Re: A Solution for the "Fighting" Sioux, Denver's Boone, and Other "Lost" Mascots...
Knights, Utes, Cowboys, Bozos, Mariners, Canadiens, Dimwits, Yankees, Irish, even Redskins - all are collective, non specific nouns and the law deems members or wanna-be members of such groups are not harmed by misuse or profitable use of these names. To belabor the obvious: you can call your outfit "The Fighting Warriors" or "The Fighting Soldiers," but you can't call them "The Fighting U.S. Marines" no matter how much money an alum donates.
"Sioux" and "Seminole" are two specific nouns which denote specific, discrete groups of people with common social, tribal and economic interests. Unauthorized public use of their names would seem to constitute identity theft. Sports fans are assuredly tribal in nature, but let them create their own identities and totems rather than pirate and rely upon the reputations of others.
Knights, Utes, Cowboys, Bozos, Mariners, Canadiens, Dimwits, Yankees, Irish, even Redskins - all are collective, non specific nouns and the law deems members or wanna-be members of such groups are not harmed by misuse or profitable use of these names. To belabor the obvious: you can call your outfit "The Fighting Warriors" or "The Fighting Soldiers," but you can't call them "The Fighting U.S. Marines" no matter how much money an alum donates.
"Sioux" and "Seminole" are two specific nouns which denote specific, discrete groups of people with common social, tribal and economic interests. Unauthorized public use of their names would seem to constitute identity theft. Sports fans are assuredly tribal in nature, but let them create their own identities and totems rather than pirate and rely upon the reputations of others.
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