What’s In A Name? Indians, Blu-Jays, & YAHWEH

My question is this: are names of sports teams really that important? Who cares if Archie is called the “Indians?” Ironically, one group who overwhelmingly DOESN’T CARE are Indians. In a recent survey, 91% of Native Americans were not offended in the least by “Indian” mascots (and the 9% who were offended are the types who take offense at anything and everything.)

But what about other nicknames? The Archie “Whirlwinds”? To be honest, if I had my home destroyed in a tornado, I would be much more offended at the glorification of a storm than I would a people group (even if I were an Indian). Likewise, Southeastern Oklahoma State University, who used to be called the “Savages” are now called the “Savage Storm.” Even my own alma mater, Northeastern State University (NSU) had to bow to political correctness, changing their name from “Redmen” to “River Hawks.” The lunacy here is even greater, given the fact that NSU is located in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, which is the capital city of the Cherokee Nation. NSU was started as a school for Indians; and in honor of their heritage, they were called the “Redmen”—and in all my years there (and I spent MANY years there) I NEVER knew an Indian who was offended by the nickname. In the grand scheme of things, everyone had more important things to worry about. Everyone, that is, except politically correct Liberals.

Furthermore, many Indian groups take great pride in these nicknames. The Seminole Nation of Florida uses the Florida State mascot as an opportunity to educate people about their tribal heritage. Other tribes have done the same thing. Many see it as a badge of honor, rather than a racial insult. Is anyone really losing sleep over the San Diego State Aztecs? I doubt that even Montezuma himself would give a flip about it.

I say, if we’re going to worry about people’s feelings in naming sports teams, let’s also include animals…at least birds. I personally know of a support group made up of “Blue Jays” here in Kansas that are deeply offended by our teams being called “Blu-Jays.” Not only is it degrading to these poor birds….they’ve also mentioned they’re upset that we leave the “e” off of “Blue.” INSULTING! And what about those poor little redbirds over in Missouri? The audacity of that baseball team in St. Louis is shocking!!! They would dare offend our feathered friends by calling their team the Cardinals? And here is the worst of all…..Ducks! Everyone loves ducks, right? How dare….Oregon University……HOW DARE they offend our quacking comrades by calling their team…..THE DUCKS!!!!…..I tell you it’s an insult to web-footed waddlers the world over.

Does it sound like I’m being silly? I am. And so are the PC Police trying to enforce the ban on “Indian” names. The NCAA has threatened banning all teams from the post season basketball tournament, if they have “Indian” nicknames. Maybe the NCAA should oversee sports….and leave the nicknames to the universities? When you check the NFL football scores in most major newspapers, you’ll notice that every nickname is used, except for the Washington Redskins. They’re simply called “Washington” because the “holier than thou” press corps refuses to acknowledge their nickname. GIVE ME A BREAK! Aren’t their more important issues for us to be worrying about? Hot tempered Irishmen aren’t offended by the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, and that is a stereotypical, racial judgment if there ever was one. Cattle owners aren’t offended by the Oklahoma State Cowboys. Lewisville, Texas is known as the “Fighting Farmers”…yet no angry plow boy has ever charged the town with a pitchfork yet.

But while we’re on the topic of offensive nicknames….I have one that DOES offend me. As a Christian, and a Pastor, I’m offended by the Duke Blue Devils. I’m also offended by the DePaul Blue Demons (and since my favorite color is blue, I’m offended they’re using my color too). Arizona State Sun Devils? Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils? Why is there no outcry over the glorification of the Kingdom of Darkness? Don’t the Liberal PC’s care? No. But they would if they thought Satan might be offended. Then they would start a petition post-haste.

Mascot names are unimportant. But God’s Name is eternally important. This Sunday I’ll be preaching on the 3^rd commandment. “Thou shall not take God’s Name in vain.” Yahweh–God’s Name– is holy because God is holy. And God’s Name should not be used in a meaningless or insulting way. I’ll elaborate on Sunday, and I hope to see you there. And in case you didn’t know it…..another name for a Pastor is “Bishop.” As in the Ohio Wesleyan University Battling Bishops (no joke)……Hey….you know what? As a Bishop…..when I think about that school’s nickname…..I get kind of offended……How dare they insult me and other Bishops. Why, just wait until I get a hold of the NCAA and report this infraction… (HA HA HA—Just kidding)  Until next time, this is Shane Kastler, Pastor, Bird Counselor, Duck Defender, & Proud Battling Bishop signing off…