With all due respect my fellow college hockey fans, this whole debate is taking on ominous tones. Let's consider something here, the majority is not always correct. If this were the case, then women would have a mighty loud voice in the world today, as they outnumber men. As is stands, in this case, women in many parts of the world are still striving for equity. And, yes, in this country, too, people are striving to eliminate glass ceilings. The situation with nicknames is tense. For those of us who love the games, and enjoy the traditions, we sometimes lose sight of those being hurt. In the case of "Red Men", or "Redskins", it should be noted that these two terms are akin to, "Nigger", and "Kike". Though neither the alumni of these schools nor those affiliated are racist, this does not excuse the usage of derogatory terms. Throughout the history of this fine nation we have fought against the very things we see here. And I am not some "pinhead" espousing strange views. I am an athlete, and a scholar. I cheer for the Fighting Irish, the New York Yankees, and other teams with names that could be misinterpreted as insulting. However, neither of these two teams' names translate to blatant racism. The argument that "the majority rules" is vapid and negates the idea of uniqueness. It promotes homogeneity based on the hegemony of a given class. Each of us is, in some way, part of a minority. Hell, those of us who play the game of hockey are in a minority in this country. When someone feels insulted their claims should be considered. It is the right thing to do. When any one of us feels insulted we will say so, whether we upset the wishes of the majority or not. These claims are not made by "pinheads", or "liberals", or "right with extremists". Let's stop the name calling. I know many elite athletes, scholars, and regular Joes who take this kind of thing seriously. The semiotics of a name are much more serious than one would think. And while we are insulated in our arenas watching games, there are those who feel outrage at the use of derogatory symbols and names. They are not all the "others" many wish to deride. That some claims turn out to be unfounded is certainly true. Furthermore, some claims are specious, and grounded only in the want for publicity. However, no one has the right to judge these concerns until they are voiced and aired. We all have the right to free speech, but with that right comes the responsibility to our American partners. "Your right to punch me ends at the tip of my nose." Wrote Mark Twain. There is much to be said for the character of those who stand up for what they believe. And sometimes the minority speaks for silent majority. Peace, John-Andrew Murphy Coordinator International Studies Resource Center Hesburgh Library University of Notre Dame HOCKEY-L is for discussion of college ice hockey; send information to [log in to unmask], The College Hockey Information List.