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Mascot PLEASE READ
have to say something on this as NO one seems to get why the word REDSKIN is offensive! and not honoring Native Americans.
This usage is not the same as Indians or Hurons or Chiefs, It does not promote or recognize anything good.
The word REDSKINS refers to a DEAD Indian! I know this because I was able to speak to Abel Cooper president of the LEH NAH WEH Native American Organization in my sociology class at Siena Heights.
I asked him the question as why the usage of Redskins was offensive and Indians was not. Indians refer to a group like Tecumseh, but again Redskins refer to a DEAD Indian.
As far as I could tell Native Americans have no problem with the usage of Indians, Hurons or Chiefs. But I think we can see why Redskins is offensive!
By not knowing this one would just think it ok, but when we get educated and see what it means I think we can agree its wrong! Would we build a new school in Detroit and name it the "N" word? No its offensive, and so it this.
Emily and Ryan, I think you need to see why its offensive and not just say it is not when you do not have the information.
When a school or team uses the Indian name like Cleveland or Tecumseh, Native Americans only concern from what I have been told is that others are using photos displaying indians in perhaps a bad way. Although for what I can tell they do not have a problem with it as much as the usage of REDSKIN.
It again refers to a DRAD indian and is wrong. Just like the Washington Redskins. This is not honoring them.
We tried as "Americans" kill all of the indians from this land, we did horrible thing to them because we wanted their land. Your High School History Books do not tell you of this. Take a class in college like sociology and ask about it, just because its not there does not mean it did not happen.
They deserve our respect and we should now HONOR them by NOT using the name REDSKIN.
We should educate our selfs and learn from our mistakes and respect others feelings.
I am sure Able Cooper would be glad to answer any questions you have 517 263 3233
Mascot, logos etc.
Michael
Thank you for giving your explaination on the mascot, logos etc. issues and supporting our cause.
I must tell you thro, that Indians, Chiefs, Braves, Warriors etc. is not exceptable either. Your right R------, is the most dishonorable of all.
Anytime someone uses the Native American Ogema Head, Spiritual Leader, it is wrong. This is our spiritual leader, same as someone elses priest, minister, pope, rabbi, etc. You would not put them on your gym floors and stomp all over them.
Questions for People to think about:
Question ?? Why do some people want to be something they are not? They are not Indians. You have to be borned a Anishinabek, Native American, Indian, etc. The same as any other cultural of people, you cant be borned Chineese and call yourself the N------. Why dont these schools call themselves the Honkies, Whiteies, better yet go soda crackers >>>> ?????? Why dont they honor their own cultural ? Can these peole not find something in their own cultural to be proud of ??? Why do they think they have to honor us in this manner ? I do not feel Honored.
Question ?? Why do some people want to mock our religion ? Our Spiritual ways ? Wear our spiritual paint on their faces ??
Question ? Why would anyone want to go out on a gym floor and do what they think is one of our dances ? and dress up in the manner in which they think we should be dressed and jump up and down and run all over the place, looking like what they think we should look like ?? Why wear our spiritual ceremonial headdress to Homecoming etc. ??
People need to listen to what is being said out there " These images do not honor our people". CHANGE YOUR MASCOTS, LOGOS, NICKNAMES, FIGHT SONGS, ETC. if you really want to honor us.
Respctfully,
Linda L. Cypret-Kilbourne
Zhaawanong Nimkii Kwew
Anishinabe Kwew, Mother of 17 extended Anishinabe family, Grandmother of 34 and Great Grandmother
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