Wednesday, April 25, 2001
The University Daily Kansan
4
Section A • Page 5
Letters to the Editor Native-American mascots OK
I have nothing but respect and admiration for Cornel Peweward's views on the portrayals of Native Americans as team mascots. Nor do I contest his intellectual superiority to mine or his right to have a substantial concern about the issue because of his Native American heritage. However, I must disagree in part with what he is trying to accomplish. Pewward, professor of teaching and leadership, is trying to curb the use of Native-American images and symbols as mascots.
As a partial Native American myself, albeit a small part, I have much pride and respect for my heritage. And I concur that many times people with no knowledge of Native American culture can be embarrassing to us by painting their faces and chanting for no reason except that they saw it on Major League. And people's actions that could be considered degrading or disrespectful to Native Americans should be prevented. But such efforts, in legislation or otherwise, would be difficult as the definition of what is degrading or disrespectful would have to be drawn narrowly.
But I don't believe that the images presented by many schools or professional sports organizations are absorbed and believed to be true of how our forefathers acted. Further, I think if people do come to that conclusion, it rests solely on their ignorance to the extent that I would not respect their opinion. If people make judgments on Native-American culture based on what they see on television or a suburban high school football game, and not on what can be studied and learned, they are not in a position to make judgments whatsoever.
On another note, I think the United States Commission on Civil Rights' recommendation that calls for an end to the use of "Native American images and team names by non-native schools" is unnecessary. This is far too drastic a measure. Ask many of the schools why they choose Native-American symbols. Native Americans represent loyalty, respect, courage and strength. Mascots such as these portray a positive message when used properly. I argue that schools are making no attempt to disrespect Native Americans, just to portray images of their school equal to those provided by Native culture.
A more appropriate measure to take is to
Jarod P. DeLoziei
Joplin, Mo., junior
A more appropriate measure to take is to educate. If the question of what
our children see on television can or cannot be considered disrespectful, pull them out from in front of the T.V. and put a book in their hands. Sit them on your lap and tell them a story of their forefathers. The University of Kansas requires at least one course in Western Civilization for nearly all students. Why not similarly require a course on Native American culture and literature? It does no good to punish uneducated people. I believe once people learn about the societies and culture of Native Americans, they will also learn respect for them. And with this will come fundamental respect that all cultures and ethnicities deserve in this country.
Homesexuals must combat sin
I just wanted to write and tell John Hankins and "Michael!" that I love you and understand ("Condemned but keeping the faith," Monday). I may not struggle with the sin of homosexuality, but I struggle with my own sins and how know hard it can be. I wanted to let you know that I care and am praying for you. When I think about you, I don't think about your sin; I think about two children of God struggling against the world. I'm that, too.
I also wanted to encourage you. Don't give up. Don't stop fighting. I wish I could tell you that all you have to do is lift this up to God and it will be gone, but we all know that's not true. It can happen. Some people are instantaneously released from their sins, but most aren't. Some people can quit smoking cold turkey. For some it takes weeks, months, years. Others have to fight the temptation the rest of their lives. But they aren't smokers until they light up. The same goes for you—you aren't homosexuals unless you give in to the temptation.
So I encourage you guys and everyone else (for we all struggle with sin) to keep fighting, to weep seeking God and to find support among others who will help you carry your burdens. As a church, we should do that. We should embrace hurting souls like you guys and help you fight, no matter what the sin. All sin is equal in God's eyes. The consequences may vary on this earth, but praise the Lord that His grace is the same for us all. You will be set free, but you'll get to believe, you've got to trust, you've got to persevere.
Know that I am fighting along side of you both. It isn't just the three of us, either; there are so many more sinners. And if we are seeking God, we will triumph. What a sweet day it will be when we finally rest in His grace. I'll see you there, Michael and John.
Leslee Dischinger
Leawood junior
Christians shouldn't condemn
Never have I had the displeasure of being exposed to comments as narrow-minded and unaccompodating as those of members of the KU Christian community in Monday's paper ("Condemned but keeping the faith"). For brevity's sake, I won't try justifying homosexuality.
It shames me to associate this school with people such as those in the article. That they are fellow students in a supposedly enlightened environment makes it all the more disappointing. The heads of the ministries breeding such hate disappoint me most because they are setting examples and guidelines for their congregation to follow.
Seth Toebben, a member of the University Christian Fellowship, says homosexuals "should feel wretched about themselves." Other church leaders and followers say queers are condemned to hell. What divine being gives any mortals the right to pass judgement on a fellow mortal based on his practices? To the best of my knowledge, Christianity in its purest form embodies kindness, understanding, tolerance and humility. It does not confer upon anyone the position of judge and jury. If homosexuality is a sin, their sins of intolerance and prejudice nullify their right to comment.
Remember, "So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets" (Matthew 7:12).
I am not gay and probably never will be. I have attended Christian schools all my life, despite being a practicing Muslim, and have never been treated with the disdain and disgust you accorded the queer community. The interpretation of religion is subject to individual opinions, but please, "May the word of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord" (Psalm 19:14). Remember that the next time you want to say something without consid ering the consequences. In fact, I suggest that after atoning for your sins, including those blasphemous comments, you apologize to all those "diseased" beings you seek to cure.
Raqeobat Omoyosola Abaniwonda Lagos, Nigeria, sophomore
Cuts ignore athletics' mission
I am a former member of the KU swimming and diving team. I graduated in 1997 with an economics degree and am attending DePaul University School of Law. While at KU, I was president of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and sat with athletics director Bob Frederick on the KUAC board of directors when we came up with a mission statement for the Athletics Department. I support the swimming/diving and tennis programs and am disappointed about the decision to end these programs.
Money was the only reason given.
I sat at the boardroom table next to Frederick with other members of the committee and helped to draft a "map" to be used when making decisions. At those meetings you made it clear that it was a huge priority of yours. When used properly, decisions based on this "map" ensure that all members of the Athletics Department committee are provided for and that the values and traditions of our school are upheld. Was this "map" used when the decision was made? I am not sure it was.
The first paragraph of the mission statement states that "coaches, support staff and administrators are committed to treating each other with dignity and respect as we provide all student-athletes an opportunity to achieve excellence in their academic, athletic and personal pursuits."
one mission statement includes a list of core values. One of these core values is integrity. The mission statement says, "We value doing the right thing, the right way, for the right reasons, and do so with honesty in all our actions." This, to me, is the most important aspect of the mission statement and it should be the most important part when making any decision. It is what is asked of Kansas athletes, and it is the most important lesson I took from the University. Did the Athletics Department do the "right thing"? Was this decision made the "right way, for the right reasons?"
Dr. Frederick, I am sure you applaud your coaches for teaching these lessons. I know that is what was taught when I swam. As the department's head, you set the tone. What example do you set with this choice? It is important to make proper choices, not only here, but always. Poor decisions lead to lawsuits, scandals and Taco Bell incidents.
Brian O'Mara KU alumnus
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BARGAIN MATINEES INDICATED BY ()
STADIUM SEATING • ALL DIGITAL
1 Josie And The PussycatsH (1:30) 4:30, 7:10, 9:40
2 Pokemon 3♦ also.♦ Along Came A Spider♦ (1:10) 4:10
3 Enemy At the Gates♦ (1:15) 6:55, 9:30
4 Blower ♦ (1:20) 4:25, 10:15
5 Spy Kids ♦ (1:25) 4:25, 9:20
6 Friday Get Fingered ♦ (1:55) 4:10, 7:10
7 BridgeJ Jones S Diary ♦ (1:40) 4:30, 10:05
8 Along Came A Spider ♦ (1:45) 4:25, 10:20
9 Crocodile Dunda in LA ♦ (1:50) 4:40, 7:25
10 Heartbreakers ♦ (1:00) 4:00, 7:00
11 Someone Like You ♦ (1:35) 4:15, 7:15, 9:40
12 Joe Dirt ♦ (2:00) 4:55, 7:40, 9:50
| | Sat & Sun | Daily |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| 1 D Brother, Where Art Thou?™ (1:55) | 4:40 | 7:05, 9:35 |
| 2 The Mexican* | 1:45 | 4:30 | 7:00, 9:30 |
| 3 Chocolat™ | 1:45 | 4:30 | 7:00, 9:30 |
| 4 Kingdom Come™ | (2:00 | 4:45 | 7:10, 9:40 |
| 5 Traffic* | (1:50 | 4:35 | 8:00 |
| 6 Tomcats* | (1:55 | 4:40 | 7:10, 9:40 |
★ NOVEMBER FASSESS SUPERSAERS!
SHOW MESS FOR TODAY!
Photo ID required for R movies
Have you wondered if these ads are true? This is what KU Golden Key students found out:
Students surveyed were demographically representative of the diverse ethnic backgrounds, majors, ages and living environments of KU students.
Students reported partying an average of 5 hours at a time, so most KU students drink about one drink/hour.The liver needs one hour to metabolize one drink.
"0-5" was determined by surveying 1,459 students in their class levels, which we learned is more people than surveyed for most political polls!
A "drink" was defined on the survey as 12 oz. beer,4.5 oz.wine.or 1-1.5 oz.liquor.
Golden Key International Honour Society
The KU School of Fine Arts and Kansas Union present
Brown Bag Classics Jessica Smythe Piano
12:30 Today Alderson Auditorium Level 4, Kansas Union
Make your lunch a classic. Join the Department of Music & Dance for this free, lunch-time performance. Just bring your lunch because the drinks are on the Kansas Union School of Fine Arts University of Kansas
Roommates stuck to the couch? Kansan Classifieds Find them a job. Find new roommates. Sell the couch.
Having been appointed drug czar by the new President of America, exjudge, Robert Wakefield (Michael Douglas), wages a war on drug trafficking, only to find that his mission is made even more difficult with the discovery that his daughter is addicted to heroin.
DUSTIN HOFFMAN
A young man just out of college doesn't know what to do with his life. But being involved with a young woman AND her mother probably wasn't it.
All movies are shown at Woodruff Auditorium, Level 5 of the Kansas Union.
Tickets are available at the door thirty minutes before each show. Admission is $2 or free With SUA Movie Card. Movie times and dates are subject to change.
Please check our website at www.ukans.edu/~sua for final schedules.
For more information about movies or any other SUA program,
please call the Box Office at 864-SHOW.
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