Native American Discrimination

After watching the video in class today about the controversy of Native American mascots in schools, I've gained a whole new perspective on the topic. Mostly, I was outraged. The comments made by ignorant people in the Chief Illini debate blew my mind.

One man said that the mascot antics of the University were honorable and dignified. He said they did not use plastic heads or the tomahawk chop. They are making a mockery of the American Indian people and they don't even realize it. The ones that do have a slight realization do not seem to care. They care about the tradition of the school and can't seem to open their minds to make the rightful change. The woman speaking about her American Indian background said that it would be better if they were outwardly mocking the heritage and making it into more of a joke with a cartoon character. Instead, they are making a mockery of an honorable tradition and culture.

Another man made a comment that shocked me even further. He said that minority rights aren't always right. Did he really say what I think he said? He actually thinks that minorities should have even less rights than they already have? It is absolutely ridiculous to think that this man thinks the rights of these people should be further taken away. It seems as though he could not be any more ignorant.

The way some people think is mind blowing to me. It is really hard to believe that so many people are as uneducated and as ignorant as they actually are. This is a controversy that should never have become one. Something needs to be done for these people and changing mascots is a small step towards them gaining the respect they deserve.