GRAND FORKS — I agree with the Herald’s Jan. 11 editorial, “It’s time to drop the Sioux nickname and logo” (Page D1), and with its suggestion that the Fighting Sioux nickname should be dropped but not changed. Deciding on a new nickname so soon after dropping “Sioux” would create hard feelings for everyone who cares about the matter (which, based on the sheer volume of letters-to-the-editor over the past few years, is a lot of people), with the exception of the one person or group whose idea for a new nickname gets chosen.
Once the legal aspects of the matter have been finished up, UND can concentrate on the things it needs to focus on — things such as seeking admittance to a Division I athletic conference and recruiting, both athletically and scholarly.
Also, maybe we fans need to change our views of what dropping the nickname means. It does not mean that we lose the constitutional right of freedom of speech. We can still wear the old gear on which we’ve spent so much money. They can still be “Sioux” athletes in our hearts, if not in law.
Plus, who knows? After a generation of no nickname representation, the state’s Sioux tribes may want the name reinstated.
For now, we are North Dakota.
Dustin Lang
Friday, January 23, 2009
We Are North Dakota
I think Mr. Lang nails it today in his letter to the Grand Forks Herald. Why do we need rush to immediately replace the Fighting Sioux name? There is no logical reason in my opinion. Why not drop the name and have a dialog on its replacement? Is there is any reason why the University of North Dakota's sports teams can just simply be "North Dakota" during the transition period? When the University, students and Alumni find a suitable name then we can make the transition to that nick name and logo. I like most Sioux fans know that political correctness will not allow us to keep our nick name and logo, however there are 60+ years of history connected to the Fighting Sioux name and a replacement may take time. I have seen a few nice replacements that I like but we shouldn't make a rash decision.
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If(when) it is dropped I don't want to replace it at all we'll just be North Dakota. What law says we have to have a nickname? If the name we have right now isn't good enough, than we shouldn't have one at all. Our history and tradition is that of North Dakota Fighting Sioux athletics, not anything else.
ReplyDeleteI like North Dakota for the transition period. I am afraid that the powers that be will move to quickly and we will up some really stupid name for our sports teams. Hey let it take a few years to come up with a replacement.
ReplyDeleteI've been saying this for years. Can't just all of a sudden just come out with a new logo and expect everybody to embrace it after the long tradition and love for the sioux. I look at like being in a relationship for a very long time. Once its over you can jump into a new one right away, but it wont help you get over the old one, and it definately won't be the right one. We can not jump to a new nickname/logo without an extended period of time.
ReplyDeleteI won't support the new nickname.. And my Alumni contributions will stop.
ReplyDeleteBrettB what about NO-Nick name?
ReplyDeleteFlorida State made some kind of a financial arrangement with the Seminoles and have no problem, as far as I know. Isn't there some small group of Sioux that would accept a contribution or does it have to be unanimous?
ReplyDeleteWhen the problem really started (when the guy from Tampa became president, I guess) and the Blackhawks sweaters went bye-bye, my recommendation was no logo at all. Be the Penn State of hockey. The Fighting Sioux don't need no stinking logo. Everybody knows who they are. Still think it would be best.
There's a hitch, though. North Dakota. Isn't Dakota the name of an Indian tribe? Maybe even the same one as the Sioux? Perhaps a name change for the state itself is in order. Along with some other states as well. I'm getting a headache.
Back in the '60s the Fighting Sioux hockey cheerleaders were the best in the country, in their white buckskin fringed short dresses and fabulous eagle feather head dresses. Wow. They're out on the ice and the fight song is playing and the team skates out. The most exciting moment in sports. I'm freaking me out thinking about it.
ReplyDeleteI agree. Just drop the Fighting Sioux logo and name (officially).
ReplyDeleteFans will still call the teams the Sioux. And I already bought a ton of stuff with the current logo and nickname on it. I will be sure to wear it to every NCAA event the University of North Dakota is a part of.
As a Miami fan and alum, we encountered a very similar situation. As you know, we were once known as the Redskins. When the school agreed with the Miami tribe to drop the name, they formed an exploratory committee which took about two years (IIRC) to choose the new nickname. In the interim, the sports teams were generally referred simply as the "Red and White." However, there are still fans and alumni that choose to refer to the teams as the Redskins.
ReplyDeleteDon't rush. Just choose the right name and move on letting everyone deal with it in their own way.
As an aside, the Miami "Indian head" logo still appears in a secondary role on merchandise, on our football field and it hangs in one of the corners of the new Steve Cady Arena - home to the ice hockey team. We've found ways to honor the athletic tradition while respecting the wishes of the Miami tribe.