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Your Perspectives
The following comments were submitted online. Submit yours here.
I've been proud to be an McMurry Indian and especially proud of the uniqueness of the experience of our traditions. I was exceptionally proud in 1990 when interclub voted to create an award for tipi village's best presentation to school children because it honored accuracy in sharing the Native American culture. I have fond memories of McMurry traditions and have been proud of the way McMurry has evolved in the way we honor the McMurry Native American connection. I found myself irritated to lose our mascot and felt our entire McMurry culture was very misunderstood by the ruling.
Yet, my view on the mascot controversy changed significantly when I became a foster aunt to three beautiful little girls. These sweet girls were part of our family for over a year and now live with their Native American relatives. Suddenly, I pictured myself trying to explain why the school I love, had in the past, used a caricature of their heritage. I would love for them to one day attend McMurry and I think they would feel uncomfortable and unwelcome with the ongoing controversy over the mascot. Suddenly, I found myself much more willing to end this argument and work for ways to better honor our Native American traditions while preserving our McMurry traditions.
I worry that this controversy will be divisible for McMurry and think that we need to pick a mascot in a way that builds connections within the McMurry community. While we do need to finally resolve this issue, it needs to be done carefully in a way that unites, not divides.
-JoLisa, alumni
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I have spent the last 2 months thinking about this issue of the Chieftain, and hoping to be able to give a rationale comment. However, I have been so disturbed by the entire situation that this is not possible. The SLANT of the articles started with the cover picture of the Indian who was defeated beyond help..... this was an INSULT to McMurry University and every student who has participated in Tipi Village over the last 50+ years! McMurry has always honorerd and used Tipi Village as a way to educate not only ourselves, but the school children of Abilene and the surrounding area. The entire Chieftain was NOT fair and balanced and has been used as a political tool to try and remove our association with our heritage. The articles that were submitted were from leaders of organizations including the Alumni Board, and these articles did not represent MY VIEW, nor others I have spoken to. McMurry and our Indian heritage in honoring their culture is one of the main reasons that make McMurry special. WIthout our Indian traditions on campus, we are just another small private school in West Texas struggling to survive. I strongly encourage other Alums who feel likewise to voice their opinions as well. And finally, the beating of the drum at homecoming is the HEARTBEAT of our campus! Do NOT TAKE THIS AWAY from us!.... Ala Cumba Forever!
-Barbara Whorton-Farley, alumni
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Moving Forward was the best written piece you have produced in a long time. I also am impressed by the amount of thought that has been put into the study. The Christian perspective was very evident. I am very impressed with the study and know that what ever decisions are made will be guided by our Christian beliefs. I am proud to be an alumni.
-Jeanne Rodolph Howarth, alumni 1969
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I appreciate the difficulty of the situation in which the leadership of McMurry was placed by the NCAA.
In reading the summer 2010 Chieftain, many emotions were stirred and this comment was crafted multiple times. Simply put, no compliment could be greater for me than to be called a "good Indian."
With all respect, my feelings toward being a McMurry Indian have and will always be guided by "honor, truth, and right." I continue to "cherish tradition" while respecting the perspective of others. However, I disagree that "our country is made of two distinct groups--Native Americans and immigrants." My great grandmother was Cherokee so my blood blends native and immigrant. My perspective, and that of my own Native American blood, as well as that of my family, is that McMurry always brought honor to that part of my heritage. In essence, from the time I listened to the night time drum beat of homecoming from my backyard at age ten until the time I last walked the court in what is now Kimbrell Arena, I never "played Indian."
So, as McMurry moves forward, I choose to keep my heritage and remember the honor brought to it by those on that cherished ground which placed the fire in me to be called a "good Indian." I pray those that follow will have the chance to be inspired in the same manner.
Ala Cumba
-Terry Crocker, alumni 1978
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McMurry cannot be a true representative of the American Indian. Christianity does not allow such diversity. One or the other must change.
-Clark, faculty/staff
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I haven't minded not having a mascot, that in itself is different and special. If McMurry does decide to have a mascot again it should be representative of our past and Native Americans.
-Janet, faculty/staff
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Thank you, McMurry community, for mustering the courage for real self-examination and for sharing the journey with as many people as possible through the symposium and the Chieftain issue that followed. As an alum, I shared many of the initial reactions that Dr. Parris described in the Chieftain when the NCAA made its decision regarding mascots and imagery in 2005. I was angered as if something had been stolen from me. After reading the comments of Dr. Fassett, Dr. King, Bishop Solomon, and the others, I understand that "the Indian" was not mine to begin with, and nothing has been taken at all. I encourage other alumni who were unable to attend the symposium to read this issue of the Chieftain carefully and search your motives. For me, honoring a real people and culture for whom I feel a deep respect far outweighs memories that seem a bit misplaced from this new perspective. I'm proud of the way that McMurry has embraced this challenge to its identity and traditions, and I look forward to seeing (and participating in) how we will continue to follow our "spirit of honor, truth, and right" in honoring all people.
-James, alumni
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What bothers me the most about the mascot controversy is the arrogant, hypocrititcal politics of it (particularly the stance of the NCAA). If the NCAA really cared about the fate of American native tribes, the NCAA would have fewer meetings, hearings, press conferences, etc., and give more of their ample revenue to several needy, but successful "Indian" schools of which I know. I believe (if one can trust the recent movie, Invictus) that it was Nelson Mandela who maintained, "You cannot gain freedom for one group by taking away the freedom of another group."
If one's mascot were to be called, for instance, the Germantown Nazis, the Kansas White Settlers Only, or the Mississippi Klanners, I'm sure everyone would agree to censor such bigotry and such a misuse of the purpose of a mascot. I would suggest that mascots exist to celebrate the best traits of a group and to inspire subsequent groups to emulate those best traits. In that context, I don't think McMurry has violated the positive intent of the mascot.
However, since the NCAA has spoken, I believe that McMurry's best response would be to rename themselves the "Tuff Kats". That is a derivation and abbreviation of the acronym that many folks already use when speaking of McMurry's sports teams: Team Formerly Known As The indianS. We don't have to tell the NCAA what it means!
-Ralph, parent
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Sadly, the elimination of McMurry's mascot acts to de-link our identity to Native American culture, but we "get it". That mascot offends Native Americans. Now we are struggling with how to preserve our rich heritage in new ways without that common focus.
We should genuinely embark on the Quest to learn more about Indian culture and convey to Native Americans that knowledge. Moreover, we must explain and defend our pride in being associated with Native American culture despite our past use of an offensive mascot.
I was a member of Kiva. Even today, that word means to me what it must have meant to Native Americans for centuries. It was a privilege to learn about and help preserve that custom. Let's not be ashamed of and lose our traditions .
-Steve, alumni
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In understanding of McMurry's history and what McMurry was founded on we should find a way to have a mascot that honors the tribe of the reservation that J.W. Hunt grew up on. We shouldn't let the mascot that J.W. Hunt wanted to honor just die.
-Laura, alumni
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I JUST GOT MY CHEIFTAN TODAY. OK IF I AM NOT AN INDIAN. WHAT AM I? I AM A PROUD MCM INDIAN! PLEASE KEEP ME POSTED ON WHO WE BECOME. GO TRIBE OR WHOEVER!
-Beth, alumni
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I have previously expressed my opinion about dropping the Indian name as a Mascot for McMurry in a missive that I sent a couple of years ago to the Board of Directors at McMurry. I am absolutely against what the NCAA has mandated! Over the years, McMurry has done everything in a positive way to honor our Native American Heritage! I was a member of KIVA Social Club, and we went to great lengths to make sure that we were accurate in our presentation at Tipi Village, and other activities that dealt with Native American Culture. My question is this....why do we have to be a member of the NCAA? Why not move to the NAIA? Who gave them (NCAA) the right to change our McMurry culture because someone with authority there felt that they needed to make a statement, thus affecting not only McMurry's traditions, but other institutions as well.I think it is absolutely wrong for McMurry to accept this! Let's move forward with the tradition that made McMurry what it is...a wonderfu!
l place to get a college degree, and to feel being a part of the Indian experience. The "Quest" was good to have, but I think what you get when you have a group of scholarly types get together to analyze a situation like this is "analysis paralysis". They all had their opinions, and one of the great things that makes this country great is the fact that you can express your opinions...even if they are wrong! Keep the Indian as a Mascot for McMurry. This is a "no brainer" in my humble opinion! I hope you print my full name...
-Jim McCurdy, alumni 1969
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The recent symposium sounds interesting and progressive. In order to preserve the valued traditions that McMurry has so honorably observed, I am an favor of choosing a mascot that reflects a sign of reverence in the Native American culture. There are many symbols of nature that could blend with our traditions. (Whirlwind, Zia, Thunderbird, are some that come to mind, though there are so many possibilites.) I am grateful that the symposium was successful in achieving its purpose, and am excited about McMurry's future.
- Helene, alumni
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Warriors might be a good alternative for a mascot name.
-Kristi, friend
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This may have been tried already. Let's personal go to every Indian Tribe in the United States and ask for permission to use the name "Indians" We have enough alumni all over the U S to do this. I would be on board to ask the Tigua Indians in El Paso and the Mescalero Apache in Ruidoso , New Mexico. Lets make another run at trying to get the "Indians" back.
-Walter, alumni
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As a 1960 graduate and member of KIVA Social club, I prettu much got into the campus life , first in the band, then into the choir (Chanters)and then as a cheerleader, responsible for Freshman activities, etc. I sot of took the mascot 'Indians' for granted, although it didn't mean a lot for me personally. I didn't know much about the Native Americans of our area, and wasn't aware of much of their plight, except as presented in movies, etc.
In later life, through homecoming visits, I got into more of the Indian 'lore' and became more of a student of the 'indians' of West and South Texas. Following retirement from the Navy in 1899, I worked and lived in San Antonio and became a volunteer Docent at the Institute of Texan Cultures and started in the Native American area of the museum. I learned about the 'desert' indians, the 'plains indians' and the 'woodland indians' depected at the Institute. I nowhave a greater appreciation for their culture, their respect for nature and their approach to religion. I think it would be a good thing if McMurry included such academic cources as would enhance this knowledge in student who may be insterested in them.
As for the matter of a mascot, I believe we need one at McMurry as a ralling cry for athletic events, if nothing else. I don't have a canditate to offer at this time, but if I think of one, I won't hesitate to forward it to the powers that be in this matter. Until then, Go Indians !!!
-Basil, alumni
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Thanks for the opportunity to comment.
We have reconsidered what Dr Hunt tried to create on the McMurry campus. His sense of family or community, his respect for his childhood environment, was symbolized in the nickname "Indian". That is no longer available to us, in either its best or in pejorative connotations.
Nickname and mascot are two different things:
Longhorns-Bevo, Aggies-Reveille, Mustangs-Peruna. We actually have two questions before us.
We saw the term "Nation" used in the Abilene Reporter-News over the last year when talking about the athletic squads. The Native Americans would refer to themselves as "People" in their own tongues.
The Kaw, (the tribe of Dr Hunt's childhood) are the "people of the South Wind". The Navajo call themselves Dineh - the people. The Kiowa call themselves the "principal people".
The traditions of McMurry have been used to instill characteristics that Dr Hunt wanted in his college. I agree with Pug Parris about our not being any four-legged creature. And, I don't think that I could include what McMurry means in any mascot.
Therefore, I see the question as having two aspects. What, if anything, shall be our nickname? Do we need a mascot, and if so, what will it be that can honor our traditions?
Thanks for the forum to discuss this.
-Ralph, alumni
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I am appalled that the NCAA has so much power and politics that they would have the power to change an important and cherished tradition which has been a part of McMurry since it's early beginnings. I truly believe that in almost every way, McM has represented native Americans in a positive way, and any time that you represent any culture, race, people, etc. there are always going to be some inconsistencies, some questionable actions/symbols/motives, and those who would dispute it. This is inherent with any symbol or mascot that is NOT an inanimate object, animal, or space alien, but overall.....I believe that it is a trajedy that they have the power to take away our beloved symbol and tradtions of so many yrs. to serve what I consider to be the future downfall of this country, which comes in the form of overly analytic, critical, and liberal thinking, and it is this "political correctness" and socialistic viewpoint that I believe is currently one of the biggest destroyers of this great nation as our forefathers foresaw it to be, and there is just to much monetary and political power given to organizations like NCAA that allow they to control others with their overly liberal and politically correct agendas, and I for one do NOT agree with it, and am upset that my Alma Mater was forced to to this. We did not "perfectly" represent nor compliment "all native Americans" or their culture, but did so (I believe) with mostly honor, dignity, and with positive intentions. I think that McM simply did not spend enough on good attorneys, and that they were overpowered by the NCAA's personal agenda, power, money, and probably if I guess right....."more expensive lawyers" than we could afford to fight it. I am upset and as an alumnus, I feel the right to say so, and am doing so on this forum. If any "real damage" was done to feelings or portrayal of indigenous peoples, etc. it was done long ago and the damage is done, but I believe today that McM is a good and proud representation of most (not all) of the native Americans....enough said.
-Parker, alumni
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There is no other mascot that will EVER replace our beloved Indians. Don't get me wrong, I agree wholeheartedly - we will never be able to control what opposing fans do to desecrate those we so desperately wish to honor, as Dr. Hunt did. However, can anyone truly imagine McMurry as anything else? Dr. Hunt didn't want another mascot, and as we are unable to be the Indians, I suggest we continue to be what we already are: The Men and Women of McMurry University. Period. No Indians. No animals. No meteorological events. McMurry Men. McMurry Women. Those of us who were fortunate enough to experience and cheer for the Indians during our days as students will always continue to have a special place in our hearts for our adored Indians, for nothing could ever take their place.
-Kara, alumni
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I view the NCAA decision and the resulting Quest as a great gift to McMurry in the form of an opportunity to respect and honor our Native American brothers and sisters. This gift allows for reflective time, individually and in community, to think about what it means to be a follower of Jesus and the spiritual foundations of Native American peoples. One great specific way of honoring our brothers and sisters is to become a world-class university known for its reverence of creation and its efforts to educate its faculity and students to become active stewards of our earth. As Thom WhiteWolf Fassett said, " We give thanks in our churches for the next world, having forgotten how to walk in a sacred manner in the present world..." It is time the McMurry took the lead to learn from our Native American neighbors.
-Paul, alumni
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I find it deplorable the the NCAA has been allowed to use athletics to assume control of colleges and universities. Will they next be allowed to dictate academic standards and admission standards for all sutdents? Maybe they should also select the President and Board of Directors for the University.
Since it is obvious from the Mascot Issue of the Chieftain that I have just received that the University intends to prostrate itself on the altar of political correctness and kill our timed honored traditions I have a couple of questions.
First, what am I suppose do with my 1972 class ring? Am I supose to have the image of the Chief removed?
I have a better idea. I will just quit wearing it. That way no one will identify me with a university of political correctness. I would rather see athletics abandoned than give in to dictatorship.
Second, how do I have my name removed from McMurry University's mailing list? I no longer wish to have even my mail carrier know that I am a graduate of such a spineless institution.
- William, alumni
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I was more than unhappy about the ruling, but other than not being anything, my suggestion is to be the Eagles, symbolic of Native Americans, as well as Americans today, and most importantly the Eagle is representative of many scriptures including Isaiah 40:31 "But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." I think the eagle would represent equal aspects of Native Americans, current Americans, and Christian faith.
-Ryan, alumni
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As I sit down to write this I am hopeful of two things. First that my computer didn't send my incomplete comments to you when it inadvertantly shut down and second that it is not too late to send in my thoughts.
I can't help but remember a homecoming not all too long ago when some members of one of the men's social clubs stood in front of us through out the entire football game. Some of them were only half dressed and some were painted red. All of that and many apologies aside, I am reminded after attending a portion of the symposium what a way this was to dishonor the American Indian.
When I was in school the social clubs did a lot of research so that the Indian they represented at homecoming was as authentic as possible. We were also able to talk to the students that came by, and we could tell them about the Indians we represented in an educated fashion.
One of things my husband ('74) remembers of his childhood is being brought to see Indian Village. He remembers that he learned when he came to Tipi Village.
I completely understand that the current students want to go to sporting events with a mascot, but I am hopeful that what has been a part of McMurry since its inception is not totally omitted. I don't want to see Tipi Village go away including the beating of the Tomtom. It is a tradition that should be upheld.
In keeping with that I would like to offer my suggestions. I believe that we should encourage American Indian students to come to McMurry and possibly offer scholarships to them to come. I think that maybe the history department might offer a class or two that would help the students learn more about the American Indian. I also think that social clubs should go back to educating themselves about the tribe they represent so that they represent them authentically. If possible, Tipi Village should be judged by American Indians. I believe that if a new mascot is chosen, that there are many ways to do that in a way to honor the American Indian, but still have a mascot that is in keeping with the American Indian traditions. For example, on my trips to Alaska, I have learned that the Native Americans in Alaska have two birds that they believe they are descended from, the Raven and the Eagle.
I am hopeful that these suggestions will be considered. Thank you for the chance to comment.
-Sally, alumni
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I applaud the University Community for holding the Quest Symposium. I appreciate that the primary speakers invited were representative of current Native American thinking and positions as to cultural conditions today.
It is obvious that using 'Indians' as a University symbol, and the more degrading 'Chief' and 'Princess' as individual mascots, has been generally offensive to Native Americans! J.W.Hunt, unfortunately, was natively insensitive when he chose that designation. He lived in a time when race relations and culture were much different.
I believe McMurry should have discarded Indian symbolism decades ago--because it was WRONG! In spite of professed deep interest and concern in upholding Native American culture and livelihood I would like to see documentation as to how the stated goals have been accomplished by University actions.
How many Native American students have ever attended and graduated from McMurry?
How many scholarships have ever been awarded to Native American students?
Has a strong Native American Studies Department been established in the school?
Is there an active program for students to visit/study destitute Native American Reservations, and the difficult living conditions in urban settings, to really see their problems--then work to help them? A Tipi Village will not do it!
I hope that the next choice of a mascot--if one is desired-will be one that the McMurry Community can view with pride--and pleasure.
-Glenn, alumni
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The "End of the Trail" sculpture by James Earle Fraser displayed in the Jay-Rollins Library is an excellent metaphor for the state of affairs at McMurry. I am so pleased that Dr. John Russell commissoned a committee to examine the deeper meanings of the Indian controversy, and that our esteemed board of wise elders authorized a symposium. Committees, symposia, commissions, small group discussions. . . . . all going. . . .exactly nowhere.
McMurry is trying to have it both ways. . . to keep their Indian traditions without committing any politically incorrect transgressions against Native Americans or the beloved NCAA.
And it is highly gratifying to know our esteemed tribe of elder board members have approved Dr. John Russell to form ANOTHER committee of ten ("The Tribe of Ten") stakeholders to craft a report and make a recommendation on a mascot for the University. That's just great.
Please allow me to save you all a lot of time and trouble and useless "small group" discussions: Select the WEASEL as the new McMurry mascot. Give him a little yellow French beret to wear. One of my XO brothers from back in the day (1968 homecoming tipi village with the "Reservation Indian" display) suggested the "Yellow Streak" as a suitable mascot, but I thought that was a wee bit too much. So, I'll stick with my McMurry WEASELs recommendation.
Respectfully submitted for review, discussion, pseudo-intellectual ruminations, rebuttal and publication (if y'all dare),
-Sterley, alumni
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After reading the last issue of the school magazine, I sent it to my grandson, a junior at Robert E. Lee High School in San Antonio. I requested that due to his age and interests, he might have a relevant opinion. Below are his comments:
My name is Ty Ledford. I am a junior in high school and I attend the International School of the Americas. My granddad attended your university many years ago and was worried about his former college. He brought to my attention your school's problem.
The NCAA has asked you to change your school's mascot. So too I might add, has the United Methodist Church. After reading your pamphlet, I am convinced that you mean no disrespect by your school spirit activities and that you wish to uphold the honor of Native American culture. However, I do not think it is possible to do both. Mascots are almost universally stereotypes. If you want to give Native Americans honor at your university, stereotyping them is hardly the logical way to go.
McMurry is a Christian university, and to put it bluntly, it seems a bit difficult to me for a Christian school to honor Native American spiritual traditions without degrading them. It is not something that is being done consciously, but something that results from pure ignorance.
It is therefore my humble recommendation that you decide what McMurry's direction as a school should be. Will it embrace Native American culture fully, as a school devoted towards understanding and communicating with the Native American peoples, or embrace your roots as a Christian university and change your mascot to something more appropriate?
Sincerely,
Ty Ledford
-Hugh, alumni
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Many of the comments focus on the NCAA or McMurry's past leaders, but few acknowledge the thoughts of Native Americans. So I would encourage those in the McMurry community who are concerned about this issue to take a careful look at resources like the following: 1) The Mascot Issue, http://www.nativeculturelinks.com/mascots.html, 2) In Whose Honor, http://jayrosenstein.com/pages/honorclip.html. Then make an informed argument about how McMurry can honor its past and those who are supposedly represented by that past. For the record, I recently visited the Museum of Indian Arts & Culture in Santa Fe, NM (http://www.indianartsandculture.org/). What I saw there has little in common with the mascots and icons associated with McM.
- Keith, faculty/staff
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It is my opinion that the NCAA is too influenced by politics, specifically the need to be politically correct. I understand that the mascot of an Indian might offend certain people. However, as a Native American myself, IT OFFENDS ME that the NCAA has taken away this mascot; I am proud to be an Indian and I truly believe that McMurry HONORS the culture, and in no way degrades or exploits it. I feel there is no reason to be offended because McMurry proudly and accurately celebrates Native Americans. So why isn't the NCAA taking action to make sure that I am not being offended?
-Megan, alumni
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When I received the Chieftain, I was bemused about the Quest. I read the content and wonder what does McM expect to achieve?
I was negative toward the NCAA in its pc approach to Indian names: some in, some out.
I advocated for membership in the NAIA, which seems more in keeping with non-scholarship schools than the NCAA. Be that as it may, the choice was made.
Dr. Gordeon Bronitsky's contribution to the Quest appears more a self promotion for his talent pool than any contribution to McM and its Quest.
Bronitsky's Service book acts or artists or whatever and receives fees for services rendered whatever they are. Sounds rather nebulous and expensive.
On the other hand, the thought comes to mind, which Native American tribe does one adopt? What culture? East Texas or New Mexico or where?
Ought to be a challenge there, and ought to be interesting as you sort them out. What if they refuse adoption or incorporation into the McM traditon?
Similar to the Native American problem is the McM mascot name problem, if there is one.
McM Methodists? Won't do, would offend the Baptists or Episcopalians or Roman Catholics or whatever who enroll. Not an easy choice there either.
Might want to adopt a directional name - example Westerners. But then again someone from the East or North or South might object. Again, not a good idea.
Suggest the McM just play ball and some names will be forthcoming from the stands, depending on the day's or evening's performance.
Now that approach should be interesting as one listens for the best mascot name of the day.
The Abilene Reporter-News might conduct a poll on the best name for the day, based on the team's performance. Vote on the Internet. I see a lot of possibilities here.
See how this Quest thing can be an attention getter if one just puts the mind to it.
-James, alumni
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I printed and read the comments.
Unfortunately, the powers that be did not opt for the NAIA but stuck with the NCAA. The rationale escapes me because a small school and the NCAA are incompatible.
With NCAA membership, McM plays on a small board and has a small piece with which to play. Difficult to compete with Aggies, Mustangs, Bears, Red Raiders, Longhorns, Owl, etc.
However, we apparently will not budge on the issue. Fine. Pay more for less.
I have thought about the mascot name. A mascot name is a brand. McM is a brand.
What if the men's teams were named the McMurry Gentlemen. And the women's team was Women or, I prefer, Ladies.
Rather old school but if the men and women wore school color blazers and wore ties and white shirts and appropriate pants and skirts when they travel, there is an dignity to dressing: discipline and honor beyond the self is what one expects of a McM student or graduate.
Such attire on campus for the athletes is not out of the question either. Dress reminds us of who we are and, in this case, what we represent.
Last year, during the State Fair of Texas, I attended the day major universities and community and junior colleges had teams of men and women who showed prize-winning swine. The same for cattle judging and poultry.
The young men wore coats and ties and white shirts and appropriate slacks. The young women wore dresses or slacks and blazers and blouses.
I observed a sense of "professional" showmanship and a sense of deportment among the show participants.
The causal observer grants respect to those who shine and demonstrate qualities that one expects of a college or university student and eventually a graduate.
I asked a show judge if this were the clothing at shows. He said, "Yes. Students who show animals are expected to dress and conduct themselves in a manner such as this." I am impressed.
It seems that McM athletic teams need to dress according to standards of the gentle man and the ladies or women. They show our university and team colors.
There is a reasonable perception about dress that makes the man or woman, and trains them for life in what we call culture and hopefully will make a contribution to society that is urgently required in today's world.
I will be curious to learn what the mascot name is if a name is chosen and if dress is included in the recommendation.
Finally, the expensive Quest that brought in people from near and far and stirred the pot again over a dormant mascot issue.
There are times when wisdom dicates it is better to let the sleeping dog lie than poke the dog and listen to the pack bark and howl. This is one of those times and issues.
-James, alumni
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The balance is so subjective. For instance, if one were to choose the name Maroons, then it would be wildly innappropriate to choose another color such as the Whites, Browns, Yellows, Blacks, etc.
And because there are those who find it innappropriate to choose Indians, I could understand it would be just as innappropriate as calling ourself The Mexicans... or classifying ourself as a Black college in order to get federal funding from the current administration.
So with all due respect, let's go back to our patriotic beginnings and call ourselves the Sentinels, and maintain our individual duty to defend that which we hold true as Americans.
It's just a suggestion. And I notice you believe in it enough to name a campus street after it.
-Brandon, student
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As an elementary student at Bowie, in Abilene, I have fond memories of walking to Tipi Village each year.
Years later, during my senior year in high school, I attended Homecoming weekend with a dear friend. Sitting in the freshman tipi with him, listening to the drum, and participating in all the activities, helped cement my decision to attend McMurry
Now, we must choose another mascot? I think NOT. I will forever be an Indian. Let's just continue to call ourselves by McMurry. We don't have to have a name. We all know we are still Indians. Who really cares what the rest of the world thinks??? I attend sporting events now, we haven't missed it. Why change?
-Sharon, alumni
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