With apologies to Nick Lowe.
Another wave of protest rises and falls. This concern is disconcerting. Candidly, people such as professor Ozzie Monge have far too much time on their hands. Perhaps Mr. Monge should body surf. Create a bit of joy for himself.
How the Aztec Warrior is viewed as “racist” or “culturally insensitive” (re: The San Diego Union Tribune, 4/19/17) confounds me. The Aztec Warrior is detailed to the most known anthropological facts from his head dress to shield to spear. He is not a jolly Cleveland Indian. He is not thrown together haphazardly in an attempt to illicit laughter or disdain or fear.
Returning to Mr. Monge, his claim via the UT 4/19/17 article that the “Aztec name was inappropriate . . . it was chosen on the inaccurate historical assumption that the Aztecs were once in the Southwest United States” is the reason to retain the Aztec Warrior and Aztecs as SDSU’s identify. The Aztecs were not a Native American tribe. Therefore, how is an indigenous people whose primary cultural influence was found in modern day Mexico, rather than the U.S. southwest, “racist” or “culturally insensitive”? Tis not. If any group of people should be unhappy with San Diego State University, that group is found in Mexico. Yet, we do not hear of any concern. Perhaps other social and political issues are of primary importance. Per the Daily Aztec, 4/20/17, Mr. Monge face plants into the puddle of hyperbole when he compares the Aztec issue to that of Jim Crow laws. Please, professor. You are a step away from bemoaning a propellor as unnecessarily churning air or water. “The debate should have been about principles and values.” Evidently, you were snoozing. Your concern was met.
I have yet to hear or read of the Irish demanding that Notre Dame drop their fist ready Irishman as racist or culturally insensitive. For the record, I’m Irish. I don’t give the proverbial rat’s ass or two shits about the angry leprechaun ready to brawl. Frankly, a half-full (I’m that kind of guy) glass of beer should be in the background. Do Greeks protest San Jose State or Michigan State for their use of a Spartan Warrior as their respective mascot? Not yet. Does Germany object to the University of Idaho’s Vandal? I do not know of Norway, Sweden and/or Denmark calling Portland State University to demand the removal of their beloved Viking. What is the difference? Florida State University (Seminoles), Utah University (Utes) and Central Michigan University (Chippewas) receive permission from their respective Native American tribes to use their mascots. SDSU is not alone in the culturally respectful use of mascots representative of history.
Regarding the ten Associated Students representatives who resigned immediately after the meeting, a wise choice given your individual and collective inability to effectively debate and endure a loss. Politics is not your future.
Go Aztecs!
tipmypitch 