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But "Fighting Irish" and "Minutemen" are not pejoratives or derogative, that's the key difference. But "Redskins", etc are offensive. I'm sure there are some "Indians" who don't mind but that's like saying the LA Wetbacks or LA Niggaz; some may actaully like it but my guess is that it would primarily be seen as offensive.
It's not our place to tell the offended what they can or cannot be offended by. It's like saying get over it or "I wouldn't be offended by it so why should they", because of course we wouldn't, we are not they.
As to why a mascot is important? Well, it does seem trivial doesn't it? But ignorance, sterotypes, and hatred all start from seemingly benign origins. I believe that raising awareness is a good start to communication and bridging differences (just my opinion, and I'm a conservative realist, weird I know).
Ask yourself this: Is is it that big of a deal to honor the request of a community? If it's not a big deal to us, then why not just accommodate them? That's just another way of looking at the issue.
What do you think of the other example? What's the big deal with "Hizbollah" or "The Martyrs" or "Jihad"?
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