Tracker Pixel for Entry

Super proof

Editorial | May 15th, 2014

Our opinion/ “Siouxper drunk” shirts directly relate to the former UND mascot controversy

A group of UND students caused quite an outrage on social media by wearing T-shirts that depict a Native American (similar-looking to the former UND mascot) drinking from a beer bong accompanied by the words “Siouxper drunk.”

The students made the shirts for a yearly non-campus event called Springfest, where getting “super drunk” and acting foolish is a goal for a number of Grand Forks residents.

Clearly, the students thought they were just having fun, showing school pride and being clever – without realizing the strong severity of their “cleverness.” They weren’t thinking, “How can we disrespect Native Americans?” They were mostly thinking of the high-fives and attention they’d receive for making such scandalous Sioux-logo-pride shirts. It was shallow and immature at best.

Sure, there are worse things than flaunting an offensive “just for fun!” t-shirt. But, clearly, not all of us have ability to turn and look the other way when we know this seemingly harmless “joke” can cause irreparable damage.

We empathize with those who are angry and outraged. This is a perfect example of how our society tends to overvalue labels, image, beer, Facebook posts and “things,” and undervalue community and culture. It’s proof that the UND mascot did further generate racism and disrespect towards Native Americans. It’s proof that many glorified the logo, so much so that it blinded people of its harm.

UND president Robert Kelley said in a statement: “The message on the shirts demonstrated an unacceptable lack of sensitivity and a complete lack of respect for American Indians and all members of the community.”

To an extent, of course, we have to accept people’s faults and wrongdoings and move on. If we don’t, we’ll waste our energy constantly fighting, being angry and getting defensive. It’s no way to live. It’s exhausting. It barricades us from reaching our own goals because we are too busy trying to change people that are not worth our time and energy.

While we have the right to feel angry, remember that feeding this cycle of disgust, disdain, prejudice, dishonor, immaturity and naivety cannot prevent further damage. Those who went as far sending those students hateful, contemptuous mail, stooped just as low – really.

We commend those who spoke out reasonably, sincerely, meaningfully – and without strife. We commend those who stand up for those who don’t have a voice. We commend those who set a great example of kindness, broadmindedness, compassion, respect and maturity.

Recently in:

By Alicia Underlee NelsonLocal groups will speak out against current and projected federal budget cuts in downtown Fargo this Saturday, April 26. The Red River Valley chapters of Fearless and Indivisible will lead a protest from…

By Prairie Rose Seminolems.prairierose@gmail.com I was a child who walked behind my parents into classrooms and kitchens, spaces of song and prayer, where teachings lived in the air and settled on my shoulders. I didn’t yet have…

Saturday, April 26, 1:30-3:30 p.m.Rourke Art Gallery + Museum, 521 Main Ave., MoorheadThings are coming up rosy at the Rourke in a true feast of the senses during the third annual “Gallery in Bloom” exhibit. The pop-up…

By Sabrina Hornungsabrina@hpr1.com I feel like reading a newspaper is the equivalent of listening to music on vinyl. Not only is it analog, it’s an experience. I might be a little biased, but there's something about the rustling…

By Ed Raymondfargogadly@gmail.comThe wizards and kleagles in whites now wear blue suits and red tiesA hundred years ago, more than 30,000 members of the Ku Klux Klan from virtually every state in the Union wearing their white…

By Rick Gionrickgion@gmail.com Holiday wine shopping shouldn’t have to be complicated. But unfortunately it can cause unneeded anxiety due to an overabundance of choices. Don’t fret my friends, we once again have you covered…

By Rick Gionrickgion@gmail.com After a very inspiring conversation with Kayla Houchin of Sonder Bakehouse a few weeks ago, I decided that it’s an appropriate time to write a column about some of the sweet people who are involved…

Mooncats and Pert Near Sandstone play Empire TheatreBy Sabrina Hornungsabrina@hpr1.comThe MoonCats describe themselves as “Americonscious Campfire Folk.” They have a clear acoustic folk sound with a sense of whimsy — think…

By Greg Carlsongregcarlson1@gmail.comRyan Coogler goes big and bold with “Sinners,” a sweaty, bloody vampire movie set in 1932. The filmmaker stuffs this universe with enough ideas to serve a limited-series season of episodic…

By Raul Gomez Modern Man was a gentle soul. If you were down or just wanted a friend, he’d be there for you. I remember the first day I met Modern Man. It was Jeremiah Fuglseth and me. He wanted to write about this legendary…

By John Showalterjohn.d.showalter@gmail.comHigh Plains Reader had the opportunity to interview two mysterious new game show hosts named Milt and Bradley Barker about an upcoming event they will be putting on at Brewhalla. What…

By Annie Prafckeannieprafcke@gmail.com AUSTIN, Texas – As a Chinese-American, connecting to my culture through food is essential, and no dish brings me back to my mother’s kitchen quite like hotdish. Yes, you heard me right –…

By Sabrina Hornungsabrina@hpr1.comNew Jamestown Brewery Serves up Local FlavorThere’s something delicious brewing out here on the prairie and it just so happens to be the newest brewery west of the Red River and east of the…

By Josette Ciceronunapologeticallyanxiousme@gmail.com What does it mean to truly live in a community —or should I say, among community? It’s a question I have been wrestling with since I moved to Fargo-Moorhead in February 2022.…

By Alicia Underlee NelsonProtests against President Trump’s policies and the cuts made by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) are planned across North Dakota and western Minnesota Friday, April 4 and…

By Faye Seidlerfayeseidler@gmail.com In 2023, the Superintendent of Fargo Public Schools, Rupak Ghandi, gave a passionate plea to the Fargo School Board to follow federal law, because a recently passed state law would increase…