Originally posted by Fatty
How many people in this thread even know about the fighting reds? How many are more inclined to think it should be changed now than before? How many are less inclined because now that they have a refrerence to judge by they no longer see it as offensive?
From now on anytime a name is brought up as insensitive or racist, a response can be made "I didn't mind the Fighting Whities, what's your problem?"
So as long as you don't mind being called a "Whitey" you don't think people of color should mind racially insensitive names too? The article led me to believe it was the cartoon stereotype of a hook-nosed, hideously grinning Native American that they found to be insulting.
Maybe the "Bouncing Blackies" could print a cartoon stereotype of a black man, natty hair and big wide grin, bouncing a watermelon. I'm sure nobody would object to that, right? Wear THAT T-shirt to South Central LA.
Or maybe start a swim team and call it the "Wetbacks" with a t-shirt depicting Mexicans in wife-beater t-shirts and Cholo pants running over the border with border patrol agents in hot persuit- Who would possibly object to that?
Personally though I don't buy the arguement that because one Irishman isn't offended by the "Fighting Irish" nickname, that therefore other ethnic peoples have no right to be offended by "Fighting Reds". What if Notre Dame's nickname was the "Drunken Fighting Irish?" I'm sure someone would be offended by that stereotype also. I referred to Japanese planes as "Jap junk" once and wis rebuffed by a squad mate who is Japanese American. I hadn't thought I was being insensitive, but my squadie did, and for that reason alone I quit referring to Japanese planes as "Jap junk."
I agree with Bowser. They've made their point very well, and they might sell a million t-shirts and raise money for a very good cause. My only concern is the motive behind some of the people who will buy the shirt.
