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URL: http://www.collegian.com/index.php/article/2010/02/cowboys_vs_indians_anger_slowly_waning
Current Date: Wed, 16 May 2012 21:40:02 -0600
Cowboys vs. Indians anger slowly waning
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Director of the Native American Cultural Center Ty Smith and other local groups hold an open discussion in the Lory Student Center Thursday about the ongoing racial hostility regarding a controversial Facebook event.
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As the intense controversy over a Facebook event created by a CSU student encouraging Ram fans to show up to CSU’s Border War with Wyoming on Saturday dies down, those involved in the hullabaloo say to expect a sea of orange noodles at the game instead of an Old West shootout.
The event’s creator Ben Margolit has apologized numerous times, claiming that his intentions were in good spirit. He is now prompting students to wear orange in tribute to the old school colors. This was the right move according to those offended.
Despite the change, the original “Cowboys v. Indians” theme and many of the comments posted on the event’s page created an uproar that now appears to be quieting down.
“That is all in the past. Now we’re focusing on the future,” Tiffani Kellly, president of the American Indian Science and Engineering Society said in a phone interview on Thursday.
Kelly said Margolit has been forgiven and the event is not the cause of racial problems.
“(The original event) is just what sparked the fire,” Kelly said. The task now, she said, is to combat the general attitude displayed by those who underplayed the importance of the debate.
AISES organized a rally on Wednesday in response to the negative comments students wrote on the event’s Facebook page. The rally featured speakers from a variety of backgrounds and attracted throngs of students ranging from the deeply offended to the simply curious.
Though debate on the issue brought dozens of students to the Lory Student Center Plaza Wednesday, a similar event Thursday afternoon saw far less interest.
A viewing of the documentary “In Whose Honor?” that dealt the debate over Native American sports mascots received a turnout of only 20 students Thursday. It was followed by a short discussion that touched on the Facebook incident.
“I think it’s really sad that it took a Facebook incident to show that there is racism,” said Samantha Raso, a member of Phi Lambda Chi who booked the viewing room.
AISES has scheduled a meeting with CSU President Tony Frank for today to discuss the next steps to awareness about racial issues, in hopes that hate-fueled talk will diminish on campus.
Despite the vehement protest of groups like AISES and open discouragement from CSU faculty and administration, several students have said they still plan to dress in American Indian garb for the game.
“A cowboys and Indians themed sporting event is hardly even anything to talk about. You guys need to calm down. If I end up going, imma be decked out in a head dress and everything,” Enes Ozekin, a CSU student and fraternity brother of Margolit’s wrote on the “Orange Out” page.
“I don’t think it’s right that people should be inhibiting our right to free speech,” Ozekin said in a phone interview Thursday, adding that he has been subjected to racism due to his Middle Eastern heritage. “I am not racist whatsoever.”
Kelly said that while the racial tensions have frustrated her, she does not want it to affect the game on Saturday. She recognized the basketball team’s hard work and wishes them the best.
“I want students supporting our Rams.”
Staff writer Rachel Childs can be reached at news@collegian.com.
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18 comments
Awesome! I am glad to see that the original problem at hand was somewhat resolved. I am concerned of what may happen if people still show up in the ‘indian garb’ on the game Saturday but I would hope that everyone could keep it respectful. I agree with AISES that there should be more educating the CSU community on being compassionate to other races when planning events and what not. Glad to see that some good came of this matter and again Way to go CSU students! I am just proud to know that we have plenty of natives there furthering their educations and educating others at the same time.
Once again, there was no original problem at hand. People just like to complain because they have nothing better to do.
This coming from a Mexican who is always discriminated against as far as stereotypes go.
Tyler is right … People love to complain about something. Next thing you know, Wiccans will be complaining at Halloween time. Nobody needs educating here. There was no problem.
I am so sorry but I have to point out the time frame on here. Tyler 3:42, Tyler 3:42, I agree with Tyler 3:46. It is nice to see that you agree with yourself there Tyler.
I am just happy to see that all party’s involved are trying to rise above this. I do not think that it was racially intended but ignorance turned it that way. Once it was clear that it did offend many people, good for the students to pull together and come up with a solution. I pray that this will not turn violent on Satuday, these situations sometimes will. I also pray that the students that want to dress up out of spite will see that they are being hateful and they fueling this ugly situation.
Good for all who stood up to this. :) And good for all of you who are trying to right it. :)
Hello again everyone!
I thought there was hope for Colorado when I heard about this bill to eliminate Native American mascots in Colorado schools….but according to the Denver Post, it appears the lawmaker who proposed the legislation IS GOING TO WITHDRAW THE BILL!!! Please respond to her and the media; send your comments to our lawmakers to keep this bill on the table and GET IT PASSED. I’m hoping a few hundred emails from faculty and students at CSU would be a good start, especially in light of the recent “dress like an Indian” issue!
Julie Ann Sullivan
Subject: The Denver Post: Colorado lawmaker to withdraw Indian-mascot bill
Colorado lawmaker to withdraw Indian-mascot bill.
A state lawmaker plans to withdraw a bill that would legislate public high schools’ use of American Indian mascots, saying she has already achieved her goal of igniting community discussions over whether the mascots are appropriate.
Sen. Suzanne Williams, D-Aurora, also said Wednesday that her measure isn’t needed anymore because the Colorado Indian Education Foundation plans to work with schools that have Indian mascots.
“I fervently believe we can build on our knowledge and expand our appreciation of our Native American ancestors,” said Williams, who is one-quarter Comanche.
Williams ignited a firestorm of controversy last month when she introduced a bill that would have required all public and charter high schools
with Indian mascots to get approval from the Colorado Commission of Indian Affairs.
Yuma High School pointed out that its mascot was changed in the 1920s from the Cornhuskers to the Chiefs to honor American Indians.
Democratic Lt. Gov. Barbara O’Brien said the commission didn’t have the staff to handle mascot work.
And Republican Sen. Scott Renfroe of Greeley said mascots were an issue for local school boards and that the state had more pressing needs to worry about.
But Williams had her supporters, including Katherine Bauer, 78, whose seven children attended Eaton High School, home of the Reds. The school mascot features a large-nosed, scowling Indian in a loincloth and leather pants.
“I think it’s very degrading to people whose land we are living on and we all enjoy,” Bauer said Wednesday.
The Greeley Tribune on Sunday editorialized on the mascot, saying, “It’s unfortunate Williams even had to introduce the legislation.”
“It’s time for the Reds to go,” the editorial began.
Williams still must formally withdraw her bill during a committee hearing.
Senate Bill 107 included a provision that schools would be fined $1,000 a month if they used Indian mascots past July 2013 without commission approval. Williams said if she had proceeded with her bill, she would have stripped that provision.
Williams estimated about a dozen schools in Colorado have Indian “mascots” — a term defined in the bill as “a name, symbol or image that depicts or refers to an American Indian tribe, individual custom or tradition.” Among them: Lamar High School, home of the Savages, and Montbello High School, home of the Warriors.
“I introduced this bill because I feel very strongly that we need a conversation about the subtle discrimination between races and cultures,” she said.
Lynn Bartels: 303-954-5327 or lbartels@denverpost.com.
Contact Info for lawmaker withdrawing the bill:
SUZANNE WILLIAMS
Majority Caucus Chair
Colorado State Senator, District 28
Office Location: 200 E. Colfax
Denver, CO 80203
Capitol Phone: 303-866-3432
E-mail: suzanne.williams.senate@state.co.us
Read more: http://www.denverpost.com/ci_14329391?source=email#ixzz0eaGSwAGe
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Denver Post – Link to article: Lawmaker to Withdraw Indian Mascot Bill
I am disappointed that President Tony Frank decided to spam the faculty and students with his condescending e-mail on Friday.
The issue of racism in a free society is an interesting one, and a lively discussion should take place so that our society can learn and grow from its past mistakes. However, as an institution centered around academic freedom, it is not the universities role to have an official viewpoint on such matters. What Dr. Frank says, as figurehead of our university, is implicitly seen as the universities viewpoint. Having such a viewpoint dictated from above stifles what could be a substantial and intellectually honest debate, and embitters those who have grievances (legitimate or otherwise) in the matter.
i also am disappointed in Tony sending a lengthy email about a minor incident of insensitivity on a day when one of our fellow students lost his life. come on Tony, what’s more important?
First, I wrote the “I agree with Tyler” post and I am NOT Tyler. A clear example of one side of this not wanting to debate the issue, but rather play silly games and point fingers.
Second, asdf is right about Mr. Frank’s ridiculous email exposing him and this university as a free speech zone only for those who agree with their speech.
Tony Frank’s beard is a waste of hair. There is nothing behind it but liberal nonsense and condescending arrogance. He is alienating different groups of the student body on a daily basis and should be held accountable for his ridiculous behavior expressed in his emails and policies. He is offensive and we should not be subject to his one sided, ill informed, arrogant, liberal rhetoric. He deserves to be chastised for bringing pettiness to what should be an open free debate of ideas and viewpoints. He is the president of the university… isn’t there something more important he could be doing like finding other constitutional rights to strip away from students? Mr. Frank is proving to be unqualified for his position and a blight on this university.
I love that people think that Tony’s message to the student body about holding back on blatantly racist behavior is an issue of the first amendment. The hate speech that ensued as a result of this event has arguably made campus unsafe for a group of students. It is the responsibility of this academic institution to make campus and campus events a safe place for all people! This is not a political issue it is an issue of human decency and respect for fellow Americans. PLEASE STOP PICKING ON A GROUP THAT REPRESENTS 1% OF THE POPULATION!
A few critical questions:
- How is this not a political issue? Dr. Frank plays a pivotal role in managing university policy. Isn’t anything he does in this role inherently political?
- How much of a priority should safety be for a university? Will Dr. Frank’s message actually have a positive safety impact?
- Are the remarks in question racist or ostensibly racist? Are they said out of ignorance, irony, or a desire to stir up controversy? I admit I haven’t read these remarks. Are they published anywhere outside of Facebook?
Much ado about nothing…..
More liberals bowing to the PC Gods….
“ in hopes that hate-fueled talk will diminish on campus.”
There hasn’t been any hate-fueled speech in this entire stupid situation! The event wasn’t formed as hate speech! Seriously, Rachel Childs try not to push a bias for once.
I agree with Craig
I came from eaton high school where our mascot was a “fighting red”, i can say that I, nor anyone in the town disrespected the symbol of a native american, we took pride in it. If they feel offended by being portrayed as a mascot then I want the New England Patriots, Wake Forrest Deacons, Duke Blue Devils, Wyoming Cowboys, Oakland Raiders, and Boston Celtics mascots changed for portraying white people incorrectly. It starts with one group then spreads with another. I agree, dressing up like native americans is not the right thing to do, but take pride in the symbol that represents your school/ town.
Is it possible that tony frank gave an “iffy” email so the students paid attention to this incident and not our fiscal issues?
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Leslie Louie
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