Political Correctness in HS Sports

[SPRaiders78]

In the city of Belmont political correctness has raised it's ugly head for the second time that I'm aware. It seems that there are some in the community that feel the name "Red Raiders" is offensive. A pitetion has been started to change the name, and of course the branding. If I were to tell you exactly how I feel about this pitetion, I would be kicked off NC Preps. Let's just say, anybody who grew up in Belmont and feels that way, can; as Flo said, KISS MY GRITS.

 

[rambbq]

Interestingly at one time HP Andrews mascot was a full dressed Indian , as they are also called the Red Raiders.....sometime in the 1980's or later...they lost the Indian mascot ......surprised they haven't lost the "Red" as well

 

[SPRaiders78]

You know back in my day, people had every right in the world to be offended, just like today. The difference is back then nobody gave a rats behind weather you were offended or not. I never set out to offend anyone but you know, sometimes it just happens.

 

[Lincolnton]

Got a feeling you'll see more of it. Seems to come with growth. Some call it progress, but I wish Belmont could stay as it is, a blue collar town where people are nice (and tough), where they know each other and take pride in their community.

With not much more than the river between them, looks like the massive overflow of people moving to Charlotte-Mecklenburg has discovered it (Belmont), recently, and before too much longer I'm afraid an outsider won't know they've even left Charlotte until they get to Clover or Kings Mountain.

 

[SPRaiders78]

Lincolnton, I hated to tell you but the Belmont you described for the most part is already gone. After the mills closed, downtown followed suite. When the downtown area came back it was restaurants and bars mostly owned and operated by out of towners. Then the yankees realized how much cheaper it was to live here. Now somebody wants to do away with the Red Raiders. I say, go the hey back where you came from. We did alright without you.

 

[Lincolnton]

Thanks for the response SPRaiders78. My reasoning on why Belmont will grow is flawed and peculiar, but here it is: I was a student at UNCC a long time ago. A professor talked about how Charlotte had begun to grow, then
.
Some of these nearby communities were Matthews, Huntersville, cornelius and Indian Trail. These were almost crossroads with populations of around 1,500 or so. Then some years later I began to hear about considerable growth, there, and in the north end of Union County and Cabarrus County near and below Concord.

About twenty years ago, I visited a friend who lived in a development just inside Union County. There must have been a couple of hundred homes in this single development. After that, I heard that more and more of these developments sprang up as Charlotte grew.

In the 1970's the population of Cabarrus County was probably around 75,000.,and Union was a little less. Concord might have had 20,000.,then.
Today, both Union and Cabarrus have populations over 200,000. Concord has close to 100,000 and Matthews, Huntersville, Cornelius and Indian trail have populations of 30,000., or more. Some of the high schools there reflect it. David Butler (Matthews),Hough (Cornelius), both have ADM's over 2,000.

I think it was late season 2018, Lincolnton got beat out early and I was needing a football fix, badly. South point was at Hibriten so I drove down to get an advanced ticket to avoid the line. When I went back to my car I could see some homes behind Lineberger stadium and just wondered how big of a development it was, so I drove through it. I had no clue Belmont had a development (more like a neighborhood) that big. All of them appeared to be what I call upscale homes.
It reminded me of the large development I saw in Union County, some years ago. when that area had begun to grow, and more recently this kind of development in Southeastern Lincoln County, which is nearest Charlotte.

I suppose I am using that kind of large development as a bellwether for growth and maybe reading too much into it, but given the nearness of Belmont to Charlotte, which is about the same distance as these other communities and towns that have grown so much (and there are other considerations for a town to grow), and access to I-85, it wouldn't surprise me to see it experience a big increase in population, passing Shelby or maybe even Hickory, and of course for the high school enrollment to increase.
Unless the Charlotte economy grinds to a screeching halt, I couldn't imaging how it could keep from growing.

 

[SPRaiders78]

The biggest thing limiting the growth you mentioned is access. It was rumored for years there would be another bridge crossing the Catawba River. If that ever happens I can't imagine what the growth will look like. Twenty years ago, I would have never have thought there would be a Stewart Cramer High School. I guess at some point people will be moving to Alexis and High Shoals to escape the urban sprawl.

 

[By the Fence]

Speaking of political correctness, wonder how long it will be before other high schools face a decision about nicknames or mascots?

Here in Duplin County, North Duplin's nickname is Rebels. I am surprised there hasnt been more outcry from some about others.

 

[Lion Attack]

In the city of Belmont political correctness has raised it's ugly head for the second time that I'm aware. It seems that there are some in the community that feel the name "Red Raiders" is offensive. A pitetion has been started to change the name, and of course the branding. If I were to tell you exactly how I feel about this pitetion, I would be kicked off NC Preps. Let's just say, anybody who grew up in Belmont and feels that way, can; as Flo said, KISS MY GRITS.

Just goes to show that you are simply old now. Whites obviously established the mascot names, so it has never affected you directly, but what if you all were the South Point Pale Faces instead. Would you still take no offense to it, or understand why some would? If not, good for you. You’re entitled to that. Again and no offense, but you are old and set in your ways.

Random question, though. When was the last time you saw two Indians, the true Native Americans, out and about together? I’m guessing it’s been a long time since that has happened. Their voices and presence are sadly at a minimum, even more so when you were younger, but they have been voicing their displeasure with some of these mascot names in professional sports for about a decade now. It’s apparently making its way to high school now.

 

[SPRaiders78]

So you are telling me that at a graduation ceremony, at South Point High School a speaker said something about Shelby and made a reference to The Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. as Martin Luther Coon. Buddy you wouldn't have gotten away with that in 1970. I wasn't there but I can guarantee, if that happened it would have been on WBT News in 2018.

I didn't start this thread with the intention of arguing with you or anyone else. It does tick me off that some are trying to change the mascot name of South Point High School. If they succeed they succeed. That doesn't mean I have to like it. I have better things to do than try to change history.

 

[Lion Attack]

My sister went to South Point’s graduation in ‘18. True story, there was a female graduating student giving a speech. She voiced her disdain for Shelby, and referred to Martin Luther King as Martin Luther Coon, but backtracked as if it was just a slippage of her tongue. Anyway, some of you South Point guys are, should I say, “interesting” anyway.

 

[Lion Attack]

So you are telling me that at a graduation ceremony, at South Point High School a speaker said something about Shelby and made a reference to The Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. as Martin Luther Coon. Buddy you wouldn't have gotten away with that in 1970. I wasn't there but I can guarantee, if that happened it would have been on WBT News in 2018.

I didn't start this thread with the intention of arguing with you or anyone else. It does tick me off that some are trying to change the mascot name of South Point High School. If they succeed they succeed. That doesn't mean I have to like it. I have better things to do than try to change history.

I deleted my last post, because I simply changed my mind, but seeing that you obviously had seen it, I’m reposting it now. But, to answer your question, hell tf yes, a female student said that. My sister sent us all a group text talking about it.

 

[BK13T-$]

I see Indians every day. Most the time they are wearing kansas city chiefs or Washington redskins clothing. Speaking from personal experience natives in NC like the mascots. Oh and they refer to themselves as Indians. Even their cop cars say Cherokee Indian police on them. I think liberal whites are more offended by it than anyone else here in NC. What doesnt offend them though?

 

[rambbq]

Man after reading all the posts about the population explosion in Charlotte and surrounding counties sure makes me glad to be stuck up here in little ole Rockingham County (population around 96,000)........

 

[Vik-Val 86]

I know Gaffney High is still known as the Indians. They call their stadium the reservation. After research it went on to state that the “new reservation replaced the old reservation which was also known as the Brumbach stadium.” The new stadium was built in 2008 and costed 8 million dollars. And it is said one of the top facilities in the state.

 

[BK13T-$]

8,500 here.

 

[SPRaiders78]

Man after reading all the posts about the population explosion in Charlotte and surrounding counties sure makes me glad to be stuck up here in little ole Rockingham County (population around 96,000)........

You wouldn't know anybody out your way that's got five or six acres for sale do you. I'm about ready to retire and get out of this rat race.

 

[rambbq]

actually there is probably plenty of out of city limits property in this area....and land is much cheaper than down y'alls way.....................

 

[GoNtheDistance]

Interestingly at one time HP Andrews mascot was a full dressed Indian , as they are also called the Red Raiders.....sometime in the 1980's or later...they lost the Indian mascot ......surprised they haven't lost the "Red" as well

it was actually in 2004 I believe it was where all Guilford county schools with Indian mascots were forced to change. Andrews went from a Red Raider who was an Indian chief much like South Point, to now some type of Zoro character on a horse. Southern Guilford went from the Indians to the Storm. It’s ridiculous.

 

[SPRaiders78]

The problem with all this political correctness is you will always find somebody that's offended by something. Where will it end? Just follow the golden rule. Luke 6:31. Do you others as you would have them do to you.

I don't live in the past. Had I taken just a couple more classes, I could have minored in history in college. As the philosopher George Santayana said; "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." Learn from what has happened, don't make the same mistakes others made and move forward.

Boy did I wake up in a preaching mood today or what?

 

[UNCGrad2014]

The problem with all this political correctness is you will always find somebody that's offended by something. Where will it end? Just follow the golden rule. Luke 6:31. Do you others as you would have them do to you.

I don't live in the past. Had I taken just a couple more classes, I could have minored in history in college. As the philosopher George Santayana said; "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." Learn from what has happened, don't make the same mistakes others made and move forward.

Boy did I wake up in a preaching mood today or what?

You did, but stop using the “those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it” line. The atrocities of US history, and the actions of oppressors and suffering of the oppressed being the reason why mascot names are being changed because they are linked to the oppressed, will not be repeated to that degree. Not even close. I get what you’re trying to say, but it’s not applicable here, IMO.

 

[SPRaiders78]

You know what they say about opinions, everybody has one. I also know where your point of view is coming from. I understand what you are saying. As Rafiki in "The Lion King" said, "The past can hurt. But the way I see it, you can either run from it or learn from it"

I'm not an emotional, touchy feely, easily offended type person. Unless something or somebody does something that negativity effects my family or myself, I generally don't get out of shape about it. I don't have the same experiences you have had. So naturally we don't have the same point of view. That doesn't mean we can't get along, that doesn't mean we can't go fishing together, if you fish. You can't change history. Let's just work on making a better tomorrow.

 

[TheMule]

actually there is probably plenty of out of city limits property in this area....and land is much cheaper than down y'alls way.....................

Sorry, none of my land is for sale.

 

[TheMule]

You know what they say about opinions, everybody has one. I also know where your point of view is coming from. I understand what you are saying. As Rafiki in "The Lion King" said, "The past can hurt. But the way I see it, you can either run from it or learn from it"

I'm not an emotional, touchy feely, easily offended type person. Unless something or somebody does something that negativity effects my family or myself, I generally don't get out of shape about it. I don't have the same experiences you have had. So naturally we don't have the same point of view. That doesn't mean we can't get along, that doesn't mean we can't go fishing together, if you fish. You can't change history. Let's just work on making a better tomorrow.

The problem is there are those who have no interest in making a better tomorrow - unless it benefits only them.

 

[UNCGrad2014]

You know what they say about opinions, everybody has one. I also know where your point of view is coming from. I understand what you are saying. As Rafiki in "The Lion King" said, "The past can hurt. But the way I see it, you can either run from it or learn from it"

I'm not an emotional, touchy feely, easily offended type person. Unless something or somebody does something that negativity effects my family or myself, I generally don't get out of shape about it. I don't have the same experiences you have had. So naturally we don't have the same point of view. That doesn't mean we can't get along, that doesn't mean we can't go fishing together, if you fish. You can't change history. Let's just work on making a better tomorrow.

I’ve always wanted to go fishing and hunting. Never have.

 

[SPRaiders78]

I don't do the hunting thing. If you hunt, you might find and my wife wouldn't appreciate that at all. If you want to go fishing, let me know. I don't have a boat but we can fish from the bank.

 

[DeBoer31]

You did, but stop using the “those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it” line. The atrocities of US history, and the actions of oppressors and suffering of the oppressed being the reason why mascot names are being changed because they are linked to the oppressed, will not be repeated to that degree. Not even close. I get what you’re trying to say, but it’s not applicable here, IMO.

I love this approach by your "side". That's what it's become....your side v. my side.
It's funny...when you legitimately have not had any serious obstacles to overcome in life, you get a generation that makes up problems. Atrocities? LOL....life in the 1300s to 1940s was a LITTLE BIT different world than how we live nowadays. There was no free healthcare or cell phones you felt entitled to having. I'm embarrassed FOR those short-sighted idiots remarking about these "atrocities" in what was becoming a country (we are very young as a country....FYI if you didn't know) AND what was going on around the world.
If you are so appalled by it currently though, there is plenty of it still going on in the world....in all those impoverished areas outside of the U.S. where every person is doing any and everything for themselves to make sure that they eat for the next week or so. So, you can make a difference...move to Malaysia or Ghana and check out what kind of difference you can make.
This will be deleted I'm sure - because my opinion is not allowed to be uttered in this new socialist world. But, I will call those with an outcry to change mascots names what it is: posturing and pandering by the weak minded.
I am betting The Fightin' Irish, Cowboys, Pirates, Buccaneers, Giants, Steelers and whatever else Mascot name associated with Anglo-Saxon, Scottish, Irish or French ancestry aren't offended ...just like about every Native American I see isn't offended. I am related to a full blooded Cherokee. He served in the US Army, and is a normal American like so many "red","black", "brown" and "white" people still are. About ten years ago we were having this mascot conversation and he laughed and mentioned that nobody he knows gives a sh!t about the mascot situation...and asked me "Do you care that Notre Dame is called the 'Fighting Irish' ?" Of course I didn't, and we kept on laughing, drinking and talking.

 

[WONDERS89]

I love this approach by your "side". That's what it's become....your side v. my side.
It's funny...when you legitimately have not had any serious obstacles to overcome in life, you get a generation that makes up problems. Atrocities? LOL....life in the 1300s to 1940s was a LITTLE BIT different world than how we live nowadays. There was no free healthcare or cell phones you felt entitled to having. I'm embarrassed FOR those short-sighted idiots remarking about these "atrocities" in what was becoming a country (we are very young as a country....FYI if you didn't know) AND what was going on around the world.
If you are so appalled by it currently though, there is plenty of it still going on in the world....in all those impoverished areas outside of the U.S. where every person is doing any and everything for themselves to make sure that they eat for the next week or so. So, you can make a difference...move to Malaysia or Ghana and check out what kind of difference you can make.
This will be deleted I'm sure - because my opinion is not allowed to be uttered in this new socialist world. But, I will call those with an outcry to change mascots names what it is: posturing and pandering by the weak minded.
I am betting The Fightin' Irish, Cowboys, Pirates, Buccaneers, Giants, Steelers and whatever else Mascot name associated with Anglo-Saxon, Scottish, Irish or French ancestry aren't offended ...just like about every Native American I see isn't offended. I am related to a full blooded Cherokee. He served in the US Army, and is a normal American like so many "red","black", "brown" and "white" people still are. About ten years ago we were having this mascot conversation and he laughed and mentioned that nobody he knows gives a sh!t about the mascot situation...and asked me "Do you care that Notre Dame is called the 'Fighting Irish' ?" Of course I didn't, and we kept on laughing, drinking and talking.

Well said!

 

[TVILLEDAWG2370]

Thomasville “BULLGOGS” better beware,it’s offensive to bogs...screw all these idiots.

 

[UNCGrad2014]

I love this approach by your "side". That's what it's become....your side v. my side.
It's funny...when you legitimately have not had any serious obstacles to overcome in life, you get a generation that makes up problems. Atrocities? LOL....life in the 1300s to 1940s was a LITTLE BIT different world than how we live nowadays. There was no free healthcare or cell phones you felt entitled to having. I'm embarrassed FOR those short-sighted idiots remarking about these "atrocities" in what was becoming a country (we are very young as a country....FYI if you didn't know) AND what was going on around the world.
If you are so appalled by it currently though, there is plenty of it still going on in the world....in all those impoverished areas outside of the U.S. where every person is doing any and everything for themselves to make sure that they eat for the next week or so. So, you can make a difference...move to Malaysia or Ghana and check out what kind of difference you can make.
This will be deleted I'm sure - because my opinion is not allowed to be uttered in this new socialist world. But, I will call those with an outcry to change mascots names what it is: posturing and pandering by the weak minded.
I am betting The Fightin' Irish, Cowboys, Pirates, Buccaneers, Giants, Steelers and whatever else Mascot name associated with Anglo-Saxon, Scottish, Irish or French ancestry aren't offended ...just like about every Native American I see isn't offended. I am related to a full blooded Cherokee. He served in the US Army, and is a normal American like so many "red","black", "brown" and "white" people still are. About ten years ago we were having this mascot conversation and he laughed and mentioned that nobody he knows gives a sh!t about the mascot situation...and asked me "Do you care that Notre Dame is called the 'Fighting Irish' ?" Of course I didn't, and we kept on laughing, drinking and talking.

Yawns.

 

[SPRaiders78]

Now I hear the PC police have pushed Dan Snyder into a corner, if he ever wants to return the team to DC he must change the name.

The Cleveland Indians are already discussing making a change. As much hatred as that bunch of socialis and commies have I guess it will be the Patriots next. I say to heck with it. If your are that offended, don't watch. Vote with your pocketbook.

The Atlanta Braves use to have a tee-pee beyond the outfield wall, when a Brave hit a home run ol Cheif Knock-a- homma would come out and dance. Boy thing change. Alot of change may be for the good of society, but a lot is just change for the sake of change. When will it end, it won't until law and order is restablished.

 

[Lion Attack]

Like I mentioned earlier, and despite a couple of y’all knowing some cool Washington Redskins, Kansas City Chiefs T Shirt wearing, “law and order” abiding Indians, drinking buddy, those “Red Skins”, which is a White man given name, please point me in the direction of an Indian referring to himself as a Red Skin. Anyway, they have been pressuring Snyder for over a decade now. Y’all like to put it as if this is just some trendy shit, but Native Americans have been going at it with Snyder for a long time now over the Red Skins name, and now that it poses a serious threat to his pockets, he’s listening now.

Who wants to join me for me for some Tar Baby Pancakes this morning, though? Couldn’t help it recently thinking about my Great Grandpa who was poor, but he had the biggest heart ever. The man would do his shopping at The Salvation Army. He bought me a Tar Baby Pancakes T Shirt, and the logo was literally a Tar Baby holding a stack of pancakes.

I wore the hell out of that shirt as a kid, because I didn’t know any better. It wasn’t until I started being called a Tar Baby growing up in what was a very hick ass Shelby at the time, that it was a name degrading to my people.

Anyway, how about some breakfast somewhere. Heck, we can even talk about how “law and order” is needed to remind everyone of who’s world this is.

 

[BK13T-$]

While we're at it maybe the dallas cowboys should go.

 

[Mhsneer]

Red raider implies being a bad arse. I don’t get how that’s offensive. I really don’t think native Americans take offense to being called seminoles or red raiders. It really should be a compliment. The mascots are cool. We’ve raised a whole generation of people who are offended Over nothing but really don’t mind when they’re offensive. They are judge and jury most of em haven’t done an honest hard days work in their whole lives. They want us to social distance and follow the rules while they loot and burn property. Trust fund babies and well fare babies. I truly worry about kids that believe society shouldn’t hurt their feelings or do anything controversial. We’ve spared the rod and spoiled the children.

 

[SPRaiders78]

The truth is there are not enough native americans or black americans in the US to force a change. The change is being forced now because many young white people have chosen to support the narrative. I'm not saying they are wrong to do so, I am saying I personally don't. Onh well as Doris Day said a long time ago, "What ever will be, will be".

 

[Crest is Garbage]

Simple solution: use the NFL raiders logo and make it black and red. Keep the name. It’s a sweet logo anyway.

Realistically, it doesn’t matter how the old timers “feel”. It’s eventually going to get changed. The sooner you realize that, the better.

 

[SPRaiders78]

You may be right about the mascot being changed, eventually. Thou I totally disagree with the statement that, "the sooner I realize it the better." What I believe or realize has nothing to do with it. I believe what I believe. Those things are not easily changed. Oh and just because I or anyone else believes something, doesn't make it true.

 

[Crest is Garbage]

I’m not a fan of the mascot, I’m a fan of the team and I don’t care what they’re called.

I personally don’t have a problem with the logo, but I’m not the one it depicts either. Just because it’s always been, doesn’t mean it always has to be. It’s not going to solve all the problems but, maybe it’s a good place to start?

 

[SPRaiders78]

Maybe it is a good place to start. Maybe it will make some people FEEL better. Because after all, how other people feel is so important to us all. In case you can't tell, I don't really give a crap how people feel. I pray they are healthy and are well cared for, but I don't care how they feel. Feelings are like butt holes, we all got em.

 

[Crest is Garbage]

Maybe it is a good place to start. Maybe it will make some people FEEL better. Because after all, how other people feel is so important to us all. In case you can't tell, I don't really give a crap how people feel. I pray they are healthy and are well cared for, but I don't care how they feel. Feelings are like butt holes, we all got em.

It’s obvious you don’t care, no arguing with you there. However, I’m sure you’re a great guy and I have no problem with you. I disagree with you and at the end of the day, that’s okay.

The change is happening though, no matter what you’re opinion is. Time marches on and these things will pass eventually. Hopefully, you’re FEELINGS don’t get hurt in the process. I’ll still support whatever team Belmont fields, regardless of their name.