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TechnographUniversity fails to unify a campus divided on Chief
Our campus community needs help, and we have no one to step up and to show the real leadership we need
By Dan Mollison
Posted: 2/23/07 Section: Opinion Columns
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Chief Illiniwek has been retired, and we are reeling. Our controversial symbol was quietly removed from us in the early hours of last Friday morning. There was no ceremony. There was no funeral. There was only a short, two-page press release to put the Chief to rest.
There are as many interpretations of what the Chief means as there are current and former members of our campus community, and many of our perspectives on the Chief are deeply rooted in the values we believe in. But regardless of whether we see the Chief as a celebration of loyalty, honor and courage, or a reminder that racism is still alive and well in our society, one thing is clear: His removal should not have been handled like this.
The Chief controversy extends far beyond our individual perspectives. Chief Illiniwek is a public image, and so we are all free to define for ourselves what he represents. Because there are tens of thousands of people who bring valid feelings and experiences to this issue, it is far too simplistic to say that one's definition of the Chief is right while another's is wrong. But just because our conflicting ideas have led to the Chief's removal does not mean that he should be retired quietly with a sense of embarrassment and without recognition for what he has meant to members of our community.
I'll be honest: I am not deeply connected to the Chief. I'm not really the kind of person to get attached to a tradition for tradition's sake. I became one of the Illini fans who, after listening to those who were subjected to threats of violence sparked by the Chief's presence, could no longer feel that familiar sense of pride while watching the Chief's halftime performance.
But I understand that for many others, watching the Chief dance in these same shows inspired a wonderful sense of pride for the University. The joy that they felt is real and palpable, and regardless of whether we'll ultimately look back on the Chief's removal as an improvement for the University, it serves no purpose for us to discount the feelings of those who are now in mourning over the loss of the Chief.
There are as many interpretations of what the Chief means as there are current and former members of our campus community, and many of our perspectives on the Chief are deeply rooted in the values we believe in. But regardless of whether we see the Chief as a celebration of loyalty, honor and courage, or a reminder that racism is still alive and well in our society, one thing is clear: His removal should not have been handled like this.
The Chief controversy extends far beyond our individual perspectives. Chief Illiniwek is a public image, and so we are all free to define for ourselves what he represents. Because there are tens of thousands of people who bring valid feelings and experiences to this issue, it is far too simplistic to say that one's definition of the Chief is right while another's is wrong. But just because our conflicting ideas have led to the Chief's removal does not mean that he should be retired quietly with a sense of embarrassment and without recognition for what he has meant to members of our community.
I'll be honest: I am not deeply connected to the Chief. I'm not really the kind of person to get attached to a tradition for tradition's sake. I became one of the Illini fans who, after listening to those who were subjected to threats of violence sparked by the Chief's presence, could no longer feel that familiar sense of pride while watching the Chief's halftime performance.
But I understand that for many others, watching the Chief dance in these same shows inspired a wonderful sense of pride for the University. The joy that they felt is real and palpable, and regardless of whether we'll ultimately look back on the Chief's removal as an improvement for the University, it serves no purpose for us to discount the feelings of those who are now in mourning over the loss of the Chief.
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Viewing Comments 1 - 7 of 11
lyn
posted 2/23/07 @ 3:25 AM CST
Good article and well written. However,I have to say that division serves a purpose when its underlying cause is two irreconcilable positions as in this situation. (Continued…)
It's been less than a week...
posted 2/23/07 @ 8:11 AM CST
It will take a little time. In about four years, there will be a complete turnover of students. These new students will never have known the Chief and won't care, and the campus will be reunited. (Continued…)
Alumnus & Resident
posted 2/23/07 @ 8:34 AM CST
"It will take a little time. In about four years, there will be a complete turnover of students. These new students will never have known the Chief and won't care, and the campus will be reunited. (Continued…)
Lyn is right
posted 2/23/07 @ 8:43 AM CST
Good commentary in that it is one of the few times I have ever seen anyone acknowledge that the root of the problem is that the Chief symbolizes different things to each side, and each holds the beliefs very strongly. (Continued…)
jb
posted 2/23/07 @ 8:49 AM CST
Sounds like an acceptance speech from a winner to the losers.
"It will take loyalty, honor and courage for us to set aside our differences and move forward as one united community". (Continued…)
Kyle
posted 2/23/07 @ 10:01 AM CST
Easily the most level-headed and well written article about this subject that the DI has ever produced. It is depressing that those on both sides of this issue can't take a little time to see the others opinion. (Continued…)
Bill Etter
posted 2/23/07 @ 8:06 PM CST
It is sad that political correctness has taken over the leadership of my University. Perhaps the alumni can show their disappontment of the administration's action or lack of action on the Chief Illiniwek issue by reducing contributions to the University. (Continued…)
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