Sioux

Now I'm guessing anybody that knows me...and consequently reads this already has heard me come out in support of the Sioux name. As for the arguments against the Sioux name...they are few and usually involve "There was a Sioux Tribe (or person) that was offended. They need to change the name if even but one person is insulted or offended." They use this argument despite the fact that it is impossible to please everyone. Now don't get me wrong I am not supposing that we retain a completely offensive name, but I just believe that this name is not that offensive.

I have significant Scandanavian heritage, and I have never been offended by the use of the Vikings name in Minnesota, despite the fact they only concentrate on the murdering, raping, and pillaging of my ancestors. Where is the explorer Viking, who perhaps found America long before Columbus sailed the ocean blue?

Not only do I believe the Sioux monicker is not offensive, but the way in which the NCAA has enforced their rule upon the schools is preposterous. A school here...a school their...they get to keep their Native American names...everyone else's has to go. Yes I realize that the Seminole tribe ok'd the use of their name for Florida St. but I have heard rumors of a huge payout by Florida St. as well. The argument against the Sioux should be able to be enforced here as well. For I would be willing to bet that somewhere someone is offended by the Seminole name...and yet the NCAA says its fine.

The United States of America has been using tribal names and tribal words to name much of the west...if I were to expand upon the thought process of naysayers and the NCAA much of the natural landmarks in the west must be renamed. Which I ask would be a larger insult...leaving the names of teams, rivers, cities, hell states as they are and honoring Native American's past and culture...or have everything changed...and everyone forget.