Washington, D.C. – Today CAP President and CEO Neera Tanden released the following reaction to the news that President Barack Obama’s budget proposal will make free universal pre-kindergarten education available nationwide, paid for by raising taxes on cigarettes and other tobacco products:

The president’s new preschool and early childhood plan makes a bold investment in our country’s children. This investment won’t add a dime to the deficit and it will be fully paid for by a tax on sales of cigarettes and other harmful tobacco products, which will make America healthier. Decades of research demonstrate that preschool is absolutely critical for building lifelong skills, and that the returns from early childhood investments dwarf the costs. Countries like China and India understand this and are investing huge amounts in preschool programs. The president’s plan is critical for ensuring that our kids are prepared to compete in this global race.

To speak with a CAP expert on this topic, contact Katie Peters at kpeters@americanprogress.org or 202.741.6285.

Related resource: Investing in our Children: A Plan to Expand Access to Preschool and Child Care

Contact: Katie Peters Phone: 202.741.6285 Email: kpeters@americanprogress.org

I have always had a fascination with studying the contrasts between Capitalism and Communism. I once bought The Communist Manifesto as a birthday present for myself not too long ago. I love learning about the Bolshevik revolution, the Cold War, as well as the rise and fall of the Berlin wall.

I have always heard that theoretically, Communism works. This egalitarian society, where there is an innate desire to do well, regardless. Screw private ownership and the free market. I have always heard that Socialism is a mild form of Communism.  I think it is wonderful to have an open mind to many of the political ideologies out there. I figure within every society and whatever regimented lives they must conform to, there will always be mild or radical forms of opposition. But that’s a given, right? You cannot expect an entire society to fall under the command of one leader or single form of government, right?

Whenever I am compelled to make unnecessary purchases at a retail establishment, I have a little voice in the back of my head that tells me to control my Capitalist tendencies and desires. That happiness is not equated through a nicely stitched piece of fabric. But we continue to grow fixated with that possibility of improving ourselves..externally. There is this connection we make. If we somehow find a specific sort of cardigan, or certain pair of flattering slacks, then it will alleviate whatever complexities are brewing within.

Because we have the free will to purchase and compete and be cut throat assholes, does that necessarily mean we are superior to those in other countries? There are things I just can’t understand.

Everybody has the right and the privilege to choose their priorities. I have mentioned time and time again that there must be enough nourishment internally before you can polish up anything externally. Yes, I believe in retail therapy. You don’t get accepted to the college of your choice, you don’t get that dream job, your boyfriend dumps you, etc. But I can’t seem to justify those who abuse their bodies; is it easier to just let it all go? I don’t know. I could get pretty extensive with this particular subject, but I shall return to the gist of my entry.

Well actually, I don’t really know where I’m getting at. Spending the afternoon at the outlet center with my family was nice. There was literally a point when my mom and sister both noted that the overwhelming amount of clothes made them nauseous. I find it ironic, you know. The fact that people will shell out exorbitant amounts of money for items they feel will guarantee them happiness. It’s not preposterous by any means. You see people ooh and ahh the next day at work or school about these extravagant purchases they made on watches or purses or whatever. Boom-they’ve gained the recognition/validation from others on their purchases, therefore they’ve attained happiness.

But let’s look at another perspective. Ok, so you spend $50 for a watch. You spend $150 on a bag or a pair of shoes. No big deal for some people, right? It’s justified because you ‘look good.’ Hundreds of dollars on skin care and beauty products-no biggie. Hundreds of dollars for hair extensions, curled lashes, and whatever the hell else you do at a salon-external maintenance, right? But….$50 for a therapy session? Oh, you’re crazy. What’s wrong with you? God, that’s expensive! Does it really work?

I am a firm believer for maintenance of the soul. Releasing all the ill wills and toxins that resonate within on a daily basis. People ask me why I’m so cheerful all the time. They wonder how I’m so optimistic. How the hell can this girl be and feel this way?

Put yourself at an equilibrium. I don’t have buyer’s remorse after therapy. I don’t have buyer’s remorse after I buy fresh produce and foods that nourish my body and soul.

Of course there are times (such as this weekend) where I succumb to my Capitalist desires and treat myself to a few articles of functional clothing. I know it doesn’t define me. Maybe I just fear that I will lose my sense of self when I become engulfed in the pretty printed stitchery. Would those men and women feel just as good about themselves without their external components? It changes people and their personas. It’s comical. Well, to each their own, right?

I guess it’s safe to say that I recognize both the proletariat and the bourgeoisie within. And now, a textbook example of class structure.

Please listen and please know.
Today as I was getting ready to leave the house I checked my FB page and noticed a friend had tagged me in this video. The way in which I and several other friend were tagged it seem like I should watch as I dressed.
Listening to Tim Wise, whom I knew nothing about before today, had me applauding and screaming praise to his insightful lecture. Tim Wise touches on many things that we have discussed in class. It is not black and white it’s much bigger.

New Years Get Fit Resolutions have long ago fallen to the wayside and beach season is right around the corner.

And we all know what that means.

This,

And this,

And plenty of these.

My problem with all of this?

It’s fiction, imposed on real bodies. Because really, NO ONE will see such drastic results in just two weeks, (unless you’re starving yourself, and even then it’s not likely). Practically no one in the real world has the time to devote to spending enough time in the gym to attain that ever-elusive bikini body that almost everybody wants.

My take on bikini bodies – or beach bodies as they’re often referred to – goes something like this.

Fuck ‘em.

The concept of attaining an almost impossible physique in order to be allowed to show yourself in a public place is absolutely fucking absurd. The idea of obtaining a beach body automatically indicates that if your body mass index (BMI) isn’t between the suggested 18.5-24.9 then you’re not allowed to show your body at the shore. This is America and freedoms exist here to let you enjoy a day at the beach in a two-piece whether you’re 5’3” and 153 pounds like me or 5’6” and 133 pounds like my friend Sydney.

Once you’ve looked at all the models and stars who are already thin and toned, all the miracle workouts, diet regimens, and all the swimsuits that you won’t even bother trying on because you know you’ll look terrible, you’ve missed the point. It’s been lost and long forgotten so you may as well rot on the Stairmaster for all it’s worth. All the fun of a beach day has been replaced with insecurities and dread.

Rather than promoting too-thin, unrealistic bikini bodies, we as a society should be promoting healthy bodies, which are different for every person. Go to the gym and eat right to be healthy, not to try and attain something that deprives you of enjoying what started this whole thing – a day at the beach.

My initial hypothesis included many southern states.  That good ol’ southern cookin’ has to have a lot of people eatin’ good.  Right?

 
The top eight most obese states are as follows (percentages are out of total adult population.  Subjects in study are placed in “obese” category when their BMI [body mass index] exceeds 30 [which is more than 197 lbs on someone who stands at 5'8" tall].  Also keep in mind that obesity is in a category above “overweight.”  These percentages do not include any of the “overweight” population.  By the way, I chose the number eight because it is my favorite number):

1. Mississippi:        32.5%
2. Alabama:             31.2%
3. West Virginia:    31.1%
4. Tennessee:         30.2%
5. South Carolina: 29.7%
6. Oklahoma:         29.5%
7. Kentucky:           29% (apparently the second least active state)
8. Louisiana:          28.9%

I suppose I was right with that southern theory… 

What does this say about America today?  I think we work our citizens too long causing a third of their day to be sucked out of their timeline.  Think of how much free time you actually have.  If you have a job working eight hours a day, that is one-third of your day.  Lets say you spend an hour getting ready for your day and a half an hour actually getting to work.  That would mean nine and a half hours are absorbed into the abyss of modern day society.  Lets say you have a family.  You spend 2 hours of bonding time with them, or whatever else it is you may do while in the presence of your kin.  Oh and you have to eat, lets say three meals a day. (realistically there is probably some snack time or an additional meal somewhere in there, but we will overlook that.  Also, going to places to eat or even cooking takes more time.  Again, I will just overlook it for convenience sake)  This would mean another hour and a half at least.  That is a total of 13 hours gone from your day.  Now what?  Well you need at LEAST eight hours of sleep to prepare yourself for the next day.  That would mean a whopping 21 hours are spent doing what you probably consider important things to do.  So you have about 3 hours of free time a day.  What if you work out to stay in shape?  (If you don’t and you have an office job, it is most likely only a matter of time before you begin to pick up some weight, or maybe even a LOT of weight… Maybe it has already happened to you)  That would be another hour spend doing something productive.

Think if you were also a student.  That extra responsibility may cut into your family time or your sleep.  Even as I type this blog, it is 6:27 in the morning.  They say there are three elements to having a successful collegiate experience.  Those three things include:  A solid social life, plenty of sleep, and good grades.  They also say that you may only have two of those three options.  What has to suffer?  Why does any section have to suffer?  Why is there so much stress placed on the shoulders of the working individual?  It is because of this reason I want to do something bigger with my own life.

Remember what I said about 10% percent of the U.S. population owning 90% of the wealth?  It is because of that typical yet hectic American lifestyle that I desire to be apart of that 10%.  I look at it as a decision, not luck!

We need to think about the direction our country is headed.  Two of the biggest problems in our country today involve sleep deprivation and obesity.  I feel like we fell off the right track somewhere along the way.  What do you think?  WAKE UP AMERICA!  EXPAND YOUR MIND!

Karen: God, my hips are huge!

Gretchen: Oh, please. I hate my calves.

Regina: At least you guys can wear halters. I’ve got man shoulders.

Cady: [voice-over] I used to think there was just fat and skinny. Apparently, there’s a lot of things that can be wrong on your body.

Gretchen: My hairline is so weird.

Regina: My pores are huge.

Karen: My nail beds suck.

[The Plastics all look at Cady]

Cady: I have really bad breath in the morning.

Karen: Ew.

Odds are you can not only name the movie this quote is from without a second’s thouht, but you can throw five more quotes from it at me before a minutes has passed. Everyone knows Mean Girls. This scene, in which the girls stand in front of a full length mirror critiquing their bodies in front of each other, is, in reality, symbolic of a huge problem in American culture. And it’s not just a problem for pre-teen and teen girls. Ladies- don’t forget guys struggle with self-image too.

I just took a shower. That’s what got me thinking about this. It took me a half-hour, I did the whole shebang- washed my (dyed) hair with color-safe shampoo and conditioner, used my Burt-Bees face-wash so I don’t break out, washed my body with my expensive Bath and Body Works body wash. I then got out and sprayed detangler and leave-in condition in my hair, trimmed my bangs (I’m too busy to get a proper haircut), and combed my hair, followed by braiding it and straightening my bangs so they’re not all over the place. This whole process, which probably took an hour from starting my shower to finishing braiding my hair to go to bed, made me think. Why do I spend my time and money on this stuff? Who says that I need fancy (and admittedly wonderful-smelling) body-wash over cheap bars of soap like my mom usually buys? Why do I spend my time, money and effort to dye my hair rather than embrace the muddy light brown color I have naturally? Why do I bother to braid my hair so that it is wavy rather than being a bushy mess? What’s wrong with my naturally bushy, Hermione Granger hair?

The answer to all the questions is simple. I don’t have to. There’s nothing saying that the way I would be if I didn’t do these things means I wouldn’t be beautiful. For whatever reason I *choose* to do these things. I would be no less myself if I let my bushy hair do it’s crazy thing, if I didn’t bother with my face medicine and let my face break out. If I had dead ends because I stopped using my leave-in conditioner after I wash my hair it wouldn’t be that big of a deal. The reality is that I buy into American’s expectations for women and beauty. Just like Regina thinks that because she has broad shoulders she can’t wear a halter (probably because that is society’s norm…) I have come to be conditioned to think that dead ends (which really are bad for your hair’s health, but that’s irrelevant to this) are unattractive, so I try to take good care of my hair. No one likes acne- it looks very unattractive and is indeed painful- so I wash my face and put the medicine on each night. I just wish that women in America didn’t feel the need to primp and polish themselves to feel attractive. Having your hair in a messy bun and sweats on with a huge smile is just as beautiful as wearing a fancy dress, heavy make-up and heels is. And infinitely more comfortable.

I’m not trying to suggest that taking good care of your body is a bad thing. The Bible says our bodies are a temple for the LORD, and we are indeed called to take care of ourselves. But that doesn’t just mean hygiene- it means what you eat (and I’m as guilty as anyone of eating way too much junk), exercising (again guilty of not doing this enough), and feeding your mental and spiritual health. Take care of your body in all aspects, not just how you look.

So ladies. Here’s a suggestion. Try a “no-make-up” week. For one week, rather than spend your time putting make-up on each morning, read your Bible. Journal. Listen to a favorite song and dance to it. Most importantly smile. Nothing is more beautiful than a genuine smile!

Just one example of what women put themselves through in the name of beauty.

]]> http://breakthroughswithmartinsheenpbs.wordpress.com/2013/04/02/informative-programming-and-the-martin-sheen-breakthroughs-show/ Tue, 02 Apr 2013 20:11:09 +0000 stever http://breakthroughswithmartinsheenpbs.wordpress.com/2013/04/02/informative-programming-and-the-martin-sheen-breakthroughs-show/

To accomplish its objective of airing informative programming, the production team behind the Breakthroughs with Martin Sheen TV show monitors developments nationwide and thoroughly researches the subjects covered on the show. The Breakthroughs TV show, which airs on public television stations across the U.S., some of them PBS member stations, explores a multitude of subjects throughout American society. This insightful and one-of-a-kind TV show stars veteran actor Martin Sheen, a Hollywood legend who has worked in movies and television programs since the 1960s. The show reaches millions of TV households across the country.

The show’s production team conducts intensive research to make the show’s episodes informative and insightful. Breakthroughs Martin Sheen producers keep tabs on trends, innovations and other happenings in industries and all areas of society. The show aims to present timely and pertinent episodes about upbeat happenings across the nation.

The Martin Sheen PBS show’s associate producers and producers identify intriguing and noteworthy stories about flourishing companies and entrepreneurs throughout the country. The Breakthroughs production team searches for examples of businesses that have developed new services and goods, and explores how these products and services can benefit other businesses and consumers. The Martin Sheen Breakthroughs show profiles thriving companies nationwide, and looks at the strategies they have followed to get ahead despite the sluggish economic recovery and challenging economic environment. The show highlights ways that successful businesses across the United States have adapted to contain their costs, reach new customers and become more efficient.

The show covers much more than business topics. In addition to its insightful business coverage, the TV show features episodes on environmental topics, medical advances and other health care topics, education topics, technology subjects, and more.

As I write this, it is Holy Saturday, March 30, 2013.  A week from Monday, on April 8, the pro-life movement is sponsoring a Day of Exodus 2013 for workers in the abortion industry:  if you leave your job, we will help you find a new one.  This offer is open to anybody connected with the abortion industry:  abortionists, nurses, receptionists, security guards, anybody.  There are jobs out there that do not kill your soul and we will help you find one.  You have a choice.

- John F. Fay

To Disney, or no to Disney? (CNN) – Oh. my. God.  This is one of those articles where I start to read it, but can’t finish because I think, “Shut up, silly people!”  For anyone that has experienced Disney World/Land or has ever enjoyed a Disney movie, have you ever felt that Disney is trying to push unrealistic or “extremely individualistic” ideals on you and your family?  If you do, then maybe we shouldn’t talk anymore.  It’s supposed to be FUN.  It’s a nice family VACATION.  Stop making everything in life so black, white, and difficult!  And if your daughter wants to dress up like a Disney princess, please try not to think she is being molded into a gender-forced stereotype.  Ah 2013.  Your society really irks me at times!

SATURDAY HELPINGS:

Whoa.  Did not think that first article would wake me up so quickly.  I think it’s because I have been privy to seeing so many “new” types of raising children and fostering lifestyles that I have lost patience for people trying to control everything, or make some kind of point about American society.  Instead of going out of your way to not force kids into gender stereotypes, for example, maybe just let children be who they are going to be.  If they love Barbies, great.  If your precious little girl is dying to go to a monster truck show, then take her.  Your boy wants to wear sparkly, light up sneakers?  Fine!  Kids are little humans.  They are who they are because they’re born that way. (Thanks, Gaga)  Not because you as a parent have decided to let them “explore their options” without society’s influence.  In the end, it’s not going to matter.

I was going to write about my night out last night.  Sorry, friends!  I got political.  Oops.  I’m going to make the rest of this extra fluffy to balance it all out.  Enjoy your weekend!

I still want to be a Disney princess. Not ashamed.

The Best Street Style by Real People (Glo.MSN.com) - I will almost never refer to runway style to tell me what’s really going on in fashion, right now.  I’m never going to wear that stuff, and if you live anywhere other than NYC or LA, neither should you.  Even then, maybe you should be cautious.  The best tell of what to wear (and what not to wear) is live people watching, and this sample has some real people doing just that.  Wait until you hear what I saw during my Friday night out.  Tee heehee.  Wait for it.

Wine Trivia for California Wine Enthusiasts (the drunken cyclist) - Two of my favorite things in life are wine and trivia.  Trivia, in fact, is the only type of game I prefer to take part in, other than fantasy football, and mind games, occasionally.  If you think you know your California wine  stuff, try this on for size.  I’ll admit, I did not do well.  I’ve got some drinking to do.

Chicken Egg Rolls (Emily Bites) – So, I’m about to head out to my 2nd Asian-themed meal of the week with a 3rd on the horizon, and let’s face it, it’s not always the healthiest option.  But damn, it is good.  Emily saves us all once again with her lightened up chicken egg rolls.  This girl can do almost anything with wonton wrappers!

Bates Motel Review (Entertainment Weekly) - I accidentally, too late at night, caught pieces of of the premiere of Bates Motel, the “prequel” TV series about Psycho‘s Norman Bates and his mommy.  (Side note, doesn’t Mrs. Bates look like an exact mix of Lara Spencer and Felicity Huffman?)  Of course, I was mainly interested because of Carlton Cuse’s involvement (I LOVE YOU, LOST) and will probably go back and watch the entire episode at some point.  What I did see was extremely creepy, quite graphic, and mucho suspenseful.  It also gives us a little “aha” moment about why Norman was so effed up.  I didn’t sleep well that night.

Tell me I’m not on with that Lara/Felicity mash up?

Before you take off or catch up or work all week, take a minute to read about this new bill, H.R. 1330 that addresses the student loan problem in America. We will consider this subject in class, as it definitely ties into the STRATIFICATION/INEQUALITY in our society.

Anyway, here is the link to the signon.org page with information about the bill and also a chance to sign on. I usually try not to get all spammy with such petitions but I think this is pretty important for students–all of us! If you’re so moved, share with your digital worlds.

happy spring break!

Drew got it into his head that maybe Erik was acting a certain way because he knew he was adopted and came from a family where he had six sisters.  “Maybe the boy just needs a few more male role models in his life.  We should ask Ray to babysit Erik this summer.  Nick can go to Tonya’s and play with Bobby like normal and Erik could get more male bonding time.  What do you think, Mel?”

“Well, Drew, if you really think it will help, we should do it.”

“Good, I’ll set it up with Tonya tomorrow.  She’s my sister; of course she’ll be fine with it!”

“I hope so.  We can’t have any kid of ours growing up to be gay,” Mel responded.

Erik, who was a curious and sneaky little boy, overheard the whole conversation.  All of a sudden he felt conflicted.  He didn’t want to give up his favorite activities, but he also didn’t want to disappoint his parents.  Besides, what was so bad about being gay?  Erik was very confused.  A few days later, his cousin, Ray, became his babysitter.

Ray was fourteen and knew everything, or so the younger boy thought.  The older lad could convince the ten-year-old to do almost anything, for Erik looked up to him with highest regards.  This was not lost on Ray, who decided to take full advantage over the situation.  After all, if he had to spend his whole summer with an annoying ten-year-old, Ray figured he might as well find a way to enjoy it.

One day, a few weeks after the babysitting began, it rained too much for the boys to play outside.  Erik suggested they bake cookies instead.  Ray realized, at that moment, why he was the one who had to spend every weekday with the kid.  The older boy was strong and manipulative; and, he knew it!  An idea popped into his head and he decided to run with it.

“Erik, how about we go watch a movie in your room?  It’s too wet to play outside, and I don’t like baking.  We can go watch something rated ‘R’ if you want.”

“Like what?”

“Oh, it doesn’t matter.  How about “Saw” or “Silence of the Lambs?”

“Umm…okay.  You can choose.”

“Excellent.  Let’s go.”  The boys went upstairs to Erik’s room and Ray put in one of the movies.  He closed the door and proceeded to make himself comfortable on his cousin’s bed.  “Come join me.  Let me know, now, if this gets too scary for you.  If it is, I’ll find something else for us to do.”

“Okay, but I’m not scared.  I’m not a baby anymore,” Erik said in his toughest voice.  He didn’t want his cousin to think he was a wuss or anything.  The boys made it about twenty minutes into the movie before Erik was squeezing Ray’s arm for dear life.  The older cousin wriggled his arm free and loosely held Erik in an embrace.  For a while that helped, but soon enough the young boy was trembling and burying his head into his cousin’s chest.

“I guess this movie is too scary for you after all, kid.  Come closer.  I’m here for you.”  Ray pulled Erik into his arms as tight as he could and gazed intently at the boy.  Cupping his hand under the young one’s chin, he guided Erik’s head up until they were looking eye-to-eye.  Without speaking a word, Ray leaned in and began kissing the child’s lips, curious to see how he’d react.  When he realized the little boy was comforted by the gentle kiss, Ray started pressing his body against Erik’s and became more forceful.  This was supposed to bring fear to the kid, not solace!  Even worse, the teen was becoming aroused!  He grew hungry for power over the child and bit down on Erik’s lip.  Only at that point did he get the reaction he was searching for.

“Hey! Be careful! That hurt.”

“Get used to it punk.  Just be quiet and let’s try this again,” Ray snapped.  Now that he’d had a taste of dominance, he wanted more.  He began nibbling the little boy’s tan neck and moving his hands further down Erik’s body.  The younger cousin simply cooperated for a while.

Getting bored of the lack of resistance, Ray felt the need to spice things up.  He pulled off his own shirt and then instructed Erik to do the same.  Then he took off his shorts and the younger cousin follow suit.  Before long, both boys were lying nude on the bed in each others’ arms.  After several minutes of kissing and fondling, Ray made a decision to do something he’d never before considered.  It was a choice that could alter the paths for the rest of both boys’ lives.

Ray was, at this point, thoroughly aroused by this control game.  Erik was just happy to be getting attention and affection.  The older boy pulled away and commanded, “Okay, now it’s time to show me that I’m your favorite cousin, Erik.  Do you think you can do that for me?

“Yes, of course.  Just tell me what you want me to do; I’ll do it!”

“Good.  I like that kind of submission.  This summer’s not going to be as lame as I thought.  Now, Erik, get on your knees, lean over, and suck my cock.”  Ray guided his shaft into the young boy’s mouth and placed a hand on the child’s head.  “Okay.  Just move your head with my hand.  Put one of your hands down at my balls and play with them as you suck me.”  The boy listened and did what he was told to do.  Several minutes passed and Ray could tell his young cousin was getting winded from lack of experience.  “Mmm…that feels so good.  I can tell that I’m your favorite cousin.  Now, let’s try something else and give your mouth a break.  Get on all fours and lean your body down so your forearms lay flat on the bed.  Whatever you do, don’t move unless I tell you to, understand?”

“Sure Ray.  Whatever you say,” Erik replied.  When his cousin was in the right position, the teen spit on the boy’s rear end and started putting his fingers in, one at a time, until his whole fist was inside Erik.  When he pulled out, blood began to slowly drip.  Completely turned on by the control he had over the child’s body, Ray then forcefully thrust his member into the poor boy’s ass.  Erik clenched his teeth, doing everything in his power not to scream in pain.  Tears flooded from his eyes as Ray moved his dick back and forth inside of him.

It was not long before Ray reached his peak and he filled the boy’s rectum with his fluid.  Both boys collapsed on the bed, sweating and exhausted.  “Well, kid, wasn’t that better than baking cookies?”  Ray looked at his cousin and grinned.  “Yeah, much better,” Erik replied, sore and worn down, but grateful for the new attention he was getting.

“That’s right, kid.  We have to go shower now and clean this bed.  Before we do, let me make something clear to you.  This has to be just between you and me.  Grown-ups will think what we did is wrong, but they just don’t understand.  So, it’s our secret, okay?”

“Okay, I’ve never had a secret before.  This is cool!”

“Yeah, it is.  Now let’s clean up before your parents get home.”

It’s funny that the one thing Drew and Mel strove for was normalcy for their son; and, in looking for a solution to a non-existent dilemma, the two unwittingly created a lifelong struggle for Erik, and their nephew, Ray.

Recently a friend mentioned something that reminded me of the Fighting Whities, an intramural basketball team at North Colorado State University.  The question of naming sports teams after groups of people, while not the controversy du jour, is nevertheless a subject that will not go away and is worth a nod.  That the controversy shows no sign of going away is seen by the fact that the Fighting Whities were formed over a decade ago; just two years ago the state legislature of North Dakota passed a law forbidding the University of North Dakota from changing the name of their team away from their present name, the Fighting Sioux.

The Fighting Whities chose their name as a protest against the use of tribal names by sports teams, in an effort to give offense.  They were shocked when the reactions were entirely positive:  many people viewed the name with amusement, while others were quite pleased with the choice.  Some people suggested that the picture of the mascot was too complimentary to white people. saying that picture of a less handsome and less well-dressed white person should have been chosen.

Really, though, this is an aberration.  A mascot is supposed to bring inspiration and strength to the team.  To the superstitious, the mascot is supposed to bring good luck.  When a team adopts a name, they are invoking the original possessors of that name; when they adopt a mascot, they are invoking that mascot and asking for the benefits that the mascot can supposedly bring to them.  When a team takes the name of the Braves, for example, they wish to receive–or at least demonstrate–the courage, strength, and ability of Native American warriors.  Nobody selects a team name of “the Wimps” or adopts Casper Milquetoast as a mascot.  The use of the name “Fighting Sioux” is meant as a tribute to the Sioux tribes, not to denigrate them.

The message from those opposed to the use of tribal names for sports teams is that they do not want the respect of those teams and their fans.  (I am sure they do not want to be disrespected either.)  This has not been said overtly, but the underlying message is that they regard the sports teams with such contempt that even a tribute from them is not worthy of attention.  This is quite a level of contempt and is hardly the message of love and tolerance that we should expect.

A good point of comparison is the University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish.  The Irish are as much a tribe as the Sioux, the Comanches, or the Apaches; they simply come from a different part of the world.  I have never heard anybody objecting to the name “Fighting Irish.”

The objection may be made that the team mascots themselves are caricatures; they are not accurate representations of the groups or tribes represented.  The mascot of the Fighting Whities, for example, is wearing a suit and tie.  The mascot of the Fighting Sioux, though, is about as realistic.  The mascot of the Atlanta Braves is somewhat less so.  I would suggest, though, that none of these approaches the level of the Fighting Irish mascot as being a caricature and a stereotype.  Obviously the argument that the mascot is a caricature does not hold up.

It is also mentioned that the teams in question do not include any members of the tribe for which they are named.  In considering this objection, it is worth asking how many Vikings there are in the Minnesota Vikings  or how many Celts are on the roster of the Boston Celtics.  (Let us pass in silence over the question of how many waterfowl are on the roster of the Mighty Ducks.)  Again, nobody has ever objected to the Celtics naming themselves after the Celts; inclusion of members of the tribe are thus not a valid ground for objection either.

At the end of the day, I believe that the opposition to the use of Native American tribal names for sports teams is yet another attempt by some people to manipulate others.  If a person can force a sports team to change its name, he has exerted power over that sports team.  That the sports team was attempting to show respect and pay a tribute to the Native American tribe is of no consequence.  Those who object to the use of tribal names by sports teams should learn some tolerance and respect for the cultural diversity of others.

- John F. Fay