[Peace-discuss] Regarding the *Chief* from News-Gazette 11/16/08

[Jan & Durl Kruse]

The dance brought up memories for others, too.

In a statement released late last week, Robert Warrior, professor and  
director of Native American House and American Indian Studies, said the  
group's students, faculty and staff are "dismayed" about the plans "to  
bring back the university's offensive former mascot."

"The planned event represents a step backwards in the process of  
changing the climate of intolerance, insensitivity and dehumanization  
that Native American people experience at Illinois," Warrior stated.  
"Those who have planned the upcoming event and those who participate in  
it are heading in the wrong direction by promoting a caricature, a  
stereotype and an insult."

About a dozen protesters – some with signs, a few with their faces  
painted black – stood in a group outside as attendees began to leave  
just after 4:30 p.m. A few police officers waited nearby.

"At least we were noticed, and that was the whole point," said student  
Vanessa Gutierrez, who rallied with protesters. "It wasn't to change  
things, but things like this are an uphill battle. We're very low in  
minorities, and it's reflective of the people that came here today. So  
our voices are usually invisible."

More Chief events

The University of Illinois campus will host two more events during  
which Chief Illiniwek will be discussed:

— 'What's the Deal with the Chief?'

Several UI organizations will hold an informal discussion about  
Illiniwek from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Monday in room 314A of the Illini Union,  
1710 W. Green St., U.

The event will be facilitated by staff from the Asian American Cultural  
Center, Bruce Nesbitt African-American Cultural Center, La Casa  
Cultural Latina, Office of the Dean of Students, Office of Women's  
Programs, and other units from student affairs.

Light refreshments will be served.

— 'Do Racial Mascots Honor or Offend? The Legacies of Chief Illiniwek  
and the Pekin Chinks'

At noon Tuesday the Asian American Cultural Center, 1210 W. Nevada St.,  
U, will host another related discussion.

The program will provide information about the history of mascots, pro  
and anti opinions and their legacies.

http://www.news-gazette.com/news/local/2008/11/16/ 
large_crowd_gathers_at_assembly_hall_for_chiefs_next_dance
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