Quote:
Originally posted by greatwhitenorthchick
Wasn't SD's point that "Fighting Irish" stereotypes Irish as drunken brawlers, so the "fighting" part of the name is problematic, not the "Irish" part.
"Courteous Irish" doesn't have much of a ring to it though.
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Maybe, but I don't think that's the reason they're the Fighting Irish. Aren't lots of mascots the "fighting" something, or the "running" something? Even with all the comments about the "drunken" or "fighting" Irish, there isn't much derision of them as the mascot. In fact, a lot of people who actually are of Irish descent like Notre Dame. Every time I go to a Notre Dame game and walk around the campus, it's all about respect and honor and tradition. The leprechaun-guy cheerleader isn't goofy - just dressed goofy - he's doing all the chees and pushups and all that stuff with everyone.
Contrast this with the Native American mascots, which are more based in stereotypes, do absurd things that aren't based in reality, aren't supported by the respective "real" people from that ethic group and aren't represented in significant number by the people who comprise that group.
The NCAA is about to play hardball with all the college teams, and the pro sports teams will have to do so next. The Redskins, in particular, have to be on their way out pretty soon. That's a legitimate slur.
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