Fighting Illini/Dances With Wolves/Chief Illiniwek

[nelsonmc93]

Subtitles?

[weswally]

I'm American Indian and I have to say that though the well wishes and the teary-eyed responses are nice, there is a hint of subtle racism when you speak of the warrior Indian on the prairy. The image of the Noble Savage is what Americans think of when they think of American Indians, not casinos. Someone who could put their ear to the ground and tell you where the bad guys are coming from. Though native people were more in touch with the environment, most of these sentiments amount to liberal

[blackfootraw]

Everytime I see this scene, I get teary-eyed.

[vicko77]

on american continent there was great culture of Indians. There was living estimatedly 50 million people,native people.And how many is there now? all of them were killed! all! americans have stolen that land and murdered all people there. Imagine that some people would go to America now and killed all americans and steal the continent. Imagine that. What would you say? Humm?

[dreaming2bwu]

I seen this movie in the theatre when it was released back in 1990 still to this day this Very touching scene in the movie makes me break down and cry!!!

I am truly ashamed of how we have treated the Native Americans in this country! I believe that this Nation owes an apology to all the tribes of the people that we have treated so abominably!

[vicko77]

Yes,Americans at that time,the newcomers to US,were criminals,people trying to get free land using brutal force against indians,then people who were sooo lost in europe that they went to US, then many rich criminals trying to get dirty monry from enslaving people on American territory,then people trying to get natural resources on American cointinent,many many fraud people. and murders especially.What can we expect from american nation they were alomost like nazis in germany,only 300y earlier.

[lapalad]

Exactly the new Australian Government has apologised to their indigeous people

[nauxious]

some of biggest tribes have not resorted to casinos, Navajo & Lumbee and many others - not to say that gambling was not a way of life in those cultures, because it was.

The teams(football, baseball) were instigated early on when the white modern culture realized the power of cultural moral values and ideals were over-matching their own.

Jim Thorpe, being the first pro-football president, doesn't help the cause of modern natives plight. Catch-22

[spiritlakemassacre]

What proof? I am proof that I am offending by the fat stealing Chief Illini. The wasicu can dictate to us on how to think but we will not listen.

[illini50]

Why is it offensive? I think your casinos are offensive.

[spiritlakemassacre]

He is off-beat and his steps have no meaning.

[illini50]

OK, I will accept that if you say so. What if his steps had meaning? I don't see it as a degrading depiction in any way. Rather, it is a reminder of what was noble and good about Indians. The example people see today is casinos.

[spiritlakemassacre]

His steps would never have meaning because it would've meant that he went to the proper person for advice and his advice would be not do dance like a fool. As for casinos, our casin the Lodestar in Ft Thompson SD only perk is one prime rib dinner and a roll of quarters once a month provided one is over 65.

[illini50]

I'm not sure that makes any sense but...whatever. The casinos al over California and other parts are a scourge on society and bring no good. People associate them with Indians because they are built by Indians on land bought by Indians NOT "Indian Lands"...They are not Natives. There were people of European descent here before the Indians.

[spiritlakemassacre]

There have never been Europeans in the USA before the northern plains or southern plains tribes. We've always been here nor did we cross the Bering Strait. Look at Las Vegas or Atlantic City, is it because they are white folk owned that you don't harbor animosity towards them? Either way, having a fat stealing white person prancing erratically makes a mockery out of our traditions but we can only go one step at a time and this is one time that the chief can dance no more.

[samopdrift]

Just look up 'HAKA' and 'All blacks'... so doing a wardance seems to me nothing wrong with...

It hurts me to learn that this kind of oppression still exists. Never mind: real beauty can be oppressed, but not destroyed.

[illini50]

This is my point. I agree with you! So who are the people who oppose the Indian symbols in sports? Are they Indian groups? (which we are lead to believe) or "politically correct" administrators? Are you Indian? Write a letter to the NCAA and protest! Tell them it is NOT demeaning. Thanks for your support.

[chutry]

When most Native Americans are offended (or feel demeanded) by Chief Illinewek, then it's hard to tell them not to be offended. He was a caricature that needed to be retired.

[illini50]

What proof do you have that most Indians are offended by Chief Illini? And why would they be? I think many of them are trying to preserve some of the culture, not just bcome casino owners. I don't believe you're right about this.The Indians I know aren't offended.

[aosb47]

chutry,

With all due respect, you are wrong about Chief Illiniwek. He was no caricature, cartoon character or fool. You will find those at FSU, Atlanta Braves games and in D.C. Those representations are very offensive.

The Chief is the "spirit" of the school and commanded great respect. His appearances were very reverential. Very respectful He did not appear at auto dealerships or roam the sidelines whooping and hollering.

Respectfully,

aosb47.

Illinois, class of '85

[samopdrift]

It seems to me that the white man is still afraid for the Red man's power. What you do not know, you will fear. What you fear, you will try to destroy.

Doing a dance is not offensive... have you seen the kind of 'yell' the NewZealand All Blacks do? Now THAT would scare the xxxx out of me...

[samopdrift]

Indians are NOT just gambling, poverty and alcoholism! This beautyful culture is not completely gone. You are welcome to see my favorite videos if you are interested. Let's do what we can to keep the Indian culture alive! Love, Sam

[illini50]

Ok thank you Sam. I will watch them. Have you heard that the NCAA banned the Chief Illini from dancing at the Illinois sports events? I think this is an outrage as he was a great symbol for the Indians, a fierce competitor, doing a beautiful war dance with finesse. Why don't more Indians speak out in favor of these symbols??? My point is that the only thing the coming generations will associate Indians with is gambling. Look up Chief Illini and tell me...is that offensive?

[IanFleming007]

Tuching video, makes you kinda wanta cry.