what is your opinion on the chief illiniwek controversy that had erupted regarding Native Americans protesting the games? The administration for the school said that they were respecting the indians, while the indians said that they were insulted.
Are you trying to get me in trouble with my wife?! :)
While my wife is extremely anti-chief, I'm not passionate enough about it in either direction. I feel like you only hear the voices of the loudest in arguments like these- the loudest opposed the people with direct access to the microphone (admin).
I have great respect for the fact that the students who perform the role of Cheif Illiniwek go through training within a native american tribe and learn the meanings and purposes behind the dances I feel like at its core its meant to be a sign of respect, but I also feel like the student body as a whole don't really treat as a respectful thing. It's a very tough call. I feel like you have both Native Americans that are "pro"-chief (in that they are fine with it) and anti-chief, and so the argument of of an entire culture being disrespected/insulted doesn't hold water (though its true that many were insulted.
I think the chief is great for the sport of it all and entertainment/joy of the crowd, but if its causing more harm than good, I would not be greatly upset if Chief Illiniwek was retired.
