"Jill," 2/22/2007

(Chief opinion: VeryFor)

I remember my dad telling me about the Chief the first time he took me to an Illinois football game when I was a child. His eyes lit up as he explained how the Chief wove his way through the band members and kicked his way out into the field during the 3 in 1. It always led to him sharing memories of his college years at U of I, such as where he was on campus when he learned President Kennedy was shot and the various jobs he had to help fund his education. When I was a student and since graduation, we would share our common memories such as walking to classes in the bitter cold, studying for exams in an empty classroom in Lincoln Hall, registering for classes at the Armory, looking for a book in the stacks, eating a 'stack, and unwinding at Kam's. Watching the chief and singing the Alma Mater was a special bond my sister and I shared with our dad and something I hoped to pass on to my own children, nieces and nephews. For me it wasn't about Native American imagery, it was about tradition and 3 minutes of bonding time with every fellow alumnus of the University. I feel like I have lost a loved one and cannot think of another ceremony or opportuinty to feel that special closeness again.

I would like one person from the anti-chief contingent to give a well reasoned, factually based explanation of why the chief is so offensive . Please do not simply say it's "racist" or "demeaning". Generalities and buzzwords may convince the uneducated masses and even the money-hungry NCAA why the chief is bad, but for those of us loyal alums who respect and honor the tradition, we need to hear a better argument. Maybe if someone could present a well-articulated argument that will convince me of the anti-chief position, it will help ease my pain over the loss of the chief because right now, I can't help but cry every time I think about it.

"Jill," via the web.