Be brave — don’t shout “Sooners”
Today’s Oklahoman addressed University of Oklahoma sports fans who choose to shout “home of the Sooners” rather than “home of the brave” at the end of the pregame national anthem.
I had no idea this was such a touchy topic. I considered it an overreaction, nothing more than an exaggerated entry in the “Politically Incorrect” file. Fans throughout America often replace the word “brave” with their team nickname. No big deal. Mountain out of a molehill.
But after reading the passionate pleas of those who are offended, I have quickly reversed field.
This controversy reminds me of the debate concerning athletic teams using Native Americans as team nicknames/mascots. I thought that, too, was an overreaction.
I asked legendary basketball coach Abe Lemons, who was at Oklahoma City University at the time, if depicting Native Americans should be considered offensive. Back then, OCU’s mascot was Chiefs.
As was often the case with Lemons, he deflected with humor. “How do people know what kind of chief it is?” Lemons said. “Could be a Fire Chief. Could be a Police Chief.” Shortly thereafter, OCU changed its nickname from Chiefs to Stars.
I also discussed this matter with Bethany native and former New York Yankees pitcher Allie Reynolds, who was part-Indian and nicknamed “Superchief,” which actually was the name of a popular passenger train.
Reynolds said it was embarrassing Native Americans viewed it so negatively. I figured if a prominent Native American such as Reynolds was not offended, why should I be? And yet, numerous Native American depictions in sports are now gone.
This “home of the brave” debate is easily correctable. Just don’t shout “Sooners.” Now that the shouters are more aware of the issue’s sensitivity, hopefully the conclusion of Saturday night’s national anthem at Owen Field will have a different ending.
All it takes is a little restraint, and imagine the overwhelming sign of respect if not a single fan screamed “Sooners.” Forget your freedom of speech for one measly word. Starting Saturday, don’t shout “Sooners.” Your word of silence would speak much louder than you could ever imagine.
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