goldenthroat's Blog

I see where the University of Illinois has forever banned any more appearances of their "indian" mascot -  where will it end? And if you REALLY want to take this ridiculous issue all the way, then let's ban ALL nicknames!

Case in point - I am of Irish lineage.  When my father was in high school in the 30s, his nickname was "Irish". Maybe I, along with anyone of an Irish background, should storm the gates of Akron St. Vincent/St. Mary High School or the University of Notre Dame in Indiana and protest the name "Fighting Irish". In Tuscarawas County, New Philadelphia High School bears the nickname "Quakers".  Some refer to them as the 'Fighting Quakers'. Now THERE is an oxymoron if there ever was one!  Yet I have neither read nor heard of any attempts to change these nicknames.  BTW - Their cross-county rival, Dover High School, bears the name "Tornadoes".  Hmmm - I wonder if any Fox8 meteorologists take offense to this one?

How about USC? Did it ever occur to anyone that the name "Trojans" may be offensive to those with their ancestry linked to Troy?  Virginia Tech's nickname is 'Hokies' - last time I checked, a 'hokie' was a bird modeled after a turkey and has been their mascot since 1961 ! 

I was raised that the definition of 'hokie'  described something said or done that was really stupid. What on earth does this pathetic creature look like? Maybe I shouldn't even ask!

Any and all schools that have animal nicknames might as well consider dropping them.  Bulldogs - Tigers - Cardinals - Golden Eagles - ad naseum - I can't believe PETA hasn't protested these names in that they might offend animal lovers!  

This issue has taken political correctness to new heights of absurdity!

I rest my case.

Your thoughts, please!