The mascot debate

#203      

TheFlyingIllini1317

TheFlyingIllini1317
Chicago, IL
TheFlyingIllini1317
NJJ871 said:
I agree, primarily because (IMHO) the people behind these alternatives are really using this to backdoor the real objective...eliminating the name "Fighting Illini". They were never going to settle for the half win of eliminating Chief Illiniwek, they're compelled to burn the whole thing down.
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Absolutely. You give these bugs an inch then the 3-1 is next, then the nickname, etc til we are generic midwest orange create a team.
 
#210      

illiniguy

illiniguy
illiniguy
Warren Carter Fanclub said:
Just asking....if a fan wore a native American head dress to a U of I sporting event, would they get thrown out?
I would love to have a Paint the Hall Chief Day.
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Just saying… if you say you are Native American (or partly) and they throw you out for wearing your cultural garb, I think you might have a lawsuit.

disclaimer…I am not a lawyer, but I guess I played one in this response.
 
#213      

Old.Edgy

O
Old.Edgy
IlliniKat91 said:
I've accepted the Chief isn't coming back, but I'll never be okay with the kingfisher.

Dumbest, most non-sports fan idea I've ever heard
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Among the Indian Tribes here in the Pacific Northwest, the Kingfisher represents abundance, prosperity, and love. The bird's energies couple with their observed speed and agility in hunting, making it an emblem of prowess and proficiency. Plus the Kingfisher sports orange and blue feathers prominently... Although I'm not real sure about it being a good 'mascot for a sports team'...
 
#214      

IlliniKat91

IlliniKat91
Chicago, IL
IlliniKat91
Old.Edgy said:
Among the Indian Tribes here in the Pacific Northwest, the Kingfisher represents abundance, prosperity, and love. The bird's energies couple with their observed speed and agility in hunting, making it an emblem of prowess and proficiency. Plus the Kingfisher sports orange and blue feathers prominently... Although I'm not real sure about it being a good 'mascot for a sports team'...
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Yeah, I get the reasoning. I still just think it's dumb. I'd never boycott the teams if they went with it, but I'd never buy merch with the kingfisher on it either.

Also, symbolism between the tribes of the PNW and the Illini Confederation likely isn't the same. Similar, maybe, but not the same. Holds less sway for me that way
 
#215      

the juiceman cometh

T
the juiceman cometh
IlliniKat91 said:
I've accepted the Chief isn't coming back, but I'll never be okay with the kingfisher.

Dumbest, most non-sports fan idea I've ever heard
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New Orleans Pelicans:

Watch This Hold Up GIF by Apple TV+
 
#217      

I57north

I
I57north
the juiceman cometh said:
New Orleans Pelicans:

Watch This Hold Up GIF by Apple TV+
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Probably one of the fastest ways to lose many fans. The idea that Memorial Stadium was built and named for those who sacrificed their lives to serve and protect this nation should not be lost if a new mascot is named. The Alumni Association and the student body should all have a voice in the matter. Honoring those who serve for the good of others is not a frivolous idea that should be forgotten.
 
#218      

Warren Carter Fanclub

Warren Carter Fanclub
Warren Carter Fanclub
I understand the Chief is never coming back but I would prefer the no mascot option. If we give in to a new mascot it just feels like another loss. Keep the position vacant and just keep the Fighting Illini name.
Unfortunately any type of soldier reference would make "certain people" up in arms.
 
#219      

CHEEF

CHEEF
Loda, IL
CHEEF
While I still prefer no mascot, I do believe there is an interesting opportunity to bring back Native American themed elements that resemble the chief if we adopted the Woolly Mammoth as a mascot.
 
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#223      

Old.Edgy

O
Old.Edgy
IlliniKat91 said:
Yeah, I get the reasoning. I still just think it's dumb. I'd never boycott the teams if they went with it, but I'd never buy merch with the kingfisher on it either.

Also, symbolism between the tribes of the PNW and the Illini Confederation likely isn't the same. Similar, maybe, but not the same. Holds less sway for me that way
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When Webber Borchers and (I forget his name) developed the idea of the Chief, they travelled out to the Lakota Indian tribes in the Dakota's and Montana... I don't really see any symbolism connection between these tribes and the Illini tribes that were located in central Illinois prior to their demise....

I'm NOT advocating for the 'Kingfisher' at all. I was just throwing in some data for info purposes only.. I enjoyed the Chief, and never believed he was a 'mascot' per se... But I understand that as times changed, the Chief as a symbol got so politicized, that it became untenable to maintain it. I get it... I don't like it either, but I get it.