Analysis of information sources in references of the Wikipedia article "Chief Illiniwek" in English language version.
The chief's supporters prefer the term "symbol" and say that "mascot" has become the politically correct word used by critics who believe the chief is a politically incorrect representation of Native Americans. They say the anti-chief camp uses the word "mascot" to make it sound as if the chief is demeaning to Native Americans. What chief supporters don't seem to realize is that their choice of the word "symbol" is just as political as "mascot." They think "symbol" makes the chief sound more dignified and better describes their view that the chief is a respectful tribute to the native people of Illinois.
{{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)[dead link]{{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)[dead link]In 1915, the Order of the Arrow, a national Scout camping fraternity, was founded in which ceremonies of initiation were based on 'Indian themes' and local lodges and chapters were given 'Indian names.' The first three individuals who portrayed Illiniwek (Lester Leutwiler, Webber Borchers, and William Newton) became interested in 'Indian lore' through their involvement with the Boy Scouts. They spent time "Playing Indian" (Deloria 1998) at summer camp, learning so-called Indian dances as well as arts and crafts from Ralph Hubbard, a renowned enthusiast who traveled widely in the United States and Europe producing 'Indian pageants'.
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{{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)[dead link][UI alumna Spencer] Wilken reached out to the National Congress of American Indians earlier this year, noticing their 2007 statement commending Illinois' retirement of Chief Illiniwek.
{{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)[dead link]{{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)[dead link]In 1915, the Order of the Arrow, a national Scout camping fraternity, was founded in which ceremonies of initiation were based on 'Indian themes' and local lodges and chapters were given 'Indian names.' The first three individuals who portrayed Illiniwek (Lester Leutwiler, Webber Borchers, and William Newton) became interested in 'Indian lore' through their involvement with the Boy Scouts. They spent time "Playing Indian" (Deloria 1998) at summer camp, learning so-called Indian dances as well as arts and crafts from Ralph Hubbard, a renowned enthusiast who traveled widely in the United States and Europe producing 'Indian pageants'.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)