EDITORIAL: Apache name should stay
| The Cleveland Indians, Golden State Warriors, Chicago
Black Hawks, the Kansas City Chiefs, the Washington
Redskins, the Atlanta Braves, University of Illinois
Fighting Illini, and the Holy Cross Warriors. And of
course, the IVCC Apaches. What do all of these teams have in common, ranging from professional ball to college to even grade school ball? They are all named after American Indians. There has been some discussion lately about whether or not IVCC should change the name of their mascot. Some things can be said for and against a name change. Take for instance the Washington Redskins. On April 2, a federal trademark panel revoked their trademark protection, stating that the name of the team might belittle American Indians and dishonor them. The team stated that they believed it honored the Indians. The major argument for the name change is just that - it is derogatory towards American Indians and should not be allowed. However, the whole picture should be explored before a decision that would forever affect the college is made. |
Find out what students and staff think of
the Apache Learn how
the Apache name originated at IVCC Meet the
first Apache Read about
Illinois' most famous Indian See what the
Apache Sports Editor thinks
|
The Apache name, though no Apaches were in the Illinois Valley area, is a part of the area’s history because it is a part of the college’s history. It has always been treated with respect and dignity. As long as IVCC continues to do so, it will be a source of honor for the athletes and the entire school.
With the seventy-fifth anniversary approaching and all of the changes that are taking place within the college and it’s departments, such as athletics, IVCC has to retain part of its history. Changing the mascot this late in the game would be pointless.
As long as the students are proud to be Apaches, the name should stay.
April 8, 1999 the Apache