I am not sure that I see why the logo is hostile and abusive. Please enlighten me. What is the difference between the Fighting Sioux and the Fighting Irish? I am of Irish descent and although Notre Dame’s logo, a rather inebriated looking Leprechaun itching for a fight, has always perturbed me personally, I see no one raising a fuss about it. At least the UND logo speaks more of dedication in the face of adversity. Just wondering….
Shelley Adams | 11.24.06 - 5:42 pm | #

Shelley,

Thanks for your comments and questions. On the surface, the nickname does not seem like a big deal. I think however if you look at the history of the nickname, the history of how American and the Dakota lands came to be controlled by white Europeans through what was essentially genocide, and the real reasons why the University is keeping the name (money plays a bigger role then honor), it is clear (to me anyway) that the nickname is “abusive and hostile”. And it is not a term that I believe brings growth to the University students, but rather keeps it mired down in controversy. The BRIDGES web site I have a link to in the Blog has a lot of information on the history of the nickname. I would also encourage you to read more about history of the native peoples to better understand their perspective of the nickname. “The Earth Shall Weep, A History of Native America” by James Wilson is a good book to start with.

I too am of Irish decent, and I also do not find the nickname "Fighting Irish" a term that honors the Irish people. It is my opinion that the purpose of a University should be more then simply coming up with an inspirational nickname for its sports teams and more about finding ways for the students to become richer human beings, and I don’t mean in a monetary sense. Clinging to a name that has caused controversy in the past in not what I believe real leadership is about.

My additional two cents, for what it is worth.
Tom Jablonski | 11.25.06 - 1:25 am | #

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