Hail to the Chief! Chief Illiniwek Dances His Last Dance Tonight

Published 21 February 07 06:47 PM | scoutmom
Chief Illiniwek, mascot for the University of Illinois since 1926, is performing his last dance tonight.  The University, which chose to accept sanctions since 2005, rather than retire it's beloved Chief has finally succumbed to the pressure from the NCAA and a few activists. 

Never portrayed as cartoonish, or in any way other than with extreme pride, the Chief is finished. 

The Chief, debuted in a homemade costume during an Illini football game in 1926, has been a subject of turmoil for many years.  His supporters see the dancing mascot and his elaborate costume as an honored symbol of both American Indian tradition and Illini sports. The opponents,  including some American Indians and university academics, say the chief and his dance are racist and insulting.  And yet, the Florida Seminoles not only endorse, but embrace being the symbol of Florida State.  Apparently all it takes is SOMEONE to be offended, regardless of how it is presented. 

I grew up in Illinois, family and friends attended the U of I, and never EVER did any of us think that Chief Illiniwek was anything short of straight out homage to the Native Americans of the State of Illinois.  He represented strength, bravery and courage.  His costume was truly authentic.  And yet, people were offended by perceived racism.  So, tonight ends the long reign of a revered Chief.

Former chief Steve Raquel said he and other chiefs past and present hope to talk to the university about keeping the chief alive in some form.

"Even though the dances are done, there are a lot of loose openings, things we need to talk about with the university," said Raquel, who portrayed the chief during the 1992-93 school year and now works as a marketing executive. "When we think of retirement, we think there's a possibility that the chief may rise again."

What's next?  Should the Irish-Americans rise up against being portrayed by a leprechaun searching for a fight at Notre Dame?  The Italian-Americans becoming outraged at those schools using the Trojans as a symbol?  All it takes is a vocal minority, and no matter how honored the tradition, it is gone.  Just ask the Marquette Warriors.
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Comments

# fleur_de_lis said on February 22, 2007 03:24 PM:

What! No recap of Daytona? We were jumping up and down those final laps, what a finish!
Too bad about the Chief, too bad the petty grievances of a few ruin the wishes of the majority.

# scoutmom said on February 23, 2007 09:53 PM:

Let me just say this about the Daytona 500.  Mark Martin is a real class act.  No whining, no complaining, no throwing chairs across the room.  He simply said he was disappointed, thought they should have thrown the yellow flag and ended the race, but since the didn't, end of story.

What a great guy!