The Benson girls gave their fans a basis for optimism in the upcoming season. We're off and running with a new season of prep hoops. For sure, the usually uplifting activity is under somewhat of a cloud: we are hearing of the new covid "variant" - groan - but for now, fans are streaming into their gymnasium seats.
So on Tuesday, Nov. 30, fans of the Braves watched at the home gym as victory was achieved 55-28. The opponent: Dawson-Boyd, the Blackjacks. I have always enjoyed the D-B nickname. As for the Benson nickname, that is a story unto itself. Might the "Braves" name have its days numbered? I wonder what the Benson school board and administration say to people inquiring about this.
The old line "Braves are a symbol of pride" does not pass muster. The defenders are having to be a little creative IMHO, but surely they are ready to field inquiries, somehow. It wouldn't persuade yours truly. I am reminded of the school that had the "Satans" nickname: the issue kept coming up until the board decided to just get rid of the issue, the controversy, and move forward with a new nickname.
I think it is becoming embarrassing to even remember when student bodies made a big deal about nicknames. Best example: University of North Dakota with their old name which I won't even type here. A whole body of people associated with UND once made such a huge deal out of this, emotional. What a relief for the school, to have finally made the decision move on. Do UND people even want to talk about it anymore?
So Benson, please take heed of this. Don't wait until the state passes a law. Just do it.
In July I wrote a post for my "Morris of Course" blog site with the heading, "Benson High School is holdout w/ Indian-themed name." Please click to read:
What about the need for nicknames themselves? Can't we just refer to the schools?
None of this is the current athletes' fault.
The Benson fans cheered Marley Rush as she put in 17 points vs. D-B. Also in the Tuesday action, Madi Wrobleski contributed 16 to the winning effort. And, Mya Kurkosky supplied 12. Benson charged out in front 23-11 for halftime. Let's complete the Benson scoring list: Adysen Himley (8) and Kaida Helgenset (2). Benson's success was with no three-point shots.
Rush with her 17 rebounds led there. Presley Nygaard supplied five assists. Rush had five steals and Kurkosky four. Himley blocked two shots.
Critics of Native American mascots say they are dehumanizing. Some background: Many of the names/logos were adopted in the late 19th Century and early 20th. This was when the Federal government conducted initiatives to suppress indigenous culture. One practice was to take Indian children from reservations and send them to government-run boarding schools to remove them from tribal traditions.
Today most Native Americans live in West and Northwest states. However, "most of the 1,870 teams across the U.S. that have Native American mascots are in the Midwest and East," according to Madison Eagle, a Cherokee heritage specialist.
It can be done: retiring a nickname/mascot. Consider Devils Lake ND where "Satans" was once the name. Look at their old logo below!
- Brian Williams - morris mn minnesota - bwilly73@yahoo.com
No comments:
Post a Comment