My name is Tim Smith. I am 19 and a sophmore at UND. I am originally from Duluth, Minnesota. My major is in engineering.
I love going to any sporting events around campus. I am an avid supporter of the "Sioux" mascot. I think the Sioux represent pride and support of ones ancestors. I don't find it racist or stereotypical in any way. I think the mascot of UND should show pride, and the Sioux definitely show that. It gives students who attend UND more facts about the Sioux background, and it also creates a more diverse school to attend.
Some have said they find that the mascot creates an "abusive and hostile" environment. However, the UND campus does not give that vibe at all. It is a safe place and I don't think the mascot affects whether it is a safe place or not.
I also heard Bob Boyd, the Vice Preseident of Student and Outreach Services, say "I was convinced that such activity without authorization can in fact potentially jeopardize programs that are federally funded." If this means that changing the mascot can put our division I hockey team in danger, then I refuse to let that happen!
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10 comments:
I'm glad to hear you are open to learn more about the Sioux tribe and Native American culture. I have much respect for students who are interested in their ancestors and the diversity in our nation. They call the United States the "melting pot" but are we really? We welcome immigrants from other countries but not many people study my culture.
Doris Looks Away
I'm glad to hear you are open to learn more about the Sioux tribe and Native American culture. I have much respect for students who are interested in their ancestors and the diversity in our nation. They call the United States the "melting pot" but are we really? We welcome immigrants from other countries but not many people study my culture.
Doris Looks Away
I am glad to see that many students of different cultures feel that the mascot and name is not degrading at all, but represents the Sioux in a very positive manor. As the Hockey Coach I know many different things that we are being accused of, but know that we have no disrespect or the the Sioux.
UND Student-
I think the observations of your educational environment are great. Being of a different culture than Native American, I'm glad that you do not find the mascot to be racist in any way. I think more people need to be mor elike you and understand that there were only good intentions when creating this mascot.
-Cathy Kristin
White Boy,
Did you write this when you were out partying? You have no idea about the history of the Sioux name, that is why you are an avid supporter of it. Go read a history book then come back and talk to me about it.
-mike sanders
Hello UND student, thankyou for being so respectful. I think that you have been very respectful and you are right in that the school has pride. I agree with you that it adds diversity to the school. However, the mascot has become a way for students to be mean and some of the Native American students feel that it is disrespectful against them. Thanks for being so repsctful and thank you for your time. -Jon Ekohak
Well for one thing, UND is representing my people by playing sports well. How does that correlate to representing my people? My point is that because at these games they are hootin' and hollerin' like they know the war calls of my ancestors, it is representing us wrongfully. I just don't understand how that is representing well.
-Winona Native American UND student
If you speak the truth about no racism then I would have to side with you. The very second that my people are looked down upon though, there is reason for debate. Peaceful debate mind you. As a UND student you must know if someone gets in a costume for the game. If someone does, then I can see the "Sioux" name being misrepresented. Not all "Sioux" look the same so I wonder if someone does put on a suit for the games. Putting on a costume will only result in laughter. Not something my people want to see. I leave you in peace.
-Little Wing
Glad I finally found a smart one who agrees with me that the University should keep the mascot name. Yeah and if the Indians are proud of their history then they should be fine with the fighting part of that so the Fighting Sioux shouldn't bother them.
Julian Hayden
Tim-
Hey dude. I am a student at UND as well and I'm wondering if you are a hockey fan? I hope you are or your missing out. Anyway I would like to say that I also believe the campus to be a peaceful and respectful place. I have never felt that anyone is disrespecting the Sioux name. I know that I take full pride in our school and I'm sure you do as well. We need to make sure that everyone feels the amount of pride and respect we feel for the school. I hope that this controversy ends soon so our school can go back to normal. Seriously if you don't watch hockey you should come to a game soon.
-UND hockey fan
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