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 Nelsonalicia@hpr1.comNorth Dakota communities will join a “nationwide day of defiance” against authoritarianism and President Donald Trump’s policies on Saturday, June 14. A range of "No Kings" events…

Back-to-school season is on the horizon, but there's still plenty of summer left. Check out our favorite August attractions and events in North Dakota and western Minnesota. And if if you missed them, here are a few excellent May…

June 21, 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.Fargo Theatre, 314 Broadway N., Fargo“We Watch Shudder,” Fargo’s favorite horror podcasters, bring on the darkness during the longest day of the year. The Darkest Day of Horror Film Festival features…

Fighting the good fightBy Sabrina Hornungsabrina@hpr1.com Over two thousand rallies took place nationwide June 14 as part of the “No Kings" protest. Ten of those protests were held in North Dakota, with thousands in attendance.…

By Ed Raymondfargogadfly@gmail.comA syndrome is defined as a group of signs and symptoms that collectively indicate or characterize a disease, psychological disorder, or other abnormal condition and any complex of symptoms of an…

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 The weather warmed up quickly here in the upper Midwest this spring, sparking prime eating season. This means burger battles, food trucks and lake-season food travel. The 2025 Downtown Fargo Burger…

By Alicia Underlee Nelsonalicia@hpr1.comThe Moorhead Public Library will offer three free, all-ages outdoor concerts featuring regional bands this summer. The series begins on June 12 with the Meat Rabbits, a group that blends…

By Greg Carlsongregcarlson1@gmail.com As we continue to deal with the ongoing horrorshow of racism, misogyny and transphobia embraced by the current administration, films like “Sally” can serve as an important reminder that…

By Deb Wallworkdwallwork@icloud.comI first met Catherine Mulligan at a party at her house. It was a small gathering, spontaneous, just a few people over for dinner. Directed toward a stack of plates and bowls and a big pot warming…

North Dakota play about mental health launches Midwest tour in AugustBy Alicia Underlee Nelsonalicia@hpr1.com A new one-act play inspired by patients buried in the Old Cemetery at the Jamestown State Hospital will tour festivals in…

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…

The drug that keeps re-purposing itselfBy Ellie Liveranieli.liverani.ra@gmail.com There is a drug that is getting a lot of attention nowadays all over the world. It has various commercial names (Ozempic, Wegovy and Rybelsus), but…

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 Vern Thompsonvern.thompson@rocketmail.com Working in the Bakken oil fields of the Williston Basin is so different from my home in Fargo. I'm not judging, because the people working and living in western North Dakota are very…