"Jeff Sappenfield," 3/31/2005

(Chief opinion: VeryFor)

I don't understand why this is such an issue. The University of Illinois pays such a tribute to the Chief. Why don't the Native American's go after schools that actually moch the Native American Culture, example Seminoles, Indians, Redskins, Braves, and others. When a country or a culture views this tribute as a form of disrespect we have too many people who don't have enought time on their hands. I come from a unique culture and would view what the UofI as doing as a HUGE tribute to my culture, comparibly to other schools that are using the Native American as a mascot. Last, but not least I do not VIEW Chief Illiniwek as a mascot. He is a serisous figure that demands respect and honor when he is in our sights. I am very aware that there are some Native Americans that believe this, but because of their culture and those activists will not speak up. I will do everything in my power to make sure the UofI and the CHIEF stay a part of a great university in the future.

"Jeff Sappenfield," via the web.