Comments on: Big ‘Red’ Debate from Pennsylvania to Kahuku

By: roots

roots — Mon, 20 Jul 2020 18:38:35 +0000

@ALWAYS ASK WHY,

When you add words to other word, the definition of words can change. Obviously the word “Red” by itself isn’t derogatory or offensive.

Here is a quote, The tomahawk chop and the accompanying chant by thousands of Kahuku football fans has the desired effect. Particularly at state-tournament games at rusty Aloha Stadium.

Yet, that well-meaning passion that shakes the house is misplaced in the eyes of longtime Native American activist Suzan Shown Harjo.

“People doing the offending say, ‘I’m honoring you.’ It’s not an honor. Thank you for the honor, but we don’t feel it’s an honor,” said Harjo, a 2014 Medal of Freedom honoree who is of Muscogee Creek and Cherokee descent. “If people (on the mainland) started calling themselves Kanaka Ma‘oli and used (Native Hawaiian) tattoos, a ti leaf or lei, or a canoe that isn’t an outrigger canoe, how would that be? It’s wrong.”

The more I read and explore, the name is racist. Defending it is just bad and ignorant.

By: roots

roots — Mon, 20 Jul 2020 18:32:08 +0000

The Atlanta Braves just got rid of the term “Chop On” for all signage in their stadium and all memorabilia.

They are now having discussions to ban fans from doing the Tomahawk motion during games in their stadium.

Obviously many people are not offended and others love the name and chant.

But it’s not about the majority. It’s about some people being offended.

The Braves are doing it right.

By: ALWAYS ASK WHY

ALWAYS ASK WHY — Mon, 20 Jul 2020 06:10:58 +0000

Reply to roots #49. Apparently, you are not concern about the word Raider, but the word Red because of its implications to Native Americans. The word Red is not reserved for Native Americans. Would the word Red Sox, Red Hill, Red Dirt, Red Robin, Red Roses, Red Apple, Red Porsche, or Red Wine be racism? Of course not…unless you want it to be. As for the logo, as mentioned earlier, Native Americans that I visited on their Reservations, looked like people walking down Maunakea Street. If Tomahawk is offensive, change the name to Karate Chop, Kung Fu Khop, or the Kahuku Khop. But don’t change the name Kahuku Red Raiders.

By: roots

roots — Sun, 19 Jul 2020 23:06:04 +0000

@ALWAY ASK WHY,

You are entitled to your opinion. But it seems a large number of people feel different. Many feel the name is offensive. As so, a meaningful discussion between the BOE, DOE, HSTA, School Admin, and community leaders should take place asap.

Like I have said. The origin of the name isn’t what’s at hand now. It’s that the name is offensive to a large group of people.

By: ALWAY ASK WHY

ALWAY ASK WHY — Sat, 18 Jul 2020 09:10:54 +0000

Reply #42. I agree that the Kahuku Red Raider name or logo is not racism, not toward Native Americans or Polynesians, and should be kept. The name is not derogatory. On the contrary, it brings the North Shore Community together; the name is a source of pride. Fr. Kenneth Bray, probably Hawaii’s premier high school sports motivator, and the Iolani Athletic Directory and Football Coach 90 years ago, used the Red Raiders name to motive his band of small-size Asian ball players to compete successfully against Punahou, McKinley, Kamehameha, and St. Louis. As for the logo, I visited the Winnebago and Santee Sioux Reservations years ago. Walking down their main street was like walking down Maunakea Street; they could easily pass for my uncles and aunties. Although being of Asia ancestry, one Sioux child asked me what tribe I was from. And so, what should a Red Raider logo look like. I think, as with many things in life, it is in eyes of the beholder. Anything that is respectful is fine with me.

By: roots

roots — Sat, 18 Jul 2020 07:39:58 +0000

Even if the original name didn’t have to do with American Indians, the fact that many people are offended or uncomfortable means there should meaningful discussion.

There are so many names over history that wasn’t created to offend. But years later it was offensive. And that is why it changed.

It looks like it’s a good time to change again.

By: rrforlfiebaby

rrforlfiebaby — Fri, 17 Jul 2020 23:27:23 +0000

I think Ramblers (or something similar) is correct for the original name of the sports teams.
Switched to Red Raiders after receiving old uniforms from Iolani School; as far as I can tell, the original Iolani nick name had nothing to do with American Indians.

The first Mascot I can remember was the fighting Menehune. Changed to Indian head in the 90’s, and along came the war chant.

The classes from the 90’s messed us up…lol.

But, the original intent of the Red Raider name had nothing to do with American Indians; so I’m against changing the name. I love the current logo, but I do miss the menehune.

I love the war chant, and over the years, it starts off as the Indian war chant, but for some reason, has morphed into something else. Other schools started using it, so i’m 50/50 on the war chant. Maybe try incorporating the haka?

RRFL!!

By: ALLAN

ALLAN — Thu, 16 Jul 2020 19:42:23 +0000

BTW, GET RID OF THE TERM, “MASCOT”. IT’S AS CLOSE TO BEING THE DESIGNATION OF “SLAVE”, WITHOUT ACTUALLY BEING AN ACTUAL ALTERNATE NAME FOR IT. PICTURE THE BUFFALO BEING YANKED AROUND THE FIELD B4 THE GAME.

By: ALLAN

ALLAN — Thu, 16 Jul 2020 19:36:51 +0000

HAHAHAHA!! I CAN SEE A USED CAR COMING OUT OF THE TUNNEL B4 THE GAME! FOLLOWED BY THE TEAM.

By: Cryhyn

Cryhyn — Thu, 16 Jul 2020 02:19:40 +0000

I think the name Saints, also took away from the true meaning of religious dignity. I mean, I know of no one that went on to sainthood or even priesthood. Maybe some that went to the hood in general. But in any case, what doe’s the Pope say?