Chief = "bridge" to nowhere

Never can say goodbye:  Chief Illiniwek still dancing at U of IStudents for Chief Illiniwek, a progressive registered student organization at the University of Illinois, announces the return of America’s greatest collegiate symbol at the University of Illinois Assembly Hall after the UI’s football game with Ohio State University.

The event will include a brief filmed history of the tradition, guest speakers, and will culminate with the performance of Chief Illiniwek XXXVII Logan Ponce. The event, titled: “The Next Dance” will begin at 3:30 p.m. ... The student group paid fees to rent out the Assembly Hall for the Chief’s reappearance, with costs potentially rising above $10,000.

I wrote to Roberto Martell, president of this student group, with two questions:

1. In what respect is Students for Chief Illiniwek a "progressive" organization? Seems like an odd choice of words.

2. Why not let this go? The U of I bade farewell to the chief nearly two years ago (2/07), so isn't it time to move on?

He replied:

1. Students for Chief Illiniwek refers to itself as a progressive registered student organization for a couple of reasons. The first that that SFCI brings a progressive approach to the Chief Illiniwek debate by focusing not solely on "Saving the Chief," but rather using the power of the tradition to better the community. The upcoming event titled, "the Next Dance," is an expensive production that will last about 45 minutes. Of that time, only three and a half minutes consists of the Chief's performance. The remaining time will begin what SFCI hopes to be a great dialogue on the Illiniwek tradition that examines in depth how this tradition started, why it was around for over eighty years, and where it's going in the future.

Chief Illiniwek as a symbol has served for many individuals as a gateway to Native American culture.Comment:  As far as I know, Chief Illiniwek's supporters have never studied, presented, or cared about any aspect of genuine Native culture. Nor have they expressed any concern about real Native people or their feelings about being treated as mascots. About the only connection between Chief Illiniwek and Native culture is that a Plains Indian donated the original chief's outfit to the school decades ago.2. In regards to "letting the issue go," it's funny that no one stopped to ask objectors to the tradition why they didn't just "let it go." Perhaps it's something about fighting for what you know to be true and right that motivates students to continue their advocacy. Perhaps it's because of this thought: "If you don't stand up for what you believe in and try to make the world a little better--why are you here?"Comment:  We can't blame the students for standing up for what they believe in. We can blame them for believing in something without justification. Chief Illiniwek is a phony example of Native "culture." He's not a bridge or "gateway" to any genuine Native culture. Natives disapprove of him and his clownish routine.

How stupid is Chief Illiniwek? Imagine a dignified Indian chief of the past. Now imagine him dancing goofily in full regalia but bare feet. Imagine him leaping into the air, doing a split, and touching his toes. I can just imagine a famous chief--e.g., Sitting Bull, Seattle, or Joseph--doing such a circus routine...can't you?

For more on the subject, see Team Names and Mascots.

Below:  A real chief and a prancing rooster phony "chief."