Sunday, I was in transit when the nickname story broke. While I am at the shack, for the most part, I am offline, I don't normally take my computer with me. It's my time to get off the grid and do nothing. I did bring my iPad with me, but I didn't use it.
As most of you know, the University of North Dakota now has three final names to choose from. After holding a vote, the Sundogs nickname option has been added to the dustbin of history. For this, I am thankful. As we suggested, Sundogs wasn't a popular choice. Yet, it ended up being a choice for the voters to ponder.
Fighting Hawks: 6,960 votes; 31.20 percent
Roughriders: 4,687 votes; 21.01 percent
Nodaks: 4,571 votes; 20.49 percent
North Stars: 3,231 votes; 14.48 percent
Sundogs: 2,858 votes; 12.81 percent
As before, I will be voting for the nickname Fighting Hawks. No, UND won't be using the logo that some have passed around on the internet. The Chicago Blackhawks already own that logo. Second, it would probably never get past the anti-native American nickname crowd.
I am hoping that when the nickname vote is finally over, the University tasks Bennett Brien with designing UND's new logo. It would be the smart thing to do and it "could" help with the healing process.
I think Fighting Hawks the best option of three unattractive nickname choices. As a taxpayer in North Dakota, I am disappointed in the nickname choices the committee came up with. I think there were many good choices that weren't considered. That being said, I hold no ill will towards the nickname committee, they're solid people.
Finally, like my good friend Jackie, I am worn out. I am ready to move on, reluctantly, but nonetheless, I am ready to move on. I can accept any of the three remaining nicknames, but I would rather not be the UND Rough Riders, I think Rough Riders shows very little creativity. But in the grand scheme of things, it's a hell of a lot better than Sundogs, Flicker Tails, and North Stars.
In today's world, you have the right to not be offended. Eventually, someone is going to be offended by the Rough Riders nickname and we could end up back where we are right now.
Lastly, I am also tired of the fighting, finger-pointing, and name-calling among UND fans. We can't continue to be in a constant state of conflict. We're in this together.
Earlier this past month, I wrote this: and Puck Daddy quoted me.
I know I have said this 100 times. I love the Fighting Sioux nickname. I also realize that this fight should have taken place about 5-7 years ago. It seems like some have been late to the party. The Fighting Sioux nickname is gone and not coming back. If UND had refused to change the Fighting Sioux nickname, there's no way that UND would be able to host an NCAA regional.
… I am pro-Fighting Sioux nickname, I will always be. I am worn out with the argument surrounding the nickname. I am (reluctantly) ready to move on, I will vote for a nickname in October. That being said, I will always wear my Fighting Sioux gear with pride when the opportunity arises. Last Wednesday, I wore a golf shirt with the Fighting Sioux logo on it to the hockey presser. I didn't even realize I was wearing it. Just came out of the wash that way.
What will North Dakota’s new NCAA nickname be: Fighting Hawks, Roughriders or Nodaks? https://t.co/v11I8mdyDi
— Yahoo Sports NHL (@YahooSportsNHL) October 26, 2015
So, my vote? I'm voting it's a winner 3 ways around. Why? Because Sundogs are eliminated. And it always makes me laugh to reread those GF Herald editorials stating assumptions like "Sundogs have more support than you realize." And the like.
ReplyDeleteAnyways, in the first round, I voted for Nodaks. I still believe that Roughriders, though a great nickname, may cause more problems as Universities tend to be the hotspot for the PC movement. Remember, if you interpret (read imagine) up a reason for it to be a problem, then it is one. It's not whether the Roughriders have support or not nor is it a matter of the intent of those who support it. Roughriders are connected to Roosevelt who said one thing that wasn't nice to Native Americans. Therefore, every reference to Roughriders from here until eternity is racist. That's how our society now works.
Our goal isn't just to find a nickname that will make as many of us happy as possible. The goal is to make a nickname so benign that the activists have nothing better to do than to look elsewhere to complain and moan. It's a difficult process.
In the end, during the second round of voting, I intend to vote for...probably Nodaks again. However, if Fighting Hawks or even Roughriders is the winner, then so be it. At least we're not the Sundorks.
Teddy Roosevelt is quoted as follows:
ReplyDelete"I have always said I would not have been President had it not been for my experience in North Dakota."
"It was here that the romance of my life began."
"I grow very fond of this place, and it certainly has a desolate, grim beauty of its own, that has a curious fascination for me."
I love North Dakota and it's history. It is wonderful that we have a connection to a man who became
President of the United States. A man who lead the "Roughriders" in their famous charge up San Juan Hill. A man who loved North Dakota and was appreciative of how the state impacted his life.
I will be voting for Roughrider as the UND nickname.
Here's the problem with Rough Riders. It's just a matter of time until some P.C. fool is going to bring this up:
DeleteRoosevelt once said of Native Americans: ‘I don’t go so far as to think that the only good Indians are dead Indians, but I believe nine out of ten are, and I shouldn’t like to inquire too closely into the case of the tenth.’