Mascot war shows NCAA flunks logic [Forum Archive]

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Mascot war shows NCAA flunks logic

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Posted by: ZECH

Mascot war shows NCAA flunks logic
by Bob Barr
special to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Wednesday, August 10, 2005 at 9:00 AM
Somewhat rhetorically, in "Romeo and Juliet," Shakespeare draws our attention to the fact that it is not the name of a thing that provides its desirable qualities, but the inherent properties of the thing itself: "What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet." Many years later, another English literary master, Lewis Carroll, though not quite so prolific as his 16th-century predecessor, ridiculed 19th-century England's propensity to butcher its native tongue, as Humpty Dumpty declared in "Through the Looking Glass": "When I use a word . . . it means just what I choose it to mean, neither more nor less."

The NCAA has done both Shakespeare and Carroll one better. It has, after apparently exhaustive study, decided that words do have meaning; so much, in fact, that their mere usage as the name of a sports team mascot cannot be tolerated, spoken or even depicted.

In a move most charitably described as nonsensical, but more accurately deemed consummately asinine, three levels of NCAA "leadership" have determined that political correctness requires that no NCAA college or university may display "hostile or abusive" mascots, nicknames or imagery at any championships sanctioned by this renowned organization.

This means that several schools, ranging from such athletic heavyweights as Florida State University to little-known but equally insensitive Chowan College in Murfreesboro, N.C., will have to make wrenching decisions. The schools must decide whether to opt out of the NCAA or adopt a two-tiered mascot system — one for use during the regular season and another, more politically correct, mascot to use during any championship games in which it plays or that it hosts. Otherwise, they must scrap their current mascots (the Seminoles at FSU and the Braves at Chowan) and adopt those that pass muster with the supersensitive busybodies of the NCAA's feared Subcommittee on Gender and Diversity Issues.

The recently announced mascot policy, however, while levied with all the solemnity such an earth-shattering pronouncement was entitled, raises a host of problems and questions — designed, no doubt to keep the mascot police busy for many years. Indeed, NCAA President Myles Brand signaled as much, in alerting member schools that they will be subject to his organization's prying eyes in the future, by virtue of "continued monitoring." Schools subject to the NCAA edict will have to take "reasonable steps" to "cover up" any and all offensive writings or depictions. Of course, what constitutes a "reasonable step" will itself be subject to incessant wrangling.

For example, because the NCAA edict applies not only to uniforms but also to any other "paraphernalia" that can be "worn or displayed" in any manner, the culture cops will certainly be on the lookout for boxer shorts depicting such disgusting images as an FSU Seminole or the even more offensive Southeastern Oklahoma State University "Savage." How the NCAA will enforce such edicts remains to be seen, but given the gravity of the offense, I'm sure we all can agree that whatever it takes, they "just do it." If that means taking away one's right to wear underwear of their choice in order to protect society in general from the insidious evil of insensitivity, then by golly, go for it.

But we really do have to ask how far this nonsense will go. For example, the University of Iowa is cited by supporters of the NCAA mascot policy as a "model institution" because it refuses to schedule any games with schools that employ "Native American nicknames, imagery or mascots." However, even this policy is suspect, and this school, too, needs to be investigated by the NCAA Praetorian Guard. The very name of the state (in which I was born, I must admit) — Iowa — clearly constitutes a "Native American imagery" because it is the name of a Native American people. The University of Iowa team name — the "Hawkeyes" — cannot be said to pass NCAA scrutiny either, because the term apparently was coined as a tribute to Chief Black Hawk, an Iowa chieftain.

Now that the NCAA's belt is notched with this major victory, will it next attack mascot names deemed offensive not because of some imagined racial or ethnic slight, but because they might possibly offend some other group — People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, perhaps? If it is so horrible to name a collegiate sports team after a tribe of Indians such as the Seminoles, think what conniptions a PETA member suffers when exposed to a team named in honor of an animal species (the Georgia "Bulldogs" or the South Carolina "Gamecocks"). Don't laugh. I suspect the PETA folks already are girding for the battles ahead, taking their lead from the dunces running the NCAA.

—Former congressman and U.S. attorney Bob Barr practices law in Atlanta

Posted by: Decker

Marquette Basketball changed the nickname of the team from Warriors to Golden Eagles to Gold and back to the Golden Eagles to "be ahead of the curve." Spineless douchebags.

Posted by: oaktownboy

all schools need to show a little respect and change their names if they are offensive to Native Americans..it's racist

Posted by: goandykid

Quote:

Originally Posted by oaktownboy

show a little respect and change their names if they are offensive to Native Americans..it's racist

respect the avatar :P

Posted by: oaktownboy

i hope ur kiddin

Posted by: tucker01

Where do you draw the line?

Should Notre Dame Change there Name and Logo, outta respect for the Irish?

Posted by: goandykid

and change Yankee's to "caucasians"

Posted by: goandykid

The Caucasians vs. The Colorless Sox

Posted by: oaktownboy

ok lemme ask u this..how would u feel if u were black and there was a team called the niggers..

Posted by: goandykid

it was an entire league...and I am black.

Posted by: goandykid

and depends what city the niggers played for

Posted by: oaktownboy

Quote:

Originally Posted by goandykid

it was an entire league...and I am black.

don't believe u for one second..u aren't black

Posted by: TJ Cline

Quote:

Originally Posted by oaktownboy

ok lemme ask u this..how would u feel if u were black and there was a team called the niggers..

Posted by: goandykid

Quote:

Originally Posted by oaktownboy

don't believe u for one second..u aren't black

Now to me that's more racist then a team name. Is it b/c the way I talk and then relay it onto a forum? Or b/c my name is Andrew? Explain this to me.

Posted by: oaktownboy

Quote:

Originally Posted by goandykid

Now to me that's more racist then a team name. Is it b/c the way I talk and then relay it onto a forum? Or b/c my name is Andrew? Explain this to me.

ok 1st..i didn't even know what ur name was..second..i got some black in my family...i live in oakland where the movement started...if u are black and aren't offended by being called a nigger there's something wrong with you

Posted by: TJ Cline

Quote:

Originally Posted by oaktownboy

Posted by: goandykid

1st, my acct name has my name in it, doesnt take a detective...2nd, you never calld me a nigger, you used it in a question, which i answered sarcastically. Don't think I take racism at all in social context. 3rd, and back to the question, the article mentions hawkeyes as being racist, and i brought up my skins. There's worse names out there for native americans, and Hawkeyes actually honors one of them. Is it offensive to call native americans indians? I call ppl white, black, not african american and caucasian, etc.

Redskins I can see as offensive, but it isnt aimed at the race nowadays per se, but more at what they represented back then, kinda like a tribal warriors thing. Team names are meant to b intimidating, they wouldnt name an 800 milion dollar team after something that was frowned upon and discriminated against, they want fans.

Niggers as a team name is to such a higher degree, and a polor opposite of Hawkeyes.

Posted by: oaktownboy

there u go ..the term redskins is offensive..why didn't u just come out and say that instead fo arguing with me?

Posted by: maniclion

Detroits footbal team I find very offensive, as if all Lions are tough or something, they should definitely change it, and what about New Orleans that's an insult to Chritians everywhere refering to a group of guys that beat and mutilate each other as Saints. Don't get me started on Pittsburgh, how do you think all of those laid off steel mill workers feel everytime they go to cheer on their towns team and they have to be reminded of the golden years when Steel was a booming business in Pitts.

Posted by: Decker

Quote:

Originally Posted by goandykid

and depends what city the niggers played for

I think that is one of the funniest things I've read.

I think 'Redskins' should go.

'Warriors' is neutral indicating no insulting connotation to any particular group.

Then again look what's laid out for Wisconsin footbal fans---the Packers. That might be offensive to certain people belonging to this forum, but I'll reserve comment.

Posted by: ponyboy

Quote:

Originally Posted by oaktownboy

ok lemme ask u this..how would u feel if u were black and there was a team called the niggers..

Nigger actually means lazy person if I'm not mistaken. Having a sports team called that would be very poor for the players' self image.

Posted by: oaktownboy

Quote:

Originally Posted by ForemanRules

ur a fuckin idiot..all u have done is put in smilies...u know how to talk?

Posted by: TJ Cline

Quote:

Originally Posted by oaktownboy

ur a fuckin idiot..all u have done is put in smilies...u know how to talk?

No I do not know how to talk.....could you teach me????
Just leave out all your racist rant from the lessons.

Posted by: Pepper

Quote:

Originally Posted by oaktownboy

i hope ur kiddin

I was hoping you were.

Apparently not.

This is another example of how America has become a bunch of wussies. Worrying about the FSU Seminoles has to be the most ridiculous cause I've heard of in years.

I hope they fight it and I hope they win.

Posted by: Pepper

PETA was trying to get the USC Gamecocks to change their mascot. Fightning birds are offensive, I guess.

Personally, I think the lame ass gamecocks are offensive to fighting birds everywhere.

Posted by: oaktownboy

Quote:

Originally Posted by ForemanRules

No I do not know how to talk.....could you teach me????
Just leave out all your racist rant from the lessons.

oh so I'm racist..because i have family that's black and i don't like the word nigger and because native americans shouldn't be called redskins..yeh i'm racist..fuck outta here

Posted by: oaktownboy

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pepper

u just don't get it do u...it doesn't have to do with the one team..FSU...it's mmuch bigger than that..u have to think...i don't know what words are offensive to white people...so i can't give an example , assuming you are white..what if u were a Native American,...and growing up u saw on tv whites dressed up as "Indian," dancing around with the warpaint on hollering and yelling..desecrating the image of ur people forever..now...imagine u r black..which u prolly can't imagine i'm sure...now u see a team called the niggers...the mascot is black..lazy..eating watermelon.talking "funny"...there wouldn't be a team called that because thankfully we have an organization called the NAACP..but the Natives have no political movement as strong as the other races..because there aren't many around because the whites nearly killed them to "extinction.."

y do i care? because my father is from the midwest..been there many times..even know a few Natives..and I can fuckin guarantee u..THEY HAVE A HUGE FUCKIN PROBLEM WITH MASCOTS LIKE FSU, CLEVELAND INDIANS, ILLINOIS...DANCING HOLLERING.SENDING THE MESSAGE THAT NATIVES REALLY LOOK LIKE THAT..ACT LIKE

Posted by: Pepper

The Seminole tribes in Florida and Oklahoma have both contacted the NCAA supporting FSU. They are not offended one bit.

America has become wussified b/c this is the crap we worry about in this country.

The Seminole tribes are apparently above it and they have earned a great deal of respect from me.

Braves, Indians, Chiefs, Illini ...are fine. I'll grant you that "Redskins" is another matter.

It used to be that the problem in this country was that people looked for ways to be offended. Now, it is worst, people looke for ways ANYONE can be offended.

What is next? The Vikings? Are giants OK with a team mocking them? We need to ask them all. Whoa...what about the Fighting Irish? Hurricanes kill people, destroy property...why honor them by calling the Miami teams "Hurricanes?" How would you like it if the a team called themselves the "Serial Killers?"

The Arizone Rattlers and Diamondbacks are offense to those who fear snakes. The Seahawks offend ALL birds b/c it is made up. What, no real birds good enough so you have to make one up?

This is absurd. Beyond absurd. It'd be funny if someone the nuts were not winning.

Posted by: Triple Threat

Well I think that the NCAA should do away with "March Madness" since it is mocking and offensive to the mentally imbalanced.

Posted by: themamasan

It amazes me that more and more American institutions and organizations are catering to the minority of people who are "cry babies". What was supposed to be a fun and enjoyable college experience (sports) and tradition of people playing games and being competitive, has turned into a political tragedy by a small group of people who just want to complain about something. I heard the NCAA did this because they didn't want to "offend ANYONE". That is impossible. I am sure the NCAA is offending more people (like myself) by even undertaking this pathetic cause.

Posted by: min0 lee

Quote:

Originally Posted by maniclion

Detroits footbal team I find very offensive, as if all Lions are tough or something, they should definitely change it, and what about New Orleans that's an insult to Chritians everywhere refering to a group of guys that beat and mutilate each other as Saints. Don't get me started on Pittsburgh, how do you think all of those laid off steel mill workers feel everytime they go to cheer on their towns team and they have to be reminded of the golden years when Steel was a booming business in Pitts.

Posted by: min0 lee

Quote:

Originally Posted by oaktownboy

ur a fuckin idiot..all u have done is put in smilies...u know how to talk?

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Mascot war shows NCAA flunks logic

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