Explain it how you like, but being an Illinois Grad myself, I have to wonder if an Indian dressing up in a fatass White Man costume to parade around for drunken Indians to somehow make them feel like they are a part of something honorable would piss anyone off. I don't deny the fact that Central Illinois is a bastion of inbred White people who move to outlying towns so their kids don't have to be "exposed" to minority filth. Maybe unofficial should be a national holiday right?
Who gives a shit at this point? Everyone loved and respected the Chief but that still wasn't good enough for some people so they projected their insecurities with themselves into outrage and now the sports are just another politically correct cesspool of boredom and blandness. Sad.
@Evenflowist314 You are here posting, therefor you give a shit. Insecurities with themself? Insecurities like adopting a White kid dressed up like an Indian as a mascot for an almost all White University and then worshiping that fake Indian? Why not just dress up in Black face and do a monkey dance? Can't find honor elsewhere in your lives, have to worship a fake indian? Seems like that would be a glaring definition of insecurity and guilt.
Yeah, I'm just not as soft and sensitive as you are. I've learned to have a spine in life and if someone wants to dress in blackface and do a monkey dance, more power to them. I don't have to like it but I'm not gonna whine and ruin it for everybody else. Why does he have to be "fake" he seemed pretty real and respectable to the student body, I didn't see anyone laughing at him in fact, there were some tears when he left for good. Stop making everything about race, it's 2012.
@Evenflowist314 Obviously being a racist in public is more having a spine than being closeted, but when you are part of a mob it doesn't really count does it? Courage is being able to admit when you are wrong, what about this "Chief" do you feel was right? That he is dressed as a Sioux indian? The Illini nation was not Sioux. Did you know that Indian Chiefs DON'T dance, EVER? But it's okay to insult other races, they shouldn't whine about it.
For me personally it wasn't about the details, I saw a symbol, something that an entire University stood behind. White, Black, Asian, Indian, it doesn't matter who portrays the Chief, nor does it really matter that he danced in the scheme of things. Yeah, Chiefs don't dance, that's great too bad it's college athletics and not history class. You're taking it as an insult because you lack the self-esteem to get over it. It's not racism and it's time to stop treating it as such.
@Evenflowist314 Wouldn't it be great if people in college actually learned something? I have more respect for both myself and American Indians than to "honor" a white kid dressed up as a fake indian, exactly WHAT is honorable about that anyway? You need a hero to unite behind, why don't you find the nearest Military Veteran and honor him or her? I disagree with you, I say being a closeted racist is as cowardly as they come, and this University is way in that closet. Open the door, come out.
Why should an argument over political correctness determine a person learning something? That makes no sense. Fine you don't have to honor him if you don't want to but thousands of others did and not just whites by the way.You're still using the race argument, it's doesn't work because Illiniwek wasn't scorned by anyone other than people like you. This is another PC argument, where you think that a dancing mascot will cause me to think any less of you. People are smarter than that.
@Evenflowist314 Oh right, because you don't want to "ruin it for everyone else". Racism is wrong, cowering and saying or doing nothing is cowardice, it's where the word comes from.
That comment is a hyperbole if there ever was one, especially when it comes to something as simple over differing opinions over a school mascot. How is it racist? What harm does it do other than happen to offend you? As I said you should have more faith in people, of course I don't use a dancing school mascot to paint my full understanding of native people, like you're afraid of me doing for some reason. Anyway it's just another case of self-esteem issues if there ever was one.
@Evenflowist314 Apparently you feel very motivated to defend your racism over and over, not comprehending what not just myself, but many others are saying. More likely that is indicative of low self-esteem and a lot of guilt. You said you don't think blackface would be wrong, so dress up like Mike Jordan and go walk in Southside Chicago explaining how you are honoring Black athletes, I think those folk would help you understand far better than I can.
I would dress up like MJ there's just one problem, I'm black so that would be redundant. I have dressed up like Nixon before and I didn't see any white people whining over it like you are about this. You see what happens when you assume about people? This whole time you thought I was white simply because I don't see the fuss over arguing over a school mascot like it's life and death when it isn't. If anything you're the racist for simply assuming I'm white to begin with.
@Evenflowist314 No, I assumed you were a moron, and seeing that you are a hypocrite simply confirms that. Great job being a lemming, these White kids appreciate your support in their struggle. If you want to see whining, refer to the thousands of bitches moaning about how they lost their hero the "Chief" and attacking anyone who disagrees with them. Oh wait, you are one of them. Stop calling the "Chief" a mascot, he was a symbol remember? Right, no one is really sure WHAT this meant.
You stereotype people who disagree with you as white while screaming racism at the same time... I wouldn't go throwing around words like "hypocrite" or "moron" if I was you. Who's attacking who? You seem to have been busy attacking everyone who voices their love of the Chief on this video as if it's some unhealthy personal vendetta. Is a mascot not a symbol of an institution? Don't know what you're trying to prove with that last sentence and I don't think you do either.
@Evenflowist314 Sure, as far as I understand from the whole controversy, it is just fine to do or say whatever I want about others and who cares what they think? That's your opinion isn't it, just agreeing with you superstar. Does it offend you, it does I can tell, but you still can't seem to understand why others would be offended. So UI is a majority Native American University, or ever was? You made my point, you don't KNOW what in hell the "Chief" was.
No you're not agreeing with me, you're trying to talk your way out of being a hypocrite. You can try but we've already established that you stereotype just like the "evil" white man does to you hence the assuming I'm white. You don't have any moral high ground, nor is your argument worth taking seriously at this point since you're racist against white people. Way to have the same mindset as the ones your so "offended" by. I wonder if you're even smart enough realize this.
@Evenflowist314 You forgot something, I never said you were White, but you are stuck on it like you found a bone, nice try though. Are you debating me or yourself here, I honestly think it's the latter since you make no sense. Racist against White people, or just racist against racists? And exactly what race do you think I am? Oh right, assumptions there you go. You may be confused, but rest assured that I don't wonder if you are smart or not.
"You said you don't think blackface would be wrong, so dress up like Mike Jordan and go walk in Southside Chicago explaining how you are honoring Black athletes, I think those folk would help you understand far better than I can."
Why say that unless you thought I was white? There's a lie.
"Great job being a lemming, these White kids appreciate your support in their struggle."
So I'm black and disagree that makes me a lemming? I can't think on my own? You're racist.
@Evenflowist314 And in what part of that did I ever say you were White? That's the real lie, you simply say whatever makes you think you are proving something. Yes, I am racist for calling out racists, are you seriously trying the Jedi mind trick now? Did I say you couldn't think on your own? Or did I say you are a lemming? I see how many people are agreeing with me here, yet none with you, but hey go do a three in one why don't you, since cheerleaders like you understand that well.
Ahhhhh I always love running into less-smart people on Youtube. I've backed you into a corner and turned your own racism argument against you so now you're trying to differentiate between "literally saying" and "assuming" I'm white as if that will change the outcome, lol. It doesn't matter if you said or thought it, you still assumed I was white and even worse call me a lemming which implies that as a black person I'm somehow a pawn of whites and can't think for myself. Nice try?
@Evenflowist314 Really I think you just enjoy seeing yourself type. I actually think you are Rob Blagojevich because you debate endlessly without really making a point, they let you have internet in your cell? My brain cells atrophy if I stay at your level too long. Yes, I am a racist, and I actually LOVE the CHIEF because everyone should have someone from another race to make a spectacle of. GO CHIEF, rah rah rah. How's that Jedi Eminem working out for you now? Anything else new?
Not really, it's actually funny to see you digging the whole deeper for yourself. Any and all respect I had for your opinion was gone the minute I exposed you as a hypocritical racist so at this point I just can't take you seriously. Please keep digging, you're turning a bad day at work into a comedy routine.
@Evenflowist314 LOL.. I feel the same way, you entertain me. You claim to be Black, because that makes racism okay then doesn't it? As is typical, you played the race card when things weren't going your way, it's really all you have isn't it? Claiming to run into less smart people on youtube, because debating endlessly in 300 character bytes makes you appear very intelligent in your world right? You thought that I EVER took you seriously? This is like playing angry birds to me, I'm bored.
"As is typical, you played the race card when things weren't going your way, it's really all you have isn't it?"
Again, you're trying to talk your way out of being an idiot. I don't care about race, YOU DO. Therefore you're the only one playing the race card and calling blacks lemmings for whites. Hypocrite.
"You thought that I EVER took you seriously? This is like playing angry birds to me, I'm bored."
You keep responding so you have a funny way of showing it.
Explain it how you like, but being an Illinois Grad myself, I have to wonder if an Indian dressing up in a fatass White Man costume to parade around for drunken Indians to somehow make them feel like they are a part of something honorable would piss anyone off. I don't deny the fact that Central Illinois is a bastion of inbred White people who move to outlying towns so their kids don't have to be "exposed" to minority filth. Maybe unofficial should be a national holiday right?
To Breakin Guitarz33, Indians don't dance like that you moron!! lol!!!! We are not offended. We are laughing are asses off, lol!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The White wannabe Indian is finally gone, wahooooooo!!!!!!!! Your an idiot "Breakin Guitarz33" !!!!! lol!!!!!!!!!!!
Just because something is tradition, doesn't make it right. A racist can claim "tradition" as the reason for his views, saying that everyone in his family thinks like that and has for generations. It doesn't change the fact that his views- that "tradition", is wrong. Some traditions need to change.
Notre Dame should change its mascot too then! I am of Irish descent and it offends me greatly to see a red haired, green wearing, short man represent my people. The fact that they are the "Fightin' Irish" obviously means that he is drunk and that is a negative stereotype of my people. The Irish have been oppressed in the past and I am surprised that more people aren't outraged at Notre Dame's insensitivity!
For those of you that can't tell, I am being sarcastic and offering a counter example.
Actually, Notre Dame is FRENCH. "Notre Dame" is french for "Our Lady" and it was founded by french missionaries. It isn't Irish. So, it is a valid example.
@GoldenEagle721 So how sarcastic is it when Blacks and Hispanics and Native Americans run around campus on unofficial wearing "I'm Irish" Tshirts? Kind of looks retarded doesn't it? Think hard about that.
I am a NATIVE AMERICAN after seeing this dumbass shit. I repeat dumbass shit. Justs makes the White Man look STUPID. If you ever went to a pow-wow. Or seen a NATIVE AMERICAN Dance they dont act this stupid. They each grow up dancing. They dont just throw on a Headdress and call them self a Chief. I think that all teams that have a Native American team Name. Should change the Name of the Team. Its Degrading to Native Americans
@skherren You wrote "some person(s) are insecure in who they are"?? You mean like a majority WHITE University that can't find a WHITE hero to rally behind so they have to dress up like and worship Indians?? Please say you are not a graduate of this University, it would only make it worse....
Is there any way to get a MP3 file of the song from 1:58 through 5:20 of this video. I would just download the audio from that part of the video but I would like a better sounding MP3 of the song.
Ignorance is so upsetting. Read the history. Look into the actual meanings of the "ritual" you are performing. Attend a ceremony. These symbols aren't meant to entertain, they have purpose. Using them in a way other than their intended purpose is offensive.
@illinimarine7 You're a moron. The Cheif will NEVER Die...thefact that you posted your unwitty comment and are still talking about him proves that fact!
@monexpo86 Because Florida State can pay off their tribe. Illinois can't. Ever hear of "Starved Rock"? 1769, Illini tribe wiped out.
Also, I love all these comments about "history". These people clearly do not understand the story behind the origin of the Chief. Has there been some misuse of the Chief symbol? Yes, I absolutely abhor those numbskulls in the student section with the headdresses, they are not helping the situation. As an alum, I will always remember the Chief with honor.
I remember when they announced this. I remember thinking...it is about time. The real shame is that there is such massive ignorance on a university campus!
You would think that after so many days, weeks, months, and years of persecuted protest that there would have been more introspection.
If "Chief" defenders spent half as much time looking at history, the kind found on a bookstore shelf not in a textbook, they would be embarrassed of themselves!!!!
If the University really honors and respects Native American culture then why don't they have a dedicated department to the study of Native Americans? One would think that an institution whose mission is that of higher learning would not only support in name the symbols of Native Americans (ie Chief) but more importantly its academic pursuit.
@lieberman33 hey dummy, they have numerous courses every semester dedicated to American Indian Studies. why dont you research a little more before you and the rest of the "offended" people make some sort of criticism on the Chief. Chief is gone, but definitely not forgotten on this campus. All the traditions of the past are still carried on and will continue in the future even without the Chief.
who gives a fuck ok take away the seminoles of florida state and the washington redskins u of i is one of the oldest colleges in the country fuck all of you that wanted him gone
It's quite unfortunate that our universities are under assail from the progressive politically correct haters. They'll do anything to deteriorate history and tradition.
I honestly don't see how this is offensive or racist in any way.
What about the Vikings? They have a burly hairy brute of a guy dressed like a barbarian prancing around and you don't see people of Nordic descent screaming about it being degrading. I'm sure that wasn't an accurate portrayal of Nordic culture. No Irish people complaining about the Fighting Irish mascot either.
It's just a sport. Leave accurate portrayals to multicultural events and history documentaries.
@SnowBoardNative How is it stereotyping if the University said it wasn't to mock them in any way, it was for respect. If you can't take it as respect, then there is no hope for you as a human being in my mind sir.
@GOllumboy101 Dressing a guy as an INDIAN & prancing around like a fool Representing NATIVE AMERICANS is not respectful!.. BUT it doesn't matter anymore cuase Chief IIIiniwek is no longer!!!!=) Anyways I'm through communictating with you. LISTEN to what my Grandfather has to say about INDIAN mascots in the first part of the Youtube video 'Red Crow says goodbye'
@BreakinGuitarz33 you obviously have no idea what your talkn about man. this is tradition and its not making a mockery out of "the Natives". Everyone at U of I loves and respects and loves the Chief.
@n2extreem So this tradition that started in the 20th century outweighs the culture and spiritual beliefs of these natives who had been around for hundreds of years before Europeans set foot here? It's a mockery, and the native's aren't asking for much. Don't abuse the dignity of their religion, and the debate is over.
Well first off its dumb watching some white dude bounce around in an indian costume, but yes its offensive. Natives used such dances for Religious purposes, and by doing this "dance" that is as unrealistic as it is absurd you are directly making fun of a people's culture and traditions that you made dissappear by looting, killing and raping.
It was stupid, racist, without any justification, and I'm thankful they got rid of the dance. I dont have problems with names, only when theyre mocked.
@BreakinGuitarz33 If the Native Americans found it offensive then they would have never agreed to make the regalia for this and to teach each person who was the chief how to do the dances. It was done to show respect of the Natives of the land that the school was built on. And not all of the people who have been the chief where white, many in the past have been Native American.
@kclove121 And who's saying that natives are always perfect? They saw the direction the mescot was heading and took it back. And I want to know where you got that information that the indians taught them the dance, because that's pretty farfetched if you know the history. The portrayers of the mascot developed the dance over time as they proposed what moves to make and what choreography to do. If they really cared then they would've asked for native assistance at the mascot's inception.
@BreakinGuitarz33 The dance was created after students studied the native Americas, and was later “edited” if you will by some Native Americas. But, each student who was the chief was allowed to change parts of it, making it their own. I realize now that I was wrong to say the Native Americans taught it, and I am sorry for that. I don’t think chief Illiniwek was that offensive, unlike our nation’s capitals NFL football team, the Red Skins. I think that is ridiculous.
@GOllumboy101 Uhhhh, do you really not do any research or see more than one idiotic side's views? Just watch the video "In Whose Honor?" Theres a perfect scene about this. The dancer who portryed Chief Illiniwek was hosting a press conference to explain how the mascot "honors" the native americans who were originally from Illinois, but there were around two dozen native americans who were in their traditional garb. The leader of this group's first question was "These native dances are an...
@GOllumboy101 ....Integral part of our culture's spirituality and religion. Tell me, why do you think it's ok to do these dances and disgrace our religion by doing so?" The white portrayer didn't know what to say. Yes, natives do care and are making their voices heard. YOU are wrong
@GOllumboy101 Let me clarify with one simple phrase: its all fucking WRONG. The dances are not that of any native american tribe, they were made up by students to get the most attention possible, and it makes a mockery out of the people and their sacred religion. Yea lets get some jews dancing around with money because they're obviously all like that, or lets get a catholic priest to prance around and look for little boys to sleep with. It's a stereotype, a mockery, and a damn good riddance
@BreakinGuitarz33 . Actually your wrong, if you would actually do some research you would know that dance was an actually Lakota Sioux dance, given the fact that yes, the dance changed over the years, but it was still a authentic dance. Let me ask you a question. Florida State still has their Chief, he rides on a horse and throws a flaming spear into the ground, how is that not offensive? And yet Chief Illiniwek is gone and FSU's chief isnt. Explain that to me.
@pujolsankielfan My god im surrounded by morons on youtube comment pages. You have no proof of it being an authentic, accurate dance because you're basically outright lying to me. Just because it's "based" on a Lakota dance (which is not even the tribe that the Chief is based on) doesn't mean it's not hilariously fake and a disgrace to both native Americans and the Illini supporters that believe it's ok to insult someone's religion as long as its not theirs. And who said I don't think(cotd.)
@BreakinGuitarz33 Its not mocking any religon at all, the dance was proven authentic, back in the 60s or 70s an actual Indian Chief (im not sure of the name of the Chief or the Tribe) gave Chief Illniwek a blessing and made him an honorary Chief. This information comes from the Movie Chief Illiniwek : The Last Dance? Your right about the scholarship thing, im dont know of any, but U of 1 does have Native Amerian Frat and Sorortiy houses on campus.
@pujolsankielfan Well it's good to see they have those on campus now, i do find it hard to believe those were around though before the 90's or so, when Charlene Teters(the activist who got this debate going originally) was there for grad school. But about the dance, yes it was originally ratified at that time by a chief along with the regalia, the affiliated tribes took a second look at it and finally decided that they were to change their stance on the issue. Their primary point is that the..
@pujolsankielfan portrayals of native american dancing in such a scenario is inherently offensive to the spirituality of a living culture and people. I do think a middle ground could(and maybe still) be achieved, such as the Lakota, Spokane, etc tribes coming in and providing them with accurate ceremonial dances instead of what we as outsiders portray them to be like. But the problem is that you have to factor in so many other things to the equation, such as the music, appearance, vocals, etc
@pujolsankielfan FSU does some pretty fucked up shit in terms of how they portray natives too? Well at least they give a fuck about the natives whose ancestors they virtually sent into oblivion by providing scholarship programs for young seminole kids. Let's see U of I give a damn about the natives they portrayed so stupidly at sports events. This whole debate just spurs from the fact that this "tradition" was so engrained into the culture of the school that no one realized the rampant racism.
@pujolsankielfan The simple fact is that it is incredibly hard to have a mascot represent a people and not have it be honestly offensive one way or another, whether it be a name like the former mascot of my school Miami University, the Redskins, to the tomahawk chop performed all across the country. I honestly think it's possible, but its a very narrow path to avoid any sort of controversy.
@pujolsankielfan actually, the NCAA tried to make FSU stop using there mascot, but the seminole tirbe sued the NCAA because they actually wanted the college to continue to use the mascot
@kclove121 the only people who found it offensive were a bunch of bored-as-hell white people who wanted their worthless opinions to be heard. The squeaky wheel gets the oil, but there comes a time when that wheel gets changed. It will happen and the chief WILL return.
@kclove121 The dance was NOT an authentic American Indian dance and just because someone is Native American, it 1.) does not mean that they understand and have respect for the original significance of something like the headdress or even an authentic dance AND 2.) also does not mean they are not perpetuating stereotypes and oversimplifications about a group of people
@kclove121 Native Americans never taught the students how to do the dance. The dance was created by students themselves, who most likely do not have any accurate background knowledge of Native American culture. And of the 82 years of Chief Illiniwek's existence, not one person who portrayed him was of Native American descent.
I think it's so sad that Illini lost Chief Illiniwek. There was nothing disrespectful about it! Everything was done with respect. And the fact that people took it away is a SHAME!!
hahahahahahhaha hes no more boo fucking hoo hahahaha hes dead and burning in hell with the other mascots, soon enough FSU and all the others will be there too
I'm glad they took him away. From what I've heard U of I isn't the best Native American inspired school. I would much prefer Florida State, they actually offer Seminole families scholarships to the university. And from what I've seen, not a single Chief Illiniwek was an actual Native American. It's a good school, but quite frankly, not a good tradition. Go Northwestern :D
And as for our good friend ianzabo1; if you don't like losing your 1920's tradition of "Chief" (what a mockery there) Illiniwek, why don't you bring back another time honored tradition from early 1920 back. If you don't like what we have to say, then just put back on those traditional KKK sheets and take to the streets again. I'm sure your stereotypical views of Native Americans and pro chief bullshit would fit right in with that eras lynch mob. Just change the cross to the chief's face first.
@ianzabo1 actually its for any minorities and non protestants. So even white catholics were targets of the KKK. But considering that the KKK's area of power was in the south, mainly arkansas, mississippi and alabama people aren't aware of this. Which really brings up the point that it was probably unlikely that whites in Champaign and Illinois for that matter made up a large percentage (if any) of the KKK. So yes! our new friend Blackfeet isn't very bright when it comes to geography and the KKK.
@BlackfeetSinopaa dont have anything to say about the last couple comments? exactly, thats because u know indians helped the chief just as whites did. THEY made the costume for the chief for gods sake. i dont think they would do that unless they supported the chief. do u?
The real problem is that you pro chief people can't come to grips with being told "no". The white masses can't understand when they don't get their way, as you have for most of Americas existence. Your "U I tradition" began in an era when black face was common and segregation was mandatory. As for his "dance"; anyone of you morons could come to a pow wow and see that we act NOTHING like what your freak show does at halftime. You can't even get the regalia for the area right for Gods sake.
@BlackfeetSinopaa - 1. Nice job stereotyping all pro-Chiefers as being all white. You lost your credibility. 2. Chief Illiniwek is a freak show? Really? Life must be really "freaky" for you if you consider that a freak show.
The regalia was a gift from, dare I say, Native Americans. Blame them.
My god, why are you pro chief fans so damned retarded? YOU CAN'T FORCE HONOR. I don't give a damn how much your little sideshow meant to you and how tearful you are that it's gone. If the group of Natives that live here don't want it, then *gasp* get rid of it.
We're not your plaything. I don't care what the Florida natives think about the mascot down there. That's there business. Our business is here and we don't want your damned chief acting like a 1950's mockery of our culture.
It's hard to believe that the university let the NCAA bully them into eliminating the most inspiring and meaningful symbol Illinois has ever had. It's just a shame. Very, very sad.
hey jwiebe22, ur a pussy, the chief doesnt limit any native american to who they can be, indians should quit being fucking lazy and blaming everything on racism, get a fucking life seriously. its bullshit that the ncaa just makes the minority happy when the MAJORITY is all for the chief
@ianzabo1 wow thats more than a little ignorant. Your saying people wouldnt know what an ''INDIAN'' was if it were for some ridiculous white guy dressed up as an indian prancing around like an idiot. Good joke. The fact is that "white people" dont have to worry about this because of privileged, their entire way of life isnt mocked. wow ignorance is bliss for you man isnt it. why not make the minority happy for once, when the white majority has been happy for the last millenia.
@jwiebe22 its good to know that that was the only part of my comments that u can defend because u know everything else is true. if i was mocked i wouldnt care, its not a big deal. indians dont realize that when something doesnt go their way, they cant bitch and blame the world for being racist, they just have to suck it up. some things in life suck. GET OVER IT
@jwiebe22 and when u say lets make the minority happy, that makes no sense. when the country is voting for a president or someone did they ever once give the job to the person with the least amount of votes? no, ur a fucking idiot, our world doesnt work like that
@ianzabo1 okay once, this is not what aboriginal people do/did. There dances had significance and meaning, this is just a showcase for ignorance. I noted the idea that people wouldnt know what an indian was because of how ridiculous of statement it was, white privileged only goes so far, and native people are not just "bitching" all their asking for is there culture to be respected and promises to be kept. Thats not that difficult to do.
@jwiebe22 ya their culture is respected, thats why the chief exists............... you dont think the dance the chief does has meaning? are you retarded?
In answer to derbooboo, Florida State writes a check to the Seminole nation for the use of the name and all ensuing symbols....in return, the Seminole nation says "have a nice season." In other words, money talks!!!!!
I am sure that the dancers and the people who enjoy watching the Illiniwek mascot perform believe that they are being respectful of Native American traditions with this mascot.
However, one must take into account two main factors: that the Peoria tribe associated with the Illini tribe vhas asked for its removal, and that the dance is akin to one a shaman would do (the equivalent of a priest, rabbi, or imam).
The problem is not the dances are or are not real. The fact is what is portrayed as being "Indian" is not real and factual. What mascots depicting Aboriginal people due is just reiterate stereotypes, and the belief that Aboriginals were and are mere warriors. The major problem that exists is for contemporary Aboriginals who have to face these spectacles, that have no validity and have lost all their meaning as they are presented before a sporting event. .
@jwiebe22.... These mascots limit Aboriginal people to the historical stereotype of who they were, and basically limits who they can be or who they are in a contemporary society. It may or may not be about tradition, but a tradition that is inherently wrong is still wrong.
@jwiebe22 who cares if the portrayals are not perfectly real. if aboriginals don't like it, they don't have to watch it, its as simple as that. the chief isn't even a mascot, he's a revered symbol for the university. and if some indians want to come up with a "mascot" that makes fun of white people, nobody would say a thing. if it wasn't for the chief, nobody would know what an indian is, so go ahead, keep bitching and moaning because thats the only reason people know what an indian is
I hate to say it but this was (to me) just a clear and present way of "Sticking it to 'em". I firmly believe this. I am of Irish decent and don't get angry at the fighting Irish logo of a leprechaun and I don't get mad at the vikings emblem. This "Victory" was just a PC tactic to appease a few and damn the majority. PERIOD!
PC has taken over the world,there is nobody upset by the Boston Celtics or the Minn. vikings.Nobody is making fun on native americans but its these bs victories that get in the way of real progress,notice the people of all races honoring the last dance of a beloved school tradtion.BS pc idiots strike again!
To the people who got rid of the chief, they have no idea what a tribute it was to their culture and a vengeful hatefull people thank you for ruining a large part of my school
This dance and costume were created and displayed with the full consent of descendants of the Illini nation currently in Oklahoma. Yes they were forced to live there by whites a long time ago. They made amends.
The effort to remove the chief was instituted by non-Illini nation descendants because they were angry at three Illinois governors who refused to grant these "Natives" sole casino rights in Illinois. It was retribution pure and simple.
@wss355 - That's because Chief Illiniwek was the university's symbol, not their mascot. EA Sports did, however, have the Chief erroneously dancing on the sidelines of NCAA Basketball 05 (or 06). They removed it the following year.
It probably helps that the Seminole tribe lives in Florida, while the people who now live in Illinois kicked the Illiniwek people out of the state, but yet decided they should be "honored" by having some student do a dance devised by boy scouts while dressed in the clothes of the traditional enemy of the Illiniwek Confederacy. Would you have a team called the Frenchmen, and dress them like redcoats? But all Indians are the same, right? no racism there, I'm sure (sarc)
it's not about cultures it's about tradition. and they're not making fun of them. they're doing real native american dances. and back in the day the were real native americans. and they never did it to hurt anyone they did it because they are the fighting illini. they were showing off what the ancestors of the land did when they went to war. U of I went to war with other schools. All over the country, people celebrate Native Americans through dance and trinkets. What makes U of I different?
In a minstrel show, men would paint their faces black and pretend to be African American when they were not. At an Illini game men would paint their faces with war paint and pretend to be Native American when they were not. Isn't it obvious we are making the same mistake again? The intentions between the two are different but the result is the same. By watching the chief perform no one is learning anything about Native American culture.
I protested the "Next Dance" and heard people yell "Where's the Napalm?" and "Death to all Native Americans" among other things. Most fans of the chief believe they are honoring Native Americans and do not mean disrespect. The chief is not racist, evil or hateful, but he is a caricature that does not represent an actual Native American. A mascot is an object not a human and by promoting an inaccurate representation, humanity becomes objectification and humanity cannot be denied to anyone.
Apparently the Florida State mascot can throw a burning spear into the ground but the chief can't dance. If the Seminole tribe isn't offended, how can people be offended by Illiniwek? Especially since there is no Illini tribe in existence anymore to give permission.
And a history lesson: the term Fighting Illini was named in honor of U of I students who fought in the World War.
I have loved the Chief and the Illini since I was a kid, they retired the chief the year before I got here, and now they have finally stopped selling any chief memorabilia. Although i understand why some Native Americans dislike the use of the Chief as a mascot, I would want them to know how much kids on this Campus and Alumni love and respect the Chief. I'm not one of those people who is actively trying to get the Chief reinstated, but I would enjoy if they brought him back somehow!
Ole Miss lost Col Reb because he was "Too White" This PC shit has to stop. When do they go after Notre Dame and the "Fighting Irish" because all irish are drunk and start fights?! Shit the Irish like the fact. Look at the Gaels of St. Mary's. By taking the CHIEF they disrespected every Illinois Grad, me included. I won't donate until I see him again.
i completely agree, i am a huge ole miss fan, have been all my life. it made me cry when we lost colonel reb. we have to quit with all this damn liberal political correctness bullshit. ole miss is one of the most tradition-rich universities in the nation, but these "politically correct" people are trying to take our traditions away from us. they recently made us get rid of the song "from dixie with love" which was a great song that was so loved by our fans, alumini, and supporters.
yea im 1/2 Cherokee Indian and i live in illinois about 30 min. from champaign...i loved the Chief thought it was SO unique...ppl have no idea what it took to be the chief...eagle scout, indian blood, (you couldnt be just some random student be the chief) The chief was more than a mascot, he was something ppl loved in champaign, he was so respected...i cant stand the ppl that took him from us!! LONG LIVE THE CHIEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEF!!!!
This is so sad! I can't beleive that thaey wouldn't allow them to keep cheif illiniwek as a mascot! He was a real person unlike all the other mascots! Cheif illiniwek was SO unique!
the chief is white you stupid fuck so how is it racist for whites to honor a white person?? LONG LIVE THE CHIEF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
siuwed 1 week ago
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renge99O9 1 week ago
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@siuwed Aaaaaaand I'm just going to have to rest my case here, I'll leave you all alone with each other.
renge99O9 1 week ago
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Explain it how you like, but being an Illinois Grad myself, I have to wonder if an Indian dressing up in a fatass White Man costume to parade around for drunken Indians to somehow make them feel like they are a part of something honorable would piss anyone off. I don't deny the fact that Central Illinois is a bastion of inbred White people who move to outlying towns so their kids don't have to be "exposed" to minority filth. Maybe unofficial should be a national holiday right?
renge99O9 1 week ago
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irits 1 week ago
@irits Sorry about your Father, did he take you to Disney also? Seems like fantasy and pretending was big in his life and he passed that on to you.
renge99O9 1 week ago
Who gives a shit at this point? Everyone loved and respected the Chief but that still wasn't good enough for some people so they projected their insecurities with themselves into outrage and now the sports are just another politically correct cesspool of boredom and blandness. Sad.
Evenflowist314 2 weeks ago
@Evenflowist314 You are here posting, therefor you give a shit. Insecurities with themself? Insecurities like adopting a White kid dressed up like an Indian as a mascot for an almost all White University and then worshiping that fake Indian? Why not just dress up in Black face and do a monkey dance? Can't find honor elsewhere in your lives, have to worship a fake indian? Seems like that would be a glaring definition of insecurity and guilt.
renge99O9 1 week ago
@renge99O9
Yeah, I'm just not as soft and sensitive as you are. I've learned to have a spine in life and if someone wants to dress in blackface and do a monkey dance, more power to them. I don't have to like it but I'm not gonna whine and ruin it for everybody else. Why does he have to be "fake" he seemed pretty real and respectable to the student body, I didn't see anyone laughing at him in fact, there were some tears when he left for good. Stop making everything about race, it's 2012.
Evenflowist314 1 week ago
@Evenflowist314 Obviously being a racist in public is more having a spine than being closeted, but when you are part of a mob it doesn't really count does it? Courage is being able to admit when you are wrong, what about this "Chief" do you feel was right? That he is dressed as a Sioux indian? The Illini nation was not Sioux. Did you know that Indian Chiefs DON'T dance, EVER? But it's okay to insult other races, they shouldn't whine about it.
renge99O9 1 week ago
@renge99O9
For me personally it wasn't about the details, I saw a symbol, something that an entire University stood behind. White, Black, Asian, Indian, it doesn't matter who portrays the Chief, nor does it really matter that he danced in the scheme of things. Yeah, Chiefs don't dance, that's great too bad it's college athletics and not history class. You're taking it as an insult because you lack the self-esteem to get over it. It's not racism and it's time to stop treating it as such.
Evenflowist314 1 week ago
@Evenflowist314 Wouldn't it be great if people in college actually learned something? I have more respect for both myself and American Indians than to "honor" a white kid dressed up as a fake indian, exactly WHAT is honorable about that anyway? You need a hero to unite behind, why don't you find the nearest Military Veteran and honor him or her? I disagree with you, I say being a closeted racist is as cowardly as they come, and this University is way in that closet. Open the door, come out.
renge99O9 1 week ago
@renge99O9
Why should an argument over political correctness determine a person learning something? That makes no sense. Fine you don't have to honor him if you don't want to but thousands of others did and not just whites by the way.You're still using the race argument, it's doesn't work because Illiniwek wasn't scorned by anyone other than people like you. This is another PC argument, where you think that a dancing mascot will cause me to think any less of you. People are smarter than that.
Evenflowist314 1 week ago
@Evenflowist314 Because the rest of the USA learned that racism was wrong around the end of the 1960's, apparently Champaign missed that memo.
renge99O9 1 week ago
@Evenflowist314 Oh right, because you don't want to "ruin it for everyone else". Racism is wrong, cowering and saying or doing nothing is cowardice, it's where the word comes from.
renge99O9 1 week ago
@renge99O9
That comment is a hyperbole if there ever was one, especially when it comes to something as simple over differing opinions over a school mascot. How is it racist? What harm does it do other than happen to offend you? As I said you should have more faith in people, of course I don't use a dancing school mascot to paint my full understanding of native people, like you're afraid of me doing for some reason. Anyway it's just another case of self-esteem issues if there ever was one.
Evenflowist314 1 week ago
@Evenflowist314 Apparently you feel very motivated to defend your racism over and over, not comprehending what not just myself, but many others are saying. More likely that is indicative of low self-esteem and a lot of guilt. You said you don't think blackface would be wrong, so dress up like Mike Jordan and go walk in Southside Chicago explaining how you are honoring Black athletes, I think those folk would help you understand far better than I can.
renge99O9 1 week ago
@renge99O9
I would dress up like MJ there's just one problem, I'm black so that would be redundant. I have dressed up like Nixon before and I didn't see any white people whining over it like you are about this. You see what happens when you assume about people? This whole time you thought I was white simply because I don't see the fuss over arguing over a school mascot like it's life and death when it isn't. If anything you're the racist for simply assuming I'm white to begin with.
Evenflowist314 1 week ago
@Evenflowist314 No, I assumed you were a moron, and seeing that you are a hypocrite simply confirms that. Great job being a lemming, these White kids appreciate your support in their struggle. If you want to see whining, refer to the thousands of bitches moaning about how they lost their hero the "Chief" and attacking anyone who disagrees with them. Oh wait, you are one of them. Stop calling the "Chief" a mascot, he was a symbol remember? Right, no one is really sure WHAT this meant.
renge99O9 1 week ago
@renge99O9
You stereotype people who disagree with you as white while screaming racism at the same time... I wouldn't go throwing around words like "hypocrite" or "moron" if I was you. Who's attacking who? You seem to have been busy attacking everyone who voices their love of the Chief on this video as if it's some unhealthy personal vendetta. Is a mascot not a symbol of an institution? Don't know what you're trying to prove with that last sentence and I don't think you do either.
Evenflowist314 1 week ago
@Evenflowist314 Sure, as far as I understand from the whole controversy, it is just fine to do or say whatever I want about others and who cares what they think? That's your opinion isn't it, just agreeing with you superstar. Does it offend you, it does I can tell, but you still can't seem to understand why others would be offended. So UI is a majority Native American University, or ever was? You made my point, you don't KNOW what in hell the "Chief" was.
renge99O9 1 week ago
@renge99O9
No you're not agreeing with me, you're trying to talk your way out of being a hypocrite. You can try but we've already established that you stereotype just like the "evil" white man does to you hence the assuming I'm white. You don't have any moral high ground, nor is your argument worth taking seriously at this point since you're racist against white people. Way to have the same mindset as the ones your so "offended" by. I wonder if you're even smart enough realize this.
Evenflowist314 1 week ago
@Evenflowist314 You forgot something, I never said you were White, but you are stuck on it like you found a bone, nice try though. Are you debating me or yourself here, I honestly think it's the latter since you make no sense. Racist against White people, or just racist against racists? And exactly what race do you think I am? Oh right, assumptions there you go. You may be confused, but rest assured that I don't wonder if you are smart or not.
renge99O9 1 week ago
@renge99O9
"You said you don't think blackface would be wrong, so dress up like Mike Jordan and go walk in Southside Chicago explaining how you are honoring Black athletes, I think those folk would help you understand far better than I can."
Why say that unless you thought I was white? There's a lie.
"Great job being a lemming, these White kids appreciate your support in their struggle."
So I'm black and disagree that makes me a lemming? I can't think on my own? You're racist.
Evenflowist314 1 week ago
@Evenflowist314 And in what part of that did I ever say you were White? That's the real lie, you simply say whatever makes you think you are proving something. Yes, I am racist for calling out racists, are you seriously trying the Jedi mind trick now? Did I say you couldn't think on your own? Or did I say you are a lemming? I see how many people are agreeing with me here, yet none with you, but hey go do a three in one why don't you, since cheerleaders like you understand that well.
renge99O9 1 week ago
@renge99O9
Ahhhhh I always love running into less-smart people on Youtube. I've backed you into a corner and turned your own racism argument against you so now you're trying to differentiate between "literally saying" and "assuming" I'm white as if that will change the outcome, lol. It doesn't matter if you said or thought it, you still assumed I was white and even worse call me a lemming which implies that as a black person I'm somehow a pawn of whites and can't think for myself. Nice try?
Evenflowist314 1 week ago
@Evenflowist314 Really I think you just enjoy seeing yourself type. I actually think you are Rob Blagojevich because you debate endlessly without really making a point, they let you have internet in your cell? My brain cells atrophy if I stay at your level too long. Yes, I am a racist, and I actually LOVE the CHIEF because everyone should have someone from another race to make a spectacle of. GO CHIEF, rah rah rah. How's that Jedi Eminem working out for you now? Anything else new?
renge99O9 1 week ago
@renge99O9
Not really, it's actually funny to see you digging the whole deeper for yourself. Any and all respect I had for your opinion was gone the minute I exposed you as a hypocritical racist so at this point I just can't take you seriously. Please keep digging, you're turning a bad day at work into a comedy routine.
Evenflowist314 1 week ago
@Evenflowist314 LOL.. I feel the same way, you entertain me. You claim to be Black, because that makes racism okay then doesn't it? As is typical, you played the race card when things weren't going your way, it's really all you have isn't it? Claiming to run into less smart people on youtube, because debating endlessly in 300 character bytes makes you appear very intelligent in your world right? You thought that I EVER took you seriously? This is like playing angry birds to me, I'm bored.
renge99O9 6 days ago
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@renge99O9
"As is typical, you played the race card when things weren't going your way, it's really all you have isn't it?"
Again, you're trying to talk your way out of being an idiot. I don't care about race, YOU DO. Therefore you're the only one playing the race card and calling blacks lemmings for whites. Hypocrite.
"You thought that I EVER took you seriously? This is like playing angry birds to me, I'm bored."
You keep responding so you have a funny way of showing it.
Evenflowist314 6 days ago
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Explain it how you like, but being an Illinois Grad myself, I have to wonder if an Indian dressing up in a fatass White Man costume to parade around for drunken Indians to somehow make them feel like they are a part of something honorable would piss anyone off. I don't deny the fact that Central Illinois is a bastion of inbred White people who move to outlying towns so their kids don't have to be "exposed" to minority filth. Maybe unofficial should be a national holiday right?
renge99O9 3 weeks ago 9
To Breakin Guitarz33, Indians don't dance like that you moron!! lol!!!! We are not offended. We are laughing are asses off, lol!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The White wannabe Indian is finally gone, wahooooooo!!!!!!!! Your an idiot "Breakin Guitarz33" !!!!! lol!!!!!!!!!!!
stardustwbull 2 months ago
@stardustwbull You're a complete idiot
georgeferrante 1 month ago
Just because something is tradition, doesn't make it right. A racist can claim "tradition" as the reason for his views, saying that everyone in his family thinks like that and has for generations. It doesn't change the fact that his views- that "tradition", is wrong. Some traditions need to change.
starone1 2 months ago
Notre Dame should change its mascot too then! I am of Irish descent and it offends me greatly to see a red haired, green wearing, short man represent my people. The fact that they are the "Fightin' Irish" obviously means that he is drunk and that is a negative stereotype of my people. The Irish have been oppressed in the past and I am surprised that more people aren't outraged at Notre Dame's insensitivity!
For those of you that can't tell, I am being sarcastic and offering a counter example.
GoldenEagle721 3 months ago
@GoldenEagle721 Notre dame is an irish catholic university. Illinois isnt a native American university. just saying not a valid example
MyFileVlog 2 months ago
@MyFileVlog
Actually, Notre Dame is FRENCH. "Notre Dame" is french for "Our Lady" and it was founded by french missionaries. It isn't Irish. So, it is a valid example.
GoldenEagle721 1 month ago
@GoldenEagle721 So how sarcastic is it when Blacks and Hispanics and Native Americans run around campus on unofficial wearing "I'm Irish" Tshirts? Kind of looks retarded doesn't it? Think hard about that.
renge99O9 3 weeks ago 6
I am a NATIVE AMERICAN after seeing this dumbass shit. I repeat dumbass shit. Justs makes the White Man look STUPID. If you ever went to a pow-wow. Or seen a NATIVE AMERICAN Dance they dont act this stupid. They each grow up dancing. They dont just throw on a Headdress and call them self a Chief. I think that all teams that have a Native American team Name. Should change the Name of the Team. Its Degrading to Native Americans
NuttBagg1 3 months ago
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skherren 4 months ago
@skherren What majority? One school or even town does not equal a majority. Also, I think you have your political spectrum mixed up.
Shuchee21 4 months ago
@skherren You wrote "some person(s) are insecure in who they are"?? You mean like a majority WHITE University that can't find a WHITE hero to rally behind so they have to dress up like and worship Indians?? Please say you are not a graduate of this University, it would only make it worse....
renge99O9 3 weeks ago 11
Is there any way to get a MP3 file of the song from 1:58 through 5:20 of this video. I would just download the audio from that part of the video but I would like a better sounding MP3 of the song.
nicholaskohnen 5 months ago
Ignorance is so upsetting. Read the history. Look into the actual meanings of the "ritual" you are performing. Attend a ceremony. These symbols aren't meant to entertain, they have purpose. Using them in a way other than their intended purpose is offensive.
Shuchee21 5 months ago
16 people are heartless
jpondarun 5 months ago
I bet you thought the chief was alive and dancing at Illini games?
Nope he's dead.
Chuck Testa
illinimarine7 5 months ago 2
@illinimarine7
The Chief will never die. He's a tradition that will simply NEVER be erased. He just made an appearance at the homecoming game vs. Northwestern.
MadilynG 5 months ago
@illinimarine7 You're a moron. The Cheif will NEVER Die...thefact that you posted your unwitty comment and are still talking about him proves that fact!
CherBake 4 months ago in playlist Great Videos
Still want to know why Florida state still has one and we dont
monexpo86 5 months ago
@monexpo86 Because Florida State can pay off their tribe. Illinois can't. Ever hear of "Starved Rock"? 1769, Illini tribe wiped out.
Also, I love all these comments about "history". These people clearly do not understand the story behind the origin of the Chief. Has there been some misuse of the Chief symbol? Yes, I absolutely abhor those numbskulls in the student section with the headdresses, they are not helping the situation. As an alum, I will always remember the Chief with honor.
tromboneking87 5 months ago
made me weep like a baby... chief forever
illini00711 6 months ago
Sup chief
champsnike 8 months ago
CHHHIIIIEEEFFFFFF
HoldenHeiser 9 months ago
I remember when they announced this. I remember thinking...it is about time. The real shame is that there is such massive ignorance on a university campus!
You would think that after so many days, weeks, months, and years of persecuted protest that there would have been more introspection.
If "Chief" defenders spent half as much time looking at history, the kind found on a bookstore shelf not in a textbook, they would be embarrassed of themselves!!!!
honeybeaful 9 months ago
If the University really honors and respects Native American culture then why don't they have a dedicated department to the study of Native Americans? One would think that an institution whose mission is that of higher learning would not only support in name the symbols of Native Americans (ie Chief) but more importantly its academic pursuit.
lieberman33 9 months ago
@lieberman33 hey dummy, they have numerous courses every semester dedicated to American Indian Studies. why dont you research a little more before you and the rest of the "offended" people make some sort of criticism on the Chief. Chief is gone, but definitely not forgotten on this campus. All the traditions of the past are still carried on and will continue in the future even without the Chief.
scannicchiojm 5 months ago
who gives a fuck ok take away the seminoles of florida state and the washington redskins u of i is one of the oldest colleges in the country fuck all of you that wanted him gone
KushClock420 11 months ago
It's quite unfortunate that our universities are under assail from the progressive politically correct haters. They'll do anything to deteriorate history and tradition.
chicagosport 1 year ago
I honestly don't see how this is offensive or racist in any way.
What about the Vikings? They have a burly hairy brute of a guy dressed like a barbarian prancing around and you don't see people of Nordic descent screaming about it being degrading. I'm sure that wasn't an accurate portrayal of Nordic culture. No Irish people complaining about the Fighting Irish mascot either.
It's just a sport. Leave accurate portrayals to multicultural events and history documentaries.
FortitudeOfHeaven 1 year ago
It's already been 4 years..hard to believe. When he finally does return I will cry like a baby.
CubsinNY 1 year ago
I am so glad my time at uiuc (an alum co-founded YouTube, ya know) included the chief. It is very sad that he is gone.
edburns00 1 year ago 2
I'm So Glad This Guy Has Stop Doing This!!!!=) sooo stereotyping NATIVE AMERICANS. We are PEOPLE NOT MASCOTS
SnowBoardNative 1 year ago
@SnowBoardNative It's not stereotyping... lol it's a tribute actually. People like you today have fucked up this world so much.
GOllumboy101 1 year ago
@GOllumboy101 Dang man your pretty rude.... It is stereotyping. You wouldn't know unless your Native American.
SnowBoardNative 1 year ago
@SnowBoardNative How is it stereotyping if the University said it wasn't to mock them in any way, it was for respect. If you can't take it as respect, then there is no hope for you as a human being in my mind sir.
GOllumboy101 1 year ago
@GOllumboy101 Dressing a guy as an INDIAN & prancing around like a fool Representing NATIVE AMERICANS is not respectful!.. BUT it doesn't matter anymore cuase Chief IIIiniwek is no longer!!!!=) Anyways I'm through communictating with you. LISTEN to what my Grandfather has to say about INDIAN mascots in the first part of the Youtube video 'Red Crow says goodbye'
SnowBoardNative 1 year ago
@BreakinGuitarz33 you obviously have no idea what your talkn about man. this is tradition and its not making a mockery out of "the Natives". Everyone at U of I loves and respects and loves the Chief.
n2extreem 1 year ago
@n2extreem So this tradition that started in the 20th century outweighs the culture and spiritual beliefs of these natives who had been around for hundreds of years before Europeans set foot here? It's a mockery, and the native's aren't asking for much. Don't abuse the dignity of their religion, and the debate is over.
BreakinGuitarz33 1 year ago
And when I say "you" I don't mean it towards anyone in particular, I mean it in a historical context.
BreakinGuitarz33 1 year ago
Well first off its dumb watching some white dude bounce around in an indian costume, but yes its offensive. Natives used such dances for Religious purposes, and by doing this "dance" that is as unrealistic as it is absurd you are directly making fun of a people's culture and traditions that you made dissappear by looting, killing and raping.
It was stupid, racist, without any justification, and I'm thankful they got rid of the dance. I dont have problems with names, only when theyre mocked.
BreakinGuitarz33 1 year ago
@BreakinGuitarz33 If the Native Americans found it offensive then they would have never agreed to make the regalia for this and to teach each person who was the chief how to do the dances. It was done to show respect of the Natives of the land that the school was built on. And not all of the people who have been the chief where white, many in the past have been Native American.
kclove121 1 year ago 4
@kclove121 And who's saying that natives are always perfect? They saw the direction the mescot was heading and took it back. And I want to know where you got that information that the indians taught them the dance, because that's pretty farfetched if you know the history. The portrayers of the mascot developed the dance over time as they proposed what moves to make and what choreography to do. If they really cared then they would've asked for native assistance at the mascot's inception.
BreakinGuitarz33 1 year ago
@BreakinGuitarz33 The dance was created after students studied the native Americas, and was later “edited” if you will by some Native Americas. But, each student who was the chief was allowed to change parts of it, making it their own. I realize now that I was wrong to say the Native Americans taught it, and I am sorry for that. I don’t think chief Illiniwek was that offensive, unlike our nation’s capitals NFL football team, the Red Skins. I think that is ridiculous.
kclove121 1 year ago
@kclove121 Your such an moron!! lol!!!!!
stardustwbull 4 weeks ago
@BreakinGuitarz33 Too bad the Native American culture never complained about this, it was the league that complained about it. You're wrong sir
GOllumboy101 1 year ago
@GOllumboy101 Uhhhh, do you really not do any research or see more than one idiotic side's views? Just watch the video "In Whose Honor?" Theres a perfect scene about this. The dancer who portryed Chief Illiniwek was hosting a press conference to explain how the mascot "honors" the native americans who were originally from Illinois, but there were around two dozen native americans who were in their traditional garb. The leader of this group's first question was "These native dances are an...
BreakinGuitarz33 1 year ago
@GOllumboy101 ....Integral part of our culture's spirituality and religion. Tell me, why do you think it's ok to do these dances and disgrace our religion by doing so?" The white portrayer didn't know what to say. Yes, natives do care and are making their voices heard. YOU are wrong
BreakinGuitarz33 1 year ago
@BreakinGuitarz33 Disgrace? How is honoring or making a tribute to people disgraceful? What you just said makes no sense.
GOllumboy101 1 year ago
@GOllumboy101 Let me clarify with one simple phrase: its all fucking WRONG. The dances are not that of any native american tribe, they were made up by students to get the most attention possible, and it makes a mockery out of the people and their sacred religion. Yea lets get some jews dancing around with money because they're obviously all like that, or lets get a catholic priest to prance around and look for little boys to sleep with. It's a stereotype, a mockery, and a damn good riddance
BreakinGuitarz33 1 year ago
@BreakinGuitarz33 . Actually your wrong, if you would actually do some research you would know that dance was an actually Lakota Sioux dance, given the fact that yes, the dance changed over the years, but it was still a authentic dance. Let me ask you a question. Florida State still has their Chief, he rides on a horse and throws a flaming spear into the ground, how is that not offensive? And yet Chief Illiniwek is gone and FSU's chief isnt. Explain that to me.
pujolsankielfan 1 year ago
@pujolsankielfan My god im surrounded by morons on youtube comment pages. You have no proof of it being an authentic, accurate dance because you're basically outright lying to me. Just because it's "based" on a Lakota dance (which is not even the tribe that the Chief is based on) doesn't mean it's not hilariously fake and a disgrace to both native Americans and the Illini supporters that believe it's ok to insult someone's religion as long as its not theirs. And who said I don't think(cotd.)
BreakinGuitarz33 1 year ago
@BreakinGuitarz33 Its not mocking any religon at all, the dance was proven authentic, back in the 60s or 70s an actual Indian Chief (im not sure of the name of the Chief or the Tribe) gave Chief Illniwek a blessing and made him an honorary Chief. This information comes from the Movie Chief Illiniwek : The Last Dance? Your right about the scholarship thing, im dont know of any, but U of 1 does have Native Amerian Frat and Sorortiy houses on campus.
pujolsankielfan 1 year ago
@pujolsankielfan Well it's good to see they have those on campus now, i do find it hard to believe those were around though before the 90's or so, when Charlene Teters(the activist who got this debate going originally) was there for grad school. But about the dance, yes it was originally ratified at that time by a chief along with the regalia, the affiliated tribes took a second look at it and finally decided that they were to change their stance on the issue. Their primary point is that the..
BreakinGuitarz33 1 year ago
@pujolsankielfan portrayals of native american dancing in such a scenario is inherently offensive to the spirituality of a living culture and people. I do think a middle ground could(and maybe still) be achieved, such as the Lakota, Spokane, etc tribes coming in and providing them with accurate ceremonial dances instead of what we as outsiders portray them to be like. But the problem is that you have to factor in so many other things to the equation, such as the music, appearance, vocals, etc
BreakinGuitarz33 1 year ago
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BreakinGuitarz33 1 year ago
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BreakinGuitarz33 1 year ago
@pujolsankielfan FSU does some pretty fucked up shit in terms of how they portray natives too? Well at least they give a fuck about the natives whose ancestors they virtually sent into oblivion by providing scholarship programs for young seminole kids. Let's see U of I give a damn about the natives they portrayed so stupidly at sports events. This whole debate just spurs from the fact that this "tradition" was so engrained into the culture of the school that no one realized the rampant racism.
BreakinGuitarz33 1 year ago
@pujolsankielfan The simple fact is that it is incredibly hard to have a mascot represent a people and not have it be honestly offensive one way or another, whether it be a name like the former mascot of my school Miami University, the Redskins, to the tomahawk chop performed all across the country. I honestly think it's possible, but its a very narrow path to avoid any sort of controversy.
BreakinGuitarz33 1 year ago
@pujolsankielfan actually, the NCAA tried to make FSU stop using there mascot, but the seminole tirbe sued the NCAA because they actually wanted the college to continue to use the mascot
kclove121 1 year ago 2
@kclove121 Did you just say a Indian tribe tried to sue the NCAA, do Indian tribes actually watch college football.. And they know what the NCAA is?
CollegeFootballRanks 4 months ago
@kclove121 the only people who found it offensive were a bunch of bored-as-hell white people who wanted their worthless opinions to be heard. The squeaky wheel gets the oil, but there comes a time when that wheel gets changed. It will happen and the chief WILL return.
PrkchpsNaplsaws 8 months ago
@kclove121 The dance was NOT an authentic American Indian dance and just because someone is Native American, it 1.) does not mean that they understand and have respect for the original significance of something like the headdress or even an authentic dance AND 2.) also does not mean they are not perpetuating stereotypes and oversimplifications about a group of people
Camjammer12 3 months ago
@kclove121 Native Americans never taught the students how to do the dance. The dance was created by students themselves, who most likely do not have any accurate background knowledge of Native American culture. And of the 82 years of Chief Illiniwek's existence, not one person who portrayed him was of Native American descent.
dareka54 1 month ago
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rissyroo8899 1 year ago
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rissyroo8899 1 year ago
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rissyroo8899 1 year ago
I think it's so sad that Illini lost Chief Illiniwek. There was nothing disrespectful about it! Everything was done with respect. And the fact that people took it away is a SHAME!!
hannah1570 1 year ago
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hannah1570 1 year ago
hahahahahahhaha hes no more boo fucking hoo hahahaha hes dead and burning in hell with the other mascots, soon enough FSU and all the others will be there too
lion3p0 1 year ago
@lion3p0 i hope ur whole family is burning in hell u piece of shit indian
iphilipaz 1 year ago
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rissyroo8899 1 year ago
has anyone ever heard of the term indian giver??????
ianzabo1 1 year ago
I'm glad they took him away. From what I've heard U of I isn't the best Native American inspired school. I would much prefer Florida State, they actually offer Seminole families scholarships to the university. And from what I've seen, not a single Chief Illiniwek was an actual Native American. It's a good school, but quite frankly, not a good tradition. Go Northwestern :D
Infern0Spartan 1 year ago
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rissyroo8899 1 year ago
@Infern0Spartan what you heard is wrong its a heck of alot better than northwestern and indiana
rissyroo8899 1 year ago
@rissyroo8899 What's better? I'm simply a Northwestern supporter, and I don't like the Chief.
Infern0Spartan 1 year ago
5:15 AKL GAMMA!
mfjonadler 1 year ago
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mfjonadler 1 year ago
And as for our good friend ianzabo1; if you don't like losing your 1920's tradition of "Chief" (what a mockery there) Illiniwek, why don't you bring back another time honored tradition from early 1920 back. If you don't like what we have to say, then just put back on those traditional KKK sheets and take to the streets again. I'm sure your stereotypical views of Native Americans and pro chief bullshit would fit right in with that eras lynch mob. Just change the cross to the chief's face first.
BlackfeetSinopaa 1 year ago
@BlackfeetSinopaa KKK is for blacks you fucking idiot, not indians.
ianzabo1 1 year ago
@ianzabo1 actually its for any minorities and non protestants. So even white catholics were targets of the KKK. But considering that the KKK's area of power was in the south, mainly arkansas, mississippi and alabama people aren't aware of this. Which really brings up the point that it was probably unlikely that whites in Champaign and Illinois for that matter made up a large percentage (if any) of the KKK. So yes! our new friend Blackfeet isn't very bright when it comes to geography and the KKK.
cubeydoo 1 year ago
@BlackfeetSinopaa dont have anything to say about the last couple comments? exactly, thats because u know indians helped the chief just as whites did. THEY made the costume for the chief for gods sake. i dont think they would do that unless they supported the chief. do u?
ianzabo1 1 year ago
The real problem is that you pro chief people can't come to grips with being told "no". The white masses can't understand when they don't get their way, as you have for most of Americas existence. Your "U I tradition" began in an era when black face was common and segregation was mandatory. As for his "dance"; anyone of you morons could come to a pow wow and see that we act NOTHING like what your freak show does at halftime. You can't even get the regalia for the area right for Gods sake.
BlackfeetSinopaa 1 year ago
@BlackfeetSinopaa - 1. Nice job stereotyping all pro-Chiefers as being all white. You lost your credibility. 2. Chief Illiniwek is a freak show? Really? Life must be really "freaky" for you if you consider that a freak show.
The regalia was a gift from, dare I say, Native Americans. Blame them.
Long live, Illiniwek!
ericxc1 1 year ago
@ericxc1 I thought the regalia was purchased.....
TheRobodude 1 year ago
@ericxc1 it was bought by the college from a dirt more native family who needed the monehy jesus get the fucking facts right
lion3p0 1 year ago
My god, why are you pro chief fans so damned retarded? YOU CAN'T FORCE HONOR. I don't give a damn how much your little sideshow meant to you and how tearful you are that it's gone. If the group of Natives that live here don't want it, then *gasp* get rid of it.
We're not your plaything. I don't care what the Florida natives think about the mascot down there. That's there business. Our business is here and we don't want your damned chief acting like a 1950's mockery of our culture.
BlackfeetSinopaa 1 year ago
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rissyroo8899 1 year ago
It's hard to believe that the university let the NCAA bully them into eliminating the most inspiring and meaningful symbol Illinois has ever had. It's just a shame. Very, very sad.
bringbackthechief 1 year ago
hey jwiebe22, ur a pussy, the chief doesnt limit any native american to who they can be, indians should quit being fucking lazy and blaming everything on racism, get a fucking life seriously. its bullshit that the ncaa just makes the minority happy when the MAJORITY is all for the chief
ianzabo1 1 year ago
@ianzabo1 wow thats more than a little ignorant. Your saying people wouldnt know what an ''INDIAN'' was if it were for some ridiculous white guy dressed up as an indian prancing around like an idiot. Good joke. The fact is that "white people" dont have to worry about this because of privileged, their entire way of life isnt mocked. wow ignorance is bliss for you man isnt it. why not make the minority happy for once, when the white majority has been happy for the last millenia.
jwiebe22 1 year ago
@jwiebe22 its good to know that that was the only part of my comments that u can defend because u know everything else is true. if i was mocked i wouldnt care, its not a big deal. indians dont realize that when something doesnt go their way, they cant bitch and blame the world for being racist, they just have to suck it up. some things in life suck. GET OVER IT
ianzabo1 1 year ago
@jwiebe22 and why would white people think indians really "prance" around like this? probably because they did or still do.
ianzabo1 1 year ago
@jwiebe22 and when u say lets make the minority happy, that makes no sense. when the country is voting for a president or someone did they ever once give the job to the person with the least amount of votes? no, ur a fucking idiot, our world doesnt work like that
ianzabo1 1 year ago
@ianzabo1 okay once, this is not what aboriginal people do/did. There dances had significance and meaning, this is just a showcase for ignorance. I noted the idea that people wouldnt know what an indian was because of how ridiculous of statement it was, white privileged only goes so far, and native people are not just "bitching" all their asking for is there culture to be respected and promises to be kept. Thats not that difficult to do.
jwiebe22 1 year ago
@jwiebe22 ya their culture is respected, thats why the chief exists............... you dont think the dance the chief does has meaning? are you retarded?
ianzabo1 1 year ago
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ianzabo1 1 year ago
Thanks for posting this video. Brought a tear. Miss the Chief!
bofriend 1 year ago
In answer to derbooboo, Florida State writes a check to the Seminole nation for the use of the name and all ensuing symbols....in return, the Seminole nation says "have a nice season." In other words, money talks!!!!!
rburns926 1 year ago
Whats the difference between this and blackface?
manteca87 1 year ago
so why does florida state get to keep their mascot?
derbboobbo 1 year ago
@derbboobbo becuase the seminoles like the mascot,
newtriergreat 1 year ago
We love you Chief..you'll make it back to this great university someday..I can't wait until that day comes.
CubsinNY 1 year ago
I am sure that the dancers and the people who enjoy watching the Illiniwek mascot perform believe that they are being respectful of Native American traditions with this mascot.
However, one must take into account two main factors: that the Peoria tribe associated with the Illini tribe vhas asked for its removal, and that the dance is akin to one a shaman would do (the equivalent of a priest, rabbi, or imam).
shadibeidas1 1 year ago
The problem is not the dances are or are not real. The fact is what is portrayed as being "Indian" is not real and factual. What mascots depicting Aboriginal people due is just reiterate stereotypes, and the belief that Aboriginals were and are mere warriors. The major problem that exists is for contemporary Aboriginals who have to face these spectacles, that have no validity and have lost all their meaning as they are presented before a sporting event. .
jwiebe22 1 year ago
@jwiebe22.... These mascots limit Aboriginal people to the historical stereotype of who they were, and basically limits who they can be or who they are in a contemporary society. It may or may not be about tradition, but a tradition that is inherently wrong is still wrong.
jwiebe22 1 year ago
@jwiebe22 get a life
ianzabo1 1 year ago
@jwiebe22 who cares if the portrayals are not perfectly real. if aboriginals don't like it, they don't have to watch it, its as simple as that. the chief isn't even a mascot, he's a revered symbol for the university. and if some indians want to come up with a "mascot" that makes fun of white people, nobody would say a thing. if it wasn't for the chief, nobody would know what an indian is, so go ahead, keep bitching and moaning because thats the only reason people know what an indian is
ianzabo1 1 year ago
fuck Native Americans for ruining a tribute to their better non casino half!
ilovecards77 1 year ago
what makes U of I different is that the Illini's are gone
luftdrachen2000 1 year ago
I say as a full blood ojibwe, HaHA HonkyS, You suck again!!
acdcdcd 1 year ago
I hate to say it but this was (to me) just a clear and present way of "Sticking it to 'em". I firmly believe this. I am of Irish decent and don't get angry at the fighting Irish logo of a leprechaun and I don't get mad at the vikings emblem. This "Victory" was just a PC tactic to appease a few and damn the majority. PERIOD!
Realbastard1 1 year ago
PC has taken over the world,there is nobody upset by the Boston Celtics or the Minn. vikings.Nobody is making fun on native americans but its these bs victories that get in the way of real progress,notice the people of all races honoring the last dance of a beloved school tradtion.BS pc idiots strike again!
Hollow victory!
angelapeanut 1 year ago
To the people who got rid of the chief, they have no idea what a tribute it was to their culture and a vengeful hatefull people thank you for ruining a large part of my school
warp262 1 year ago
Lets just look at the facts here:
This dance and costume were created and displayed with the full consent of descendants of the Illini nation currently in Oklahoma. Yes they were forced to live there by whites a long time ago. They made amends.
The effort to remove the chief was instituted by non-Illini nation descendants because they were angry at three Illinois governors who refused to grant these "Natives" sole casino rights in Illinois. It was retribution pure and simple.
jbs1976 1 year ago
I got NCAA football 05 the other day and i couldnt play as U of I in the mascott game
wss355 1 year ago
@wss355 - That's because Chief Illiniwek was the university's symbol, not their mascot. EA Sports did, however, have the Chief erroneously dancing on the sidelines of NCAA Basketball 05 (or 06). They removed it the following year.
ericxc1 1 year ago
An indian can ride around on a horse with a spear at Florida State, but we can't have one dance respectfully? This world is messed up.
baseballkid077 1 year ago
@baseballkid077
It probably helps that the Seminole tribe lives in Florida, while the people who now live in Illinois kicked the Illiniwek people out of the state, but yet decided they should be "honored" by having some student do a dance devised by boy scouts while dressed in the clothes of the traditional enemy of the Illiniwek Confederacy. Would you have a team called the Frenchmen, and dress them like redcoats? But all Indians are the same, right? no racism there, I'm sure (sarc)
ihaveadesk1 1 year ago
it's not about cultures it's about tradition. and they're not making fun of them. they're doing real native american dances. and back in the day the were real native americans. and they never did it to hurt anyone they did it because they are the fighting illini. they were showing off what the ancestors of the land did when they went to war. U of I went to war with other schools. All over the country, people celebrate Native Americans through dance and trinkets. What makes U of I different?
deepaxowns 1 year ago 22
@deepaxowns god you dumbasses wouldnt know real native dances if it bit you in the face, i do considering i am one hahahahahaha
lion3p0 1 year ago
@lion3p0 well you just a peice of crap!! atleast he tried he had to go through training
rissyroo8899 1 year ago
In a minstrel show, men would paint their faces black and pretend to be African American when they were not. At an Illini game men would paint their faces with war paint and pretend to be Native American when they were not. Isn't it obvious we are making the same mistake again? The intentions between the two are different but the result is the same. By watching the chief perform no one is learning anything about Native American culture.
jtanaka2 1 year ago
I protested the "Next Dance" and heard people yell "Where's the Napalm?" and "Death to all Native Americans" among other things. Most fans of the chief believe they are honoring Native Americans and do not mean disrespect. The chief is not racist, evil or hateful, but he is a caricature that does not represent an actual Native American. A mascot is an object not a human and by promoting an inaccurate representation, humanity becomes objectification and humanity cannot be denied to anyone.
jtanaka2 1 year ago
Apparently the Florida State mascot can throw a burning spear into the ground but the chief can't dance. If the Seminole tribe isn't offended, how can people be offended by Illiniwek? Especially since there is no Illini tribe in existence anymore to give permission.
And a history lesson: the term Fighting Illini was named in honor of U of I students who fought in the World War.
tpacemaker2 1 year ago
I have loved the Chief and the Illini since I was a kid, they retired the chief the year before I got here, and now they have finally stopped selling any chief memorabilia. Although i understand why some Native Americans dislike the use of the Chief as a mascot, I would want them to know how much kids on this Campus and Alumni love and respect the Chief. I'm not one of those people who is actively trying to get the Chief reinstated, but I would enjoy if they brought him back somehow!
dietsnapple89 2 years ago
Ole Miss lost Col Reb because he was "Too White" This PC shit has to stop. When do they go after Notre Dame and the "Fighting Irish" because all irish are drunk and start fights?! Shit the Irish like the fact. Look at the Gaels of St. Mary's. By taking the CHIEF they disrespected every Illinois Grad, me included. I won't donate until I see him again.
fozngrace 2 years ago
i completely agree, i am a huge ole miss fan, have been all my life. it made me cry when we lost colonel reb. we have to quit with all this damn liberal political correctness bullshit. ole miss is one of the most tradition-rich universities in the nation, but these "politically correct" people are trying to take our traditions away from us. they recently made us get rid of the song "from dixie with love" which was a great song that was so loved by our fans, alumini, and supporters.
rebman95 2 years ago
yea im 1/2 Cherokee Indian and i live in illinois about 30 min. from champaign...i loved the Chief thought it was SO unique...ppl have no idea what it took to be the chief...eagle scout, indian blood, (you couldnt be just some random student be the chief) The chief was more than a mascot, he was something ppl loved in champaign, he was so respected...i cant stand the ppl that took him from us!! LONG LIVE THE CHIEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEF!!!!
Pakels912 2 years ago
still makes me cry to think they ripped him away from UI 3 years ago today.
soprano1actress 2 years ago
This is so sad! I can't beleive that thaey wouldn't allow them to keep cheif illiniwek as a mascot! He was a real person unlike all the other mascots! Cheif illiniwek was SO unique!
graciebell17 2 years ago
In Whose Honor.
papaduck91 2 years ago
Bring back the Miami Redskins.
mcfarljd 2 years ago
and by the way, i am indian, Sioux and Cherokee to be exact
AreyKai 2 years ago