Politically Correct Names

Moot · Feb 6, 2008

During the past 25 or so years many places and names have been changed to conform to the political correctness of the times. Usually these changes were instigated by well intentioned, ignorant, liberal white folks. They felt certain names were derogatory toward minority groups. Schools with Indian mascots have been forced to change, my former Minneapolis high school a p.c. casualty. Soon Indians in the North Dakota area will engage in a tribal vote to decide whether or not UND's use of the Fighting Sioux name and logo are offensive. Pressure has also been put on professional sports teams to change their names to something more politically correct.

But who will champion the cause for white people who are offended by names denigrating their race. I will! When Panther cancels my ticket I will have plenty of time to find a like minded attorney and together we will forever banish names that are offensive to whitey. Ooops! I meant to say white people, ah, um Caucasians.

Being on the low end of the pigment scale and having some Nordic blood in me; I thought I would first go after the Minnesota Vikings, a professional football team. I am deeply saddened and offended when some drunk with horns on his head, Goldie Locks wig and broad sword drives around a stadium on a motorcycle making a mockery of my ancestors. The original Vikings were a proud people who could hold their liquor. Expect when off on an expedition that involved rape, pillaging and plundering. Gee, the Minnesota Vikings of today do hold up the high standards and traditions of the original Vikings. Ah, maybe I don't have a case here. But what's with the motorcycle?

Okay! I got another one. The Pale Face River. I have never forded, fished or paddled the Pale Face River. But I do cross it about 4 times a year at 65 m.p.h while traveling on U.S. 53 in Northern Minnesota. I find the name extremely offensive and derogatory. It could only be worse if it was called the Pale Pail Face River. I have been thinking about suing the Sate of Minnesota over this name. But on a recent trip I discovered the name has been changed to the White Face River. How did that come about? Did a group of well intentioned, ignorant, liberal Indians fight on the behalf of down trodden white people? If so I thank you. My life is so much richer now that the demeaning moniker has been removed. If only someone would drop "bald" from bald eagle I would truly be a happy human.

greg334 · Feb 6, 2008

Moot,
I think that you are looking at this all wrong.

First thing that comes to mind is that there is no better way to bring out a cause to the forefront then to have the names of people and groups out there for the public to hear them.

For example the plight of the indian (aka native American) is one that has many facets.

On one hand you have tribes that are gathering money up form operating casinos and such, selling to the non-indians (aka the other population) and involved with property deals which are for the most part are questionable.

On the other hand we have tribes that are dirt poor, many live in conditions that they don't deserve and are for the most part put behind some facade. These are the people who need to have their culture exposed and for others to understand and learn from them to help them. The help that they may received is stifled by the politically correct need to strip all references from the public and prevent any public exposure.

Second there is an overall problem with name changes when there is a thought of denigration. I think, no really I am sure that the indians (aka native Americans) of the past, primarily of the pre-indian war type would have not only accepted a sports team to be named after them but would also be proud of that fact and may have become fans of the team if they existed in the past.

And Third, I think that they are also missing an opportunity here, if they, the indian tribes (aka native American tribes) look at focusing on professional sports and go into business with trademarks and copyrights selling naming rights, they could bring in more money than the casinos.

But with all that said, if they want to strip the presents of indian (aka native American) names off of everything here in the states, then we need to start renaming the states, cities and every geographic landmark and location that has a name that is indian (aka native American) in nature. Like Michigan, lets rename it fordgm which means land of the lost auto companies or Ohio to taftland or Oklahoma which by the way I don't hear anyone complaining about because if means the land of the red man that I understand is really insulting to modern indians (aka native Americans).

See what I am saying?

terryandrene · Feb 6, 2008

How 'bout the "Cracker Barrel"? Who came up with that offensive name?

cheri1122 · Feb 6, 2008

I am personally offended every time I cross the French Broad River - are American broads not good enough?! I mean sure, the French have the advantage when it comes to cuisine, fashions, perfume, and a very sexy language, but does that make American broads chopped liver? Why do we get dissed this way, in our own country, even?!
Ooooh - someone just told me that the word broad refers to the width of the river - never mind.....

Moot · Feb 6, 2008

I wonder if Indians (a.k.a. people from India) find it offensive that Native Americans (a.k.a. Early Americans) are called Indians because of an Italian sailor with poor map skills.

Tennesseahawk · Feb 13, 2008

I agree! In fact, I've started a movement to change the name of Big Bone Lick State Park in KY. It brings black pornos to mind, and I'll never forgive them for firing me.

Besides... oral sex and KY just doesn't mix.

RLENT · Feb 13, 2008

Cheri,

Having been to Montreal and surrounding areas 3 times in the last 4 weeks, I can tell ya the French-Canadian ladies certainly do have it going on .... (and a Flying J with a bar to boot .... have I died and gone to Heaven ? .... someone pinch me ...)

..... and Dispatch really wonders why I don't mind sitting up here .... heheheh ..... c'est bon !

Turtle · Feb 13, 2008

Well, just outside Big Bone Lick is a place called Beaver Lick. Kentucky is a very lickable place. There's Mud Lick, and Wolf Lick, and Bee lick, and Deer Lick. If you get tired of all that licking, you can go to Relief to set a spell, or Bachelor's Rest. If you're up for it, there's always Morehead. If they find you in Ordinary, they might banish you to Pee Wee Valley, though, and you've got to go through Possum Trot to get there.

arkjarhead · Feb 14, 2008

T-Hawk there is one place oral sex and KY mixes real well... KY family reunions. Just kidding. I guess I shouldn't say that. Arkansas gets it's fair share of blame for playing the incest game.

Arkansas State University is having to change it's name from the Indians. Arkansas is an Indian word that came about by the French mispronouncing a word that the Caddo Indians were telling them.

Didn't you know O.J. Simpson is an indian? He's a member of the Stabahoe tribe.