Letters - Professor should not use class to solicit support for personal
views
From Michael Lehmann
As I was sitting in history class on Friday I was forced to put what I
believed on the defensive. When the professor came in, he immediately put
in a video about the Fighting Illini and how one woman didn't like the
mascot and started to protest against it. It didn't take me long to figure
out what he was trying to do. Since the first day of class he has been
vocal about his opposition to the mascot of our very school. I am offended
that he would abuse his power as an educator by trying to get his entire
class behind him and the small minority of individuals who want to change
the mascot at UND. As we were leaving, he said "think about it," referring
to the video we were all just forced to watch. I had thought about it
before (as he had given us plenty of opportunities to do so), and after
watching the video and considering his view, my views on the topic are
still the same. It is clear to me that some people do not see the big
picture.
I ask this: What is the purpose of a mascot? It is to identify the school
or institution to its surrounding area, defining it geographically and
characteristically. The Vikings are named for the Scandinavian heritage of
the Minnesota. The Bison are named for the animals that once roamed the
prairies of North Dakota. And the University of North Dakota is named for
the powerful tribe that played an important part in this area's history.
Why is no one insulted by the Vikings, or the Bison? There is no reason to
take insult by a mascot which defines this school and the area.
The next time you hear someone discussing this, encouraging the change of
our school's mascot, let them know how you feel. This is not about
insulting the people of North Dakota. This is about keeping our school's
tradition alive. If there are those who take offense to the fact that the
Sioux have played an important role in the heritage of this area, I say
the problem is not with our mascot, but with them.
Michael Lehmann
Atmospheric Sciences