After 80 years, the University of Illinois is forcing Chief Illiniwek into retirement. A vocal minority have successfully made the case that the athletic mascot is an insult to the heritage of Native Americans. Truly, I have no strong opinion on this issue and this blog entry is intended only as a farewell for the memories I had as an undergraduate in Champaign-Urbana. Memorial Stadium and Assembly Hall were at their quietest during the National Anthem and also when the Chief was preparing to enter with his dance at half-time.
I remember nothing but reverence for the Chief during those years, and never considered the mascot anything but a gracious representation of the indigenous heritage of the Prairie State. Personally, I believe the contingent of Native Americans are misguided in their mission of expunging our culture of all such mascots, but that's not for me to decide. Certainly some mascots are disingenuous and disrespectful, with the Washington Redskins nom de sport and the Atlanta Braves' “Tomahawk Chop” coming to mind, but Chief Illiniwek was of a completely different tradition.
“The Chief” has always been revered by Illinois fans and attempts were always made to add authenticity to Native American traditions in a respectful way. The student who portrayed Chief Illiniwek was a talented campus celebrity on the level of the football quarterback or basketball center. His athletic dance routine was sincere, with fans showing affection not derision, and usually clapping along with the music. The dance always ended with a recitation of the Alma Mater.
Maugham said “tradition is a guide and not a jailer” and, for good or naught, the great tradition of Chief Illiniwek has ended. I know I can't begin to understand the misgivings of Native Americans with the display of their culture for our entertainment, no matter how well intended the traditions may be.
But I also know that I'll miss Chief Illiniwek.
