On College Mascots

The recent decision by the NCAA to ban the display of offensive mascots during postseason tournaments seemed to me just another case of political correctness gone awry. After all, names like Warriors or Braves are meant to connote strength and courage, and the Seminole tribe has actually come out in favor of Florida State. It seemed like a non-issue to me.

However, then I found out about a disgusting case of ethnic stereotyping by a university, and I have to admit that my opinion on the matter has totally reversed.

If the NCAA seeks to ban all “hostile or abusive symbols, names and imagery,” I suggest they start here. Does any other school mascot cry out “hostile and abusive” to this extent? Just look at the guy with his fists clenched, his beady eyes looking for anyone to fight for any reason. And just what do you think he was doing just before this pending brawl? That’s right: drinking, and drinking heavily. Everyone knows that Micks are all short, angry alcoholics, right?

Until the NCAA goes after Notre Dame for its unmatched mockery of an ethnic minority, their rhetoric about promoting cultural sensitivity should be taken for what it is: complete nonsense.

FILED UNDER: Humor, Sports, , ,
Leopold Stotch
About Leopold Stotch
“Dr. Leopold Stotch” was the pseudonym of political science professor then at a major research university inside the beltway. He has a PhD in International Relations. He contributed 165 pieces to OTB between November 2004 and February 2006.

Comments

  1. ICallMasICM says:

    ‘The recent decision by the NCAA to ban the display of offensive mascots ‘

    Does the NCAA really think Florida St. fans are offended by their mascot? At UMass a group wanted to get rid of the Minuteman because it was a white male holding a gun.

  2. Mark says:

    How about the Nebraska Cornhusker mascot? Stereotyping of a farm hick.

    GET RID OF IT NOW NCAA!

  3. legion says:

    HA! As a Purdue grad, I must heartily agree with your statements.

    Does anyone know if a Boilermaker is an ethnic group?

  4. McGehee says:

    I thought a boilermaker was a drink.

  5. Jim says:

    Wow, you must’ve read my mind. Posted THIS about a week ago.

    Great minds must think alike

  6. Chris S says:

    I’m a UW Madison Grad and I’m worried about how those poor badgers feel when we blatantly stereotype them as vicious critters.

    I feel so ashamed.

    /switching sarcasm off now

  7. Steph says:

    How do you think small bears and lions feel about being represented by the Cubs?

    I happen to know some native americans because while I was working on my teaching degree I worked a few summers working with Native American children.

    The concensus among them is they wish the PC Nazis would spend all this time and energy on things that would actually help them.

  8. Brandon says:

    The Fighting Irish mascot seems to be the example du jour for those of us opposed to this silly decision.

  9. Ted says:

    A Boilermaker isn’t an ethnic group, but isn’t Purdue in INDIANa?

  10. Ben Dover says:

    What a bunch of whinny idiots. May I suggest that you look up the real reason why Notre Dame adopted the “fighting Irish Leprechaun”? Or would that remove your case for whining? FYI, we turned something that was “a disparaging stereotype into something to be proud of…” But you would rather wallow in your own self-loathing. Get over it!

  11. It’s called satire Ben, lighten up.