As to the impending(?) change of Miami's mascot, I find it to be just another
chapter in the Political Correctness Handbook.  Now, if they called
themselves "The Dirty Redskins" and ascribed to the (once-popular) concept
that the only good Indian was a dead one, there'd be some rationale for the
make-over.  I don't find "Redskins" to be demeaning, denigrating, or
disrepectful, and suspect that the vast majority would agree, though perhaps
reticent about speaking up about it.
 
The whole spectrum of college mascots and nicknames is wide open for
revisionist change, and not just in NCAA Divison I, either; consider:
 
Animal Rights activists will condemn the use of the such monikers as "Black
Bears" (Maine) and "Badgers" (Wisconsin), Catholic zealots will declare
"Friars" (Providence College) somehow offensive at a Dominican institution
and "Skating Saints" (St. Lawrence) inappropriate for a secular school, and
the Association of Insect Lovers will call for a ban on the "Stingers"
(Concordia) and "Yellowjackets" (Wisconsin-Superior).  Before you know it,
the Paleontologist Society will announce opposition to the University of
Calgary "Dinosaurs" and the Hibernian Lodge will declare "Fighting Irish"
(Notre Dame) a racist nickname.  The potential for additional controversy is
barely tapped; jazz musicians might gather behind a move to change the
University of Kentucky's "Cool Cats", meteorologists could unite to eradicate
the Iowa State "Cyclones", and Satanists probably have sufficient support to
call for the elimination of the Arizona State "Ice Devils."
 
It's a little-known fact that the Firefighters Union joined forces with the
American Arsonist's Association to force the demise of the UIC "Flames"
program -- basketball had nothing to do with it.  Really.
 
With tongue firmly in cheek, I submit the aforementioned for your
edification.  Shipping and handling extra; batteries not included.  Any
duplication, reproduction, or other use of the foregoing without the written
consent of the author is strictly encouraged.
 
I think I'm 'WAY overdue for my morning Prozac!  :-)
 
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