Opinion: UND's 'Fighting Sioux' not insulting
Friday, January 11, 2008
Filed Under:
Opinion
"I attended my first hockey game at St. Cloud State University when they played North Dakota on Jan. 4-5. The protesters of North Dakota's mascot were a new experience, and it was not positive.
St. Cloud State allowed the protesters to line up all the way to the entrance so people had to walk through them to get into the door. As we walked by, they came within inches of our faces shouting their beliefs. The security guards had to rescue us and escort us to the door. Lots of hockey fans were families, some with small children. I saw confusion and terror in the eyes of some children.
I question the lack of concern by university authorities in preparing for episodes such as this one.
The protesters should have been allowed to demonstrate, but perhaps across the street or several feet away from the building.
Second, I comment about UND using the nickname and logo. A Native American designed the logo, which I believe is art. It is not a stereotypical cartoon drawing like that used for the Fighting Irish or Minnesota Vikings.
The artist's logo is very symbolic and described on UND's Web site as follows:
"The feathers symbolize the outstanding rewards that students, faculty, staff and alumni will achieve for academic, athletic and lifelong excellence. The determined look in the eyes symbolizes fortitude and never giving up and the focus necessary for sustained academic, athletics and lifelong achievement. The paint on the cheekbone symbolizes that life can be a battle and we have daily struggles. The color green symbolizes the development of young people and their growth at the University of North Dakota. The color yellow symbolizes the sun, which provides humanity light and warmth in order that life may continue. The color red symbolizes the lifeblood that has been poured out to make our state and peoples great."
It is ridiculous to compare it to a swastika of the Nazis, as was claimed by the protesters. UND also does not have a mascot. A mascot is someone walking around in a costume, such as a Husky or a Gopher. You get the picture."
Get the Story:
Lisa Trnka: UND logo is respectful, not insulting
(The St. Cloud Times 1/11)
Relevant Links:
University of North Dakota -
http://www.und.edu The Ralph
-
http://www.theralph.comFighting
Sioux -
http://www.fightingsioux.com
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