Full Court Press

Maybe they should ask all the casinos that they run throughout the country to donate some money.

I think donating a portion of the profits from the 'Commit to the Indian' merchandise, if done tactfully, would help create a better relationship with the American Indian groups in Chicago.

Though, I think retiring the late Keith Magunson's #3 jersey would help tremendously in the Hawks showing they want to commit themselves to the past.

"Maggie' was the ultimate team captain, gave himself on and off the ice, the 'ideal' team players, never backed down to anyone in defending his teammates and team, an extremely hard worker, and was a thoughful friend and family man.

Once again the media is missing the point; its no wonder the Sun-Times is losing money and downsizing (eventually going under). It’s the Carol Slezaks', Greg Couchs' and Jay Marriottis' that have doomed this paper.

It’s called committing to your team. To your organization. To yourself.

Roman responds: I'm not sure if you've noticed, but papers all over the country are losing money and downsizing.

The past few days, all I've heard about how Savard said about not being committed to the symbol! He didn't mean it that way, he was talking about how they've been playing like they are committed to the team. He didn't mean it literally..... It has nothing to do with the indian head in general. Some people better think about what they say before they say it. I knew exactly what he meant.

Needless to say, we have a lot of people that go around making obtuse statements about any and everything someone says. We that love hockey and the Blackhawk’s totally understand and support what Savard was saying and understood what he meant.

Thank you Roman! Its racist and hurtful to those people. And Savard was only trying to fire up his team, but folks are already plastering that Indian on tee-shirts with that catchphrase. And its ok to have TEAM pride which is all it is to the fans, but at a cost to someone else. Political Correctness refers to senseless political rhetoric, but racial insensitivity can hurt or offend an entire people. Blackhawks don't need it, especially right now.

It will never happen, but the Blackhawks - need to find two black hawks (birds) to be their mascot. It doesn't matter how stoic and classy they display their Indian, its still racist, tomohawk and all. And YES the jersey is cool and the colors are beautiful, but the subliminal message is quite ugly. And for those who cannot understand - when your people have been obliterated and nearly extinguished you kinda want to move on from it. And then to live in a city with an Indian name and have the descendants of those who took you out prance around with a blood-red jersey on it with a picture of probably one of your ancestors plastored on their chest. Or can you imagine being a Indian grandparent and have your grandchild come running into the livingroom with that Jersey on? Then have to sit him down...

I like the Blackhawks and know nothing will happen. But my heart goes out to the Indians. And to ANYONE that is being mistreated, especially unecessarily. There are many symbols and mascots that look really cool and would be great sellers, but offensive.

I think they should have a kid in war paint skating around the ice. Then maybe people would be inspired about the Blackhawks like they are about the Illini.

With all the evil that's in the world, and with all the difficulties that their people face, why are Native Americans wasting all of their time and energy trying to eliminate symbols that invoke unparalleled pride, joy, and camaraderie such as the Hawk's Indian head or Chief Illiniwek?

We need more things in this world that invoke such good feelings in people, not fewer. It's been a long, long time since the Hawks inspired me as they did w/ Savard's comment, and clearly I'm not alone. Why would a person want to make this stop?

And why would the Hawks bow to a small negative faction instead of running with the pride of their fans?

I'm especially upset w/ Slezak for her utterly unoriginal journalistic efforts, especially because they only serve to dampen what should be a growing excitement for the Hawks while giving us nothing new or interesting.

I don't understand the big deal about any of the Indian based nicknames. I remember when the Naperville Central team was the Redskins and they had to give into peer pressure to change to the Redhawks. I don't see the Irish people getting all bent out of shape for Notre Dame's use of the Fighting Irish and their mascot. As a society we have to stop giving in to political correctness so much. Especially over things that are not offensive.

These articles and comments are the kinds of things that happen when those involved have no concept of sports psychology. Savard's comment was made in an attempt to motivate his players to commit to the tradition of Blackhawk hockey. In addition, I imagine his words were intended to inspire the players to commit themselves to eachother, the fans and the organization. The purpose of the words was very simple. Start playing hockey the way it's meant to be played as a member of the Blackhawks. Any reference to the Indian is only sybolic and is intended to instill pride that is Blackhawk hockey.

Carol Slezak and Joe Podlasek should take note and find Savard's words encouraging and look at themselves and how they can better commit to their own endeavors and stop this weak attempt at obtaining selfish headlines.

Roman responds: Again, there's no question Savvy was trying to inspire the troops and get them to have pride in the sweater that used to represent excellence, or at least toughness. But the notion the Hawks were going to market the slogan with marketing guru John McDonough made it an interesting story.

People need to get a life. When will native Americans finally become just Americans. And why do they still need to be fed? Why can't they take care of themselves. And what does all this have to do with a proud symbol of the Blackhawks. Coach Savard's comments were complementary to Indians. He basically said, why can't you live up to your name, be brave and strong. But, no, the activists want to relegate Indians to the reservation of our mind and not promote their proud heritage which is what the Blackhawks do. Congratulations to Coach Savard. I, for one, will Commit to the Indian.

I have noticed newspapers are going under, but the Sun Times seems to be going down at alarming speed.

Good luck in your job search.

All he meant was being committed to the franchise's rich history. As an Irish person can I get upset about Notre Dame using a leprachaun as a mascot?

Roman responds: If I were you, I'd be upset about Notre Dame's football players calling themselves the Irish.

Carol should be ashamed of herself for such a tasteless column.
She knew what Denis meant and purposely tried to make something
out of nothing. It had nothing to do with any part of the Indian
Nation and everybody knew that. Shame on the Sun-Times sports
editors for letting this article of misrepresentation of facts
and true meaning of what Denis Savard had to say... TO HIS TEAM!

Personally, I am not a hockey fan, but this article bothered me. It is obvious to anyone that the comment did not refer to any ethnic group, but to a team. Much like the statement "you play for the name on the front of the jersey, not the back." In addition, the use of the word "indian" is about a logo that any child old enough to speak can identify. Put up that logo and ask what it is to a 1st grade child and they will say its an "indian." Its not racially charged, it is just identifying it. Do we need to eliminate any mascot/logo that was once an actual group of people? How bout Cowboys/Patriots/Mountineers, their logos/mascots don't encompass the entire group of people. Lets basically eliminate anything that is not an animal or inanimate object (Heat). That will solve it, but then of course someone will complain that they are called an animal .... Its just getting out of hand.

It's good for the Indian spokesman to look for people to embrace his people and organization. Carol Slezak is looking to stir up a controversy. Carol and the Indian spokesman are looking to take advantage of a situation for personal gain or power.

Denis Savard's "commit to the Indian" comment was not in any way directed toward the Indian people and everyone knows it.
People need to worry about taking care of each other and quit being so OFFENDED!

Whatever Carol Slezak thinks, the Blackhawk's Indian is a symbol of strength and pride.
For Carol to create a "problem" out of this is what the media does best.

Jim Duffy

Once again, this political correctness garbage is killing the Sun Times. Savard a racist? Puhleeez...He is a hockey coach. He is trying to motivate a professional hockey team. This is what good coaches do. He wants his team to believe in the logo on the front of the jersey and not play for the name on the back. When I hear "Commit to the Indian" It does not want to make me disrespect any American Indian in any way or form. I do not poke fun at American Indians because of the Chief Blackhawk logo. I guess this man has never heard of Blackhawk charities. Maybe Podlesak is a racist. Does he have a problem with Canadian born hockey coaches? See? When will this nonsense ever end???

Roman responds: No one said Savvy is a racist. But when someone wrote the Hawks were going to market the slogan and make money, it took a different turn. We all know what Savvy meant.

Once again, this political correctness garbage is killing the Sun Times. Savard a racist? Puhleeez...He is a hockey coach. He is trying to motivate a professional hockey team. This is what good coaches do. He wants his team to believe in the logo on the front of the jersey and not play for the name on the back. When I hear "Commit to the Indian" It does not want to make me disrespect any American Indian in any way or form. I do not poke fun at American Indians because of the Chief Blackhawk logo. I guess this man has never heard of Blackhawk charities. Maybe Podlesak is a racist. Does he have a problem with Canadian born hockey coaches? See? When will this nonsense ever end???

So Carol Slezak, did you go to this American Indian Counsel and ask them for their opinion or did they come to you? You people should be ashamed of yourselves for trying to start a controversy where none exists. The American Indian Counsel should be ashamed of itself for pandering for money. Find me a Blackhawk tribe member or an Illini for that matter and I will gladly pay them a dollar for the joy I get out of 'using' their likeness to enjoy my favorite sports team.
Roman responds: Pete, she contacted them of course. And I encouraged her to. They couldn't have known she was writing that. You always try to get both sides.
I agree we're being too politically correct here, but let me be the devil's advocate. Native Americans have not been treated very well in this country. And please don't talk about the casinos, because while I don't know for sure, I'm guessing there's a small group of people (and I'm guessing it's not entirely a group of Native Americans) that reaps the rewards of the casinos. Some of the logos - like Cleveland's - are blatantly racist and should be changed. So while I don't agree the Hawks are acting improperly - and I love the logo, I wouldn't try to silence of the voice of Native Americans on this subject.

Just like most of the media on the Kelly Tighlman "lynching" comment -- Slezak has taken Savard's words and twisted their meaning and their intent.

Everyone knows what Savard meant -- commit to team, to one another, to the fans. Even if he meant Commit to the Indian literally (and I am reasonably sure he didn't), I don't see what's wrong with committing to the ideals of a proud, loyal and brave Native American hero, but that's not for me to judge.

Slezak is chasing a red herring. Wonder if Carol is willing to put her money where her mouth is and make a contribution to the center as well.

This was never meant to be a marketing ploy. Its was a coach telling his players to commit the jersey they wear. of course the media runs with it and now its an issue.

get a friggin grip.

I think if your honoring a real tribe with the tribal leaders permission or blessing, then im ok with it.

But...NO ONE should have to change their logo until the Washington RedSkins change theirs...

How ludicris that our nations capital...has a football team...that is named one of the MOST racist and derrogatory terms we have ever come up with.

I mean...the N word is the only word I can think of that is worse.

RED SKINS? I mean is that not crazy to everyone???

Why not rename the Wizards...the "Slant Eyes" and rename the Nationals..."The Blackies"

do we live in 1905 still or what??

Roman responds: I think the Indians' logo is the worst. Have you taken a good look at that lately? But yes, Redskins is pretty bad.

I think he is just trying to get some money by cornering the Blackhawks. I can not see the racism at all. When referring to the Indian, Savvy was obviously referring only to the teams logo. In no way is that racist. If the Hawks are going to give any money, I hope it is to someone who needs it, not someone who already has food, shelter, and still gets paid for something that happened several hundred years ago. It makes me mad when someone looks for small things to complain about just to get money in return.
Go Hawks
COMMIT TO THE INDIAN
not the tribes, but the frickin logo.
END OF STORY

What's next? Animal activists protesting teams using animal names and logo's? Bye bye Bulls, Cubs, Bears, Bucks et al. Then protesting team names glorifying natural disasters..bye bye Avalanche, Hurricanes, cyclones. Short people (vertically challenged people if I am to be pc) protesting the Giants? Religious people protesting the Wizards and Devils of all colors as being of the occult? It would seem that only names like Lakers,Nuggets and Nets would be safe. Even the Red and White Sox could be targeted by protesting sweatshop textile workers. In an effort to appease all groups I suggest that the Bears be renamed the Chicago Nightmare,the Sox be renamed the Chicago Bust, The Cubs be renamed the Chicago Heartbreakers, and the Bulls be renamed the Chicago Joke.

What should the Hawks give any money to this type of PC extortion?

I'll buy a shirt with the slogan on it well before I'd give these whiners anything.

Roman responds: I'm not sure if you've noticed, but papers all over the country are losing money and downsizing.

Posted by: Mike | January 29, 2008 07:23 AM

THIS IS WHY YOU SHOULDNT JUST WILLY NILLY HAND OVER THE REIGHNS OF THIS BLOG TO JUST ANY KID WITH STIFF PENCIL...

THESE BLOGS ARE THE FUTURE OF NEWS MY MAN....YOU SHOULDNT TAKE RUNNING IT SO LIGHTLY....YOU COULD BE ONE OF THE MOST READ WRITERS IN ST....RIGHT NOW....WITH JUST THIS BLOG.

DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA HOW MANY HITS A DAY THIS BLOG GETS? UNIQUE PAGE VIEWS? FIGURE YOU GET AROUND 60-80 POSTS PER THREAD....5-7 THREADS A WEEK....AND THATS JUST THE POSTERS....THERE HAVE TO BE 10 XS IMES MORE LOOKY LOO'S.

WOW BUDDY....THATS A GREAT MARKET SHARE OF THE FUTURE OF NEWS..AND YOUR REACH IS INTERNATIONAL...SINCE MOST OF US CANT SUBSCRIBE TO THE PRINT PAPER...

JUST MY 50 CENTS...ER UH I MEAN...FITTY!

Roman responds: Ok, let me reiterate, the all-caps style always strikes me as insane. But that could just be me. And I didn't pick Ricky willy nilly. He's a smart kid who I think did a good job. But I'll reevaluate. You're right, this is important. And I spent three years developing a fairly large base of readers. I don't want to jeopardize that or lose one poster, except for those who type in all caps.

I read the Sun-Times every day and I can't remember them being a big advocate for the plight of Native-Americans. Carol ought to report on the awful levels of unemployment, alcoholism and suicide the Native-Americans face. The fact that major league teams use Indian logos is probably not high on the list of the average Native-American's concerns.

Why should anybody contribute to the center. The so called Native Americans have many casinos that make plenty of money, tax free,to contribute. As for Sevard, that is his team and he coaches the way he thinks is best. The writers think and believe they always know what is best and most of the time they are wrong. They remind me of the analysts about the stock market, where were they when the technical bubble bust.

I aggre, the Sun Times is going down the drain because of the sport writers. They have nothing but negative views about all sports. If they know so much why don't they apply for jobs as coaches. Like Harrelson of the White Sox, thet would not last. Remember how he use to complain about the Sox. Marrioti is the same. All mouth and a big one at that.

I love the Indian Head logo used by the Blackhawks; It's classic but unfortunately, not timeless. Things have changed quite a bit in the last 20 - 30 years with political correctness. I am not of Native American descent. My people originally came from Poland and I suffered many Polish jokes during my youth. I would be deeply insulted if the Penquins suddenly changed their names to the Pittsburgh Polacks. Native Americans are real people; so out of respect to those people, I say just end it and come up with a new name for Chicago's Pro Hockey team. - Tampa Tom

I think Native Americans feel that by voicing there displeasure about using there iconography in college and professional sports they are in some way protecting their heritage. While I agree that what early pioneers of this country did to destroy Native Americans and there culture was a crime against humanity, it does not warrant a "blackout" of using such symbols. The use of the "Indian" on the sweater is out admiration of native American culture. The vast majority of people who inhabit this country had nothing to do with the genocide of Native Americans. Long story short, let it go. Commit to the Indian.

I am actually shocked and disgusted at the comments posted thus far. I am not a hockey fan, but I support all Chicago teams, including the Blackhawks. I understand totally why some Native Americans are offended by the symbol. Our society has rid itself of the "Frito Bandito" we have given "Aunt Jemima" a makeover so that she looks like an average middle age Black woman as opposed to a slave, the U of I has taken away the Chief...

I don't belive that Savard meant what he said to be offensive, but it is surely a symptom of the disregard non-minority groups have for the sensitivities of minority groups. You will never see a mascot portraying Blacks, Jews or women so I wonder why as a society, we feel it is ok to use the Native American as a team symbol.

Guys...it's Carol Slezak for goodness sake. The same colunist who suggested it was too hot to play baseball a few years back when the temps hit 105.

More of a fundamental question: Aren't Native-Americans the only people who really can have a "take" on this issue? Sure, the nicknames has been around a long time and there is a sense of connectivity with the fan bases, but at the end of the day isn't it the faction of people being represented by the logo the ones who should have the most say in these arguments?

Whether these symbols are a tribute or in bad taste is open to interpretation, but I find it bizarre that other ethnic groups can outright deny out of hand that they have negative connotations.

We shouldn't besmirch a journalist who presents an issue and takes a side. One of the great things about sports is that they are reflections of society as a whole, and columns like this only further the discussion on larger public issues.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:ALC-CLE-Insignia.png

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Washington_Redskins_1000.png

beautiful baby.

As was mentioned earlier, if the Blackhawks truly cared about what was important to the Native American people and wanted to find a symbol which stands for what the Native American culture today and also pay homage to their traditions, just the way they themselves have done, they should change their logo to..a tastefully designed CASINO CHIP!

I am of American Indian heritage and I have always been proud of the Blackhawk's logo. It is often mentioned as one of the best in sports and rightfully so. I do not see how the logo is racist at all and I do not even remotely share the opinoin of those who do. I am a fan of hockey and a huge fan of the team. I feel honored and relevant when I look at the dignified Indian head on my favorite teams sweater. I suppose that is how folks at the American Indian Center would suddenly feel if the Blackhawks were to donate to the cause or the aging facility. I am embarrassed by the opinoins of others who feel Savard's comments were hurtful. Please spend your energy fighting for the cause without including "the Indian". I love it.

Why does everyone get their panties in a bunch with every little comment that comes out in the sporting world??? How does having a picture of an indianhead offend native americans?? I'm greek and i'm not affended when USC trots out their "Trojan" on his faithful steed or when Hollywood decides to make some part of our long history into a horrific excuse for a movie (see Alexander).

There are a lot more important things to worry about in this world than people getting their feelings hurt because of a LOGO... a sports team, a quote by a frustrated coach, etc. GET OVER IT. The injustices against the native american people happened 500 years ago. There are immigrants in this country that prospered despite civil wars, communism, genocide, poverty, junta, and the list goes on. These people came to this country and prospered, not living off the injustices of their ancestors.

EVERYBODY.... STOP BEING SO SENSITIVE AND MOVE ON!!!!!!!!

Take a deep breath, everyone...........

The Blackhawks and fans do not intentionally slam Native Americans with the symbol or the slogans (well, except for some comments aired here). But it is the not knowing or understanding of a people, their history and their current challenges that creates long term problems with no good solutions.

Blackhawk was a respected leader in the early 19th century who tried to take back the land in Illinois & Wisconsin after genocide & relocation of Native Americans here. Why should a sports team use him as a symbol at all, when it has to do with a very painful period of history for people that still live here? Makes no sense to me.

"Find me a Blackhawk tribe member or an Illini for that matter and I will gladly pay them a dollar for the joy I get out of 'using' their likeness to enjoy my favorite sports team." - oops, all wiped out the last couple of centuries - you're off the hook.

Casinos always come up: Casinos are owned by very few Native American tribes, and of those only a small percentage are successful. The money goes to all the individuals of the tribe, and builds houses, clinics and schools for the people of the tribe. The tribes that have successful casinos do help Native Americans not of their tribes, and also they contribute to non-Native organizations & communities as well (Traverse Bay Odawas give thousands of dollars to Beaver Island community in Michigan for the schools, fire department, library, even though there are only a few handful of the several hundred people living there who are Odawa - one example only) - get the facts, please, before spouting out generalizations.

It ultimatley is not up to the BlackHawks or non-Native people to decide if something is offensive to Native people or not - it is up to them. Sounds like a no-brainer to me. I like the idea of two black hawk birds becoming the symbol.

Comparing an Irish leprechan symbol to a Native Chief or leader doesn't work. More like if a Catholic Priest, Nelson Mandella, JFK or perhaps Colin Powel were used as symbols or mascots.......that wouldn't be too tasteful in my book.

Just take a deep breath. Come to the American Indian Center's public pow wows and events, have a good time, try not to generalize, learn a little, share alot......maybe we don't need to use Native American leaders or symbols to get us in the team spirit. Let's just find something else.

Roman responds: Thanks for the post.

Please tell us how much Carol Slezak and Roman Modrowski have contributed to the American Indian Center. And don't just say "more than the Blackhawks": give us the total in dollars and cents.

Roman responds: What's your point? The story wasn't written because Savvy said that. It was written partly because someone wrote that the Hawks were thinking of using it as a marketing slogan.