwade 4 years ago 2
I think here people need to just mind their damn own business and go along with what your doing. Im Irish and when i see a little fighthing Irish, that doesnt mean shit, thats a Catholic school, cmon! Shut the hell up and let it be you pansy asses, the Chief at least moved, im saddened by it. You kids need a life and shut the fuck up!
spunkycubster 4 years ago
You got the Indians selling cigarettes, but when the school pride it going on with the Illini, its wrong , c'mon. Bitches need a life, GET OVER IT!
spunkycubster 4 years ago
The Chief was a SYMBOL of those attributes and our university; this woman showed and had those attributes (I can only assume). There's a difference. The Chief was NOT meant to be a representation of all Native Americans, just our school! Nobody watched the Chief dance and said, "wow, that's how all Native Americans must dance" and if they did, they're stupid. Almost everyone knew that that wasn't a traditional dance, and if they didn't, they're ignorant, so what's the problem?
Maxim86 4 years ago
Please see comments of ssssss7.
jpetryuiuc 2 years ago
That doesn't change anything. Thanks for that important addition to the conversation.
Maxim86 2 years ago
Let's put it this way:
You're an ignorant ass hole who won't take the time to look at the proof that this mascot is demeaning, but you'll spend hours on YouTube trying to convince people you're right.
Also, even if the Chief wasn't offensive to people, the dance is stupid and you all need to get over it. Your main argument against the people offended by the Chief is 'get over it,' but you can't do the same thing.
jpetryuiuc 2 years ago
Let's put it this way:
You're a dick who hasn't actually read any of the things I've written and considered any other point of view. You're not worth my time.
Maxim86 2 years ago
What was the reason I left the midwest? Oh yeah...this! Gotta love the stupid, racist midwesterners who can't distinguish honor from inbreeding, lol.
2bin 4 years ago
wow.. and were the racist ones. i cant recal ever making and comment about a native american in a way u make one about midwesterners being an inbreed. ive lived in the midwest my whole life and ive never even seen an inbred family. freakin idiot, even if u dont agree with what illinois was doing u should lower urself to the racist level.
kolbias 3 years ago
Well,
1. How would you know an inbred family when you saw one?
2. Your grammar and spelling sure isn't helping your cause.
jpetryuiuc 2 years ago
They're not eagle feathers. They are turkey feathers because they realized the religious significance of them and changed it. It is not meant to be a representation of all Native people, in fact, it's not even really meant to be a representation of how the Illiniwek actually looked and acted like, it's a representation of the qualities that we hope to have at our school. A physical manifestation of courage, honor, loyalty, and pride. If you look beyond the race, it is a non-issue.
Maxim86 4 years ago 2
its very unfortunate that native americans think that the chief is demeaning
he was the true spirit of the university of illinois
personally i think the reason you say hes disrespectful is cause you want more money from the college
but thats just my opinion
catholicschoolkid 4 years ago
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Please see comments of ssssss7
jpetryuiuc 2 years ago
I would like to know what stereotype this presents ('cause it's certainly not suggesting that the Chief and his tribe were violent people) and I would also like to know how this is claiming that American Indians are inferior (because that is the definition of racism). If you can't answer these two questions, then you are just protesting 'cause you have nothing else to do, and there's nothing wrong with Chief Illiniwek.
tgheinrich 4 years ago 7
See the comments of
ssssss7
jpetryuiuc 2 years ago
no,political correctness has no shame.Chief Illiniwek was such a beloved figure in the Illinois collegiate world,even for those of us who went to SIUE and what a shame he had to go.I was fortunate to be there at his last performance,and how emotional it was,so sad.RIP chief illiniwek!
tinakay992000 4 years ago 2
We in the college world used to be proud of Illinois for not bending to these stupid rules, but the in this democracy, the minority's opinion is valued above all else. As long as the minority can "Feel good" who cares about the majority. Did you see how they all, Black , White and hispanic locked arms and sang as one, cheered as one, and cried as one for their alma mater.
Political Correctness, do you have no shame.
lordofwrath88 4 years ago 2
This is the WCIA version. Where is the ESPNU version? I hated and still hate how WCIA would manipulate itself to make it seem like the Official Station of the University of Illinois. Guys, gals, ladies, gentlemen, CAN'T WE ALL JUST GET ALONG? Shouldn't there be a way both sides could come to a compromise?
tigernike23 4 years ago
This is just a cheerleader in a costume "acting" as an Indian, according to the stereotypes the general culture supports. Native Americans are people, not mascots.
vsestir 4 years ago
Please stop commenting with no knowledge of the subject, you're only making yourself seem ignorant.
Maxim86 4 years ago
Why would you say that? I have my opinion, you have yours. And my educated opinion is that Native American mascots are wrong. Check back to kajcountry's comments.
vsestir 4 years ago
And the comments of sssssst.
vsestir 4 years ago
If you don't have the facts straight, your opinion is less valid. That's a principal of logical arguments. You can have any opinion you want, but until you know more about the history, and more than what you see in a video or two, it's not an informed one.
Maxim86 4 years ago
By the way, as I'm sure you were unaware, the Chief is not a mascot. He didn't perform cheers, he didn't run up and down the sidelines acting stupid like Bucky the Badger or Sparty, he only existed for three minutes at a time on the field, then he would be gone again.
Maxim86 4 years ago
Then I guess it really doens't matter that he isn't there, right? And by the way, my credentials for my comments are certainly more than these videos. I've been teaching history, American History at that, and Sociology for 34 years. Let's leave it at that.
vsestir 4 years ago
Forgive the typo.. "doesn't."
"Be the change you want to see in the world." Gandhi
vsestir 4 years ago
Ok, but do you know more about the tradition and what goes into than what you saw in the videos? Those three minutes on the field mean more to most students and alumni than the actual games themselves. When we had down seasons in football, most people would stay until halftime just to see the Chief, then leave.
Maxim86 4 years ago
wait a minute vsestir.
you've taught sociology for 34 years and you're picking fights on youtube. and u have the gall to call someone unintelligent. aren't you supposed to be teaching instead of trying to convince us all that you are a teacher? LOL
chiefessilliniwek15 3 years ago
Picking fights? No, it's called discussion. And I encourage all my students to do that. That is teaching. And I don't think you'll see any comments of mine referring to anyone as "unintelligent."
vsestir 2 years ago
This is just a cheerleader in a costume "acting" as an Indian, according to the stereotypes the general culture supports. Native Americans are people, not mascots.
vsestir 4 years ago
There is absoulutely nothing racist about the Chief. Anyone can be offended if they want to be. Get a life you tree hugger. What symbol would you use to unify people? Emel Jones, a gopher, badger, buckeye? I can guarantee you won't go through your life and not be offended sometime. Why is your opinion more important than the majority that understand the spirit of Chief Illiniwek? Who are your heros? Al Gore, cabon emissions, Hillary Clinton?
osgood54 4 years ago 2
That's true. Nobody has the right to not be offended by something in their lifetime. Everyone will be offended by something, it's just a matter of how ridiculous it is. Should we change the name of the state because people are offended that we still use a Native American derived word for it? Where does it stop??
Maxim86 4 years ago
You don't understand at all. Why would anyone be offended by the word. You need to educate yourself. Either you don't understand the effects mascots have on Native Americans or you don't care. It your problem is the first one I recommend you check out the APA page on indian mascots (or do you know better than those psychologists).
ssssss7 4 years ago
Then, I recommend you learn why the groups at UofI that would have the most knowledge of the group that is being "honored and respected" would favor eliminating the chief such as the Anthropology dept,History dept, Psychology dept, Sociology dept... in addition to the organizations: the Red Roots, American Indian Studies Network, Native American Students, Staff and Faculty for Progress, Native American Student Organization, Student-Faculty Senate, Student Anthropologists...
ssssss7 4 years ago
Chief represents fighting spirit, class and courage and to encourage the team to fight hard and win. This is something the anti Chief supports don't understand. U of I should have kept this proud tradition. Let's hope the Chief will return and the protestors all 15 of them will leave.
osgood54 5 years ago
That's an important aspect. However, wouldn't it make more sense to come up with a symbol that unifies the university and exemplifies courage that isn't racist?
dkmagby88 4 years ago
Explain how it is racist. Please
Maxim86 4 years ago
Well, I guess racist isn't the right word. But it is disrespectful. Initially the Chief was suppose represent the Native American feather dance. However, instead of performing the dance properly you have the Chief performing the dance improperly and calling it that. Personally, I don't think the Chief would be terrible if he performed the dance as one is suppose to. Then again...it probably wouldn't be very entertaining to most people in the same way.
dkmagby88 4 years ago
I agree. I think there were so many ways to compromise, but there was so much animosity that no real dialog could ever occur. There still has never been a true dialog or debate about the issue with equal representation, and there never will be.
Maxim86 4 years ago
I don't think anyone really believes that the Chief's dance is traditional. We know it's an exaggeration, therefore, how is it still disrespectful? I still think that compromise would be the best option, but I would still like to know.
Maxim86 4 years ago
For heavens sake bring back the Chief. Long Live the Chief!!!!
osgood54 5 years ago 2
I love the chief.
illinialltheway1234 5 years ago
its a shame to see him go. he went out well.
illinialltheway1234 5 years ago
aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
illinialltheway1234 5 years ago
best video i've seen!
go illini!
gradof2010 5 years ago 2