Post by Cliff Krainik on Oct 26, 2004 12:25:55 GMT -5
He jests at scars that never felt a wound.
Romeo and Juliet ACT II, SCENE II
Romeo and Juliet ACT II, SCENE II
MIke sez -
"Sorry, but there is no equal - in any way - to Native American references being used in sports teams to things such as the denial of voting or other civil rights. Making this gigantic leap cheapens real violations of civil rights and opens up a Pandora's Box of litigation."
Cliff retorts -
That might be up to the courts to decide. I know you are not advocating lack of due process.
Mike continues -
Once again I see that if advocates don't get their way through hysterical hyperbole they will try to force it by means of litigation.
I agree wholeheartedly with Bob's last comment - what a waste of time and resources, both desperately needed in the Native American community, on a superficial salve for American politically correct white liberals which would ultimately result in not a single changed mind - only a more resentful one.
Cliff remarks -
Mike, we live in a society based on law. If an individual or group of people have a grievance - even though you might not perceive it as a legitimate grievance - they still have a right to seek redress.
When and how does one begin to change stereotypes and thoughtless attitudes?
Here's a letter from Ms. Rhonda Cervantes written on January 31, 2002 to Marc Fisher, columnist for the Washington Post, which helps to bring the notion of offensive SPORT TEAM names in focus -
"The controversy around this name [REDSKINS] is well known. Whatever the origin, it seems irrelevant. It is patently offensive to a large number of people—period. Therefore, the name should be changed, regardless of numbers, statistics, etc. For example, we would not consider naming a team, "The New York Kikes" regardless of how many people liked the name or the origin of the term "kike." Any discussion other than how fast the name should be dropped would be an outrage. Imagine someone asking the Jewish people to prove the offensiveness and to do the research to justify their offense! Why are Native people not afforded such consideration? Perhaps that is the more relevant question."
Cliff Krainik