Members of the media attending games, as well as practices of professional sports teams is nothing out of the ordinary. It’s something that has been done for decades. Those same reporters gaining access to the player locker rooms is even more commonplace. If you want an interview with any of the athletes, whether it be to comment on their performance or the game that has just ended, the locker room is the place to do that.
But, recently, there has been a dramatic increase in female reporters crowding the sidelines during games, especially in football. Most of these ladies are there because the networks that broadcast the sports match-ups are merely trying to cater to the male faction of their audience. Let’s face it, men would much rather look at attractive women down on the field chatting up the athletes than some overweight, washed up, former pro … no offense to Tony Siragusa. While that’s all well and good, I have a problem with those ladies trotting into the locker rooms after the game to interview the players. This very issue is what has had the New York Jets – as well as loud-mouthed athletes like the Washington Redskins’ Clinton Portis – in hot water lately.
Ines Sainz, a former beauty queen who now serves as a reporter for TV Azteca, a Mexican network, was on the sidelines at the new Meadowlands during a team practice, where she was reportedly harassed by some of the players. Not deterred by the behavior, Sainz was on the sidelines again during the Jets’ showdown with the Baltimore Ravens last Monday night. Following the game, the bosomy blond made her way into the Jets’ locker room to interview quarterback Mark Sanchez. Once again, she was harassed by some of the athletes, receiving cat calls and whistles.
First of all, a female has no business going into a men’s locker room, plain and simple. Granted, every person should have equal opportunity when it comes to employment, I think this freedom of equality should be rescinded. Male reporters are not allowed into women’s locker rooms, so why should female reporters have access to a male team locker room? As for the behavior of some of the members of the Jets squad, it’s sophomoric and should definitely not be tolerated.
However, when you look at the attire of Sainz, one would quickly come to the conclusion that that kind of behavior is to be expected. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not condoning sexual harassment, but, as a professional news reporter, Sainz leaves a lot to be desired in the dress code area. There’s no way that anyone would deem her practically painted on pants and short dresses as appropriate for her profession. A true professional would likely be fired for wearing the kind of clothing she does while she’s working. I had a boss threaten to fire me for wearing flip-flops to work, for crying out loud. Sure, there are people out there who say she had it coming, but that’s not really a fair assumption to make. Regardless, she should have known better than to wear what she did.
Jennie Oemig
Editor
Arcadia News-Leader
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Mosquing the Pain
Lately, there has been a lot of controversy surrounding the concept of building a Cordoba mosque near the site of the former World Trade Center towers in New York City. As an American, my first response was to be outraged. But, in all actuality, I think the entire issue has been blown way out of proportion.
After sitting down and learning more about the issue, I have found myself wondering why everyone is so worked up about it.
First of all, the building will not just be a place of worship. It's a community center that will contain a mosque. However, the mosque aspect of the plans seems to be overshadowing the fact that the building will also contain fitness facilities, an auditorium, a restaurant and a library. Don’t get me wrong, I am not in favor of a mosque being built on sacred ground, but, clearly, that’s not what’s happening in this case.
Also, if you look at a map that shows the proposed site of the Park51 project, you will see that it’s a good two blocks from where the terrorist attacks took place. Believe me, it would be an entirely different story if this facility were being built on the same tract of land where the World Trade Center once stood. Upon further examination, it’s easy to see that there are two churches and a chapel within that same distance from Ground Zero. Obviously, it’s not a matter of precedence to build a center for worship in this particular vicinity.
While many argue that erecting a 15-story community center that contains a Muslim mosque that close to the site where nearly 3,000 people were killed, is insensitive – not only to families of the victims, but to the entire population of the United States – those people need to realize that the building proposal was not made to dishonor the memory of those who were killed by Islamic terrorists. Besides, we can’t punish an entire religion for an attack that only a handful of extremists carried out. That’s not fair. Not to mention, real estate in downtown Manhattan is hard enough to come by as it is without our opposition.
A long-time tradition of Muslim supremacists has been to construct mosques adjacent to or upon other groups’ holy and sacred grounds.
At the same time, those who have made the proposal need to respect the fact that the site where the World Trade Center towers once stood, though not necessarily a holy site, has become, in a sense, hallowed ground, what with all those who perished just over nine years ago. Ergo, it should be respected as such. With that, the opposition the developers are encountering has nothing to do with suppressing religion or infracting upon the First Amendment of the United States Constitution. Sure, I understand that it could be interpreted as such, but, obviously, that is not the case here.
But, what really gets my goat is the prominent role this controversy has taken in our lives. We have people dying in Afghanistan and Iraq while serving our country, a massive oil spill recovery effort taking place in the Gulf and an economy that is still in the process of rebounding from a terrible recession. There’s just so many other things that should be taking front and center at the moment. Yet, what people are choosing to focus their time and effort on is trying to prevent a building from being erected in New York City. Something just isn’t right here.
Jennie Oemig
Editor
Arcadia News-Leader
After sitting down and learning more about the issue, I have found myself wondering why everyone is so worked up about it.
First of all, the building will not just be a place of worship. It's a community center that will contain a mosque. However, the mosque aspect of the plans seems to be overshadowing the fact that the building will also contain fitness facilities, an auditorium, a restaurant and a library. Don’t get me wrong, I am not in favor of a mosque being built on sacred ground, but, clearly, that’s not what’s happening in this case.
Also, if you look at a map that shows the proposed site of the Park51 project, you will see that it’s a good two blocks from where the terrorist attacks took place. Believe me, it would be an entirely different story if this facility were being built on the same tract of land where the World Trade Center once stood. Upon further examination, it’s easy to see that there are two churches and a chapel within that same distance from Ground Zero. Obviously, it’s not a matter of precedence to build a center for worship in this particular vicinity.
While many argue that erecting a 15-story community center that contains a Muslim mosque that close to the site where nearly 3,000 people were killed, is insensitive – not only to families of the victims, but to the entire population of the United States – those people need to realize that the building proposal was not made to dishonor the memory of those who were killed by Islamic terrorists. Besides, we can’t punish an entire religion for an attack that only a handful of extremists carried out. That’s not fair. Not to mention, real estate in downtown Manhattan is hard enough to come by as it is without our opposition.
A long-time tradition of Muslim supremacists has been to construct mosques adjacent to or upon other groups’ holy and sacred grounds.
At the same time, those who have made the proposal need to respect the fact that the site where the World Trade Center towers once stood, though not necessarily a holy site, has become, in a sense, hallowed ground, what with all those who perished just over nine years ago. Ergo, it should be respected as such. With that, the opposition the developers are encountering has nothing to do with suppressing religion or infracting upon the First Amendment of the United States Constitution. Sure, I understand that it could be interpreted as such, but, obviously, that is not the case here.
But, what really gets my goat is the prominent role this controversy has taken in our lives. We have people dying in Afghanistan and Iraq while serving our country, a massive oil spill recovery effort taking place in the Gulf and an economy that is still in the process of rebounding from a terrible recession. There’s just so many other things that should be taking front and center at the moment. Yet, what people are choosing to focus their time and effort on is trying to prevent a building from being erected in New York City. Something just isn’t right here.
Jennie Oemig
Editor
Arcadia News-Leader
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Fruits of Our Labor
Growing up, I had no idea what Labor Day was all about or what it meant to be part of the laboring nation. To me, it was simply another day that I didn’t have to be in school … sort of like a last hurrah of summer before I really put my nose to the grindstone. Once I hit 16, however, it was a completely different story. That’s when I was hired for my very first job. Not so much work as it was a way to pay for the important things in life – car, clothes, CDs, a ticket to Country Fest – I quickly learned the importance of hard work and the value of the hard-earned dollar.
My very first job was as a Jill-of-all-trades at McDonald’s. You see, at those kind of places, you don’t just get to do one thing … you do it all. However, my first few days, I was stuck on French fry duty for four hours at a time. That meant I had to put the frozen product in the deep fryer, pull them up, salt them, box them and do it all over again. Needless to say, I have absolutely hated McDonald’s fries ever since. But after four hours of grease, salt and so many burns I couldn’t even count, I had an entirely new appreciation for people who work at fast food restaurants. Moreover, I sincerely believe that everyone should have to hold that type of job at some point in their life.
I feel those same sentiments about my second and third jobs, as well. Before I started working in the restaurant business, I simply assumed that, once you order food at a restaurant, it should magically appear in front of you in a reasonable amount of time. As I would soon learn in my position as a cook and server at a small cafe in my hometown, there is a lot of hard work that goes into those jobs. Before I began waiting tables, I never really understood why we needed to leave tips. Waiters and waitresses make minimum wage, so why do they need extra money, right? Not so much.
In my opinion, servers are the hardest working individuals in the workforce, right alongside farmers and construction workers. I mean, think about it … they bring you food, drinks and are at your beck and call while you’re in their place of work, most are on their feet for at least eight hours a day and they’re doing it all while making less than minimum wage. Servers depend on tips to make a living because, Lord knows, they’d be hurting if they were counting solely on their wages to pay their bills. While I was making my way through college, I revisited my days of working in fast food when I took a job at Dairy Queen. But it wasn’t until I began working there that I really got the feeling that people really didn’t appreciate or understand the kind of labor employees at fast-food joints actually put in.
Not only were most of my co-workers full-time college students trying to earn some extra spending cash, but several were student-athletes, as well. Imagine trying to go to a full day of classes, hitting the gym or field for practice and then coming to work, only to get bitched at by unappreciative customers. While those types of jobs helped mold me into who I have become today, I must admit that I’m much happier not working in the food service industry. So, the next time you go out to eat, whether it be at a fancy restaurant or a fast-food joint, remember that just because the employees may be a little lower down the totem pole, they’re still an integral cog in the labor force of this country.
Jennie Oemig
Editor
Arcadia News-Leader
My very first job was as a Jill-of-all-trades at McDonald’s. You see, at those kind of places, you don’t just get to do one thing … you do it all. However, my first few days, I was stuck on French fry duty for four hours at a time. That meant I had to put the frozen product in the deep fryer, pull them up, salt them, box them and do it all over again. Needless to say, I have absolutely hated McDonald’s fries ever since. But after four hours of grease, salt and so many burns I couldn’t even count, I had an entirely new appreciation for people who work at fast food restaurants. Moreover, I sincerely believe that everyone should have to hold that type of job at some point in their life.
I feel those same sentiments about my second and third jobs, as well. Before I started working in the restaurant business, I simply assumed that, once you order food at a restaurant, it should magically appear in front of you in a reasonable amount of time. As I would soon learn in my position as a cook and server at a small cafe in my hometown, there is a lot of hard work that goes into those jobs. Before I began waiting tables, I never really understood why we needed to leave tips. Waiters and waitresses make minimum wage, so why do they need extra money, right? Not so much.
In my opinion, servers are the hardest working individuals in the workforce, right alongside farmers and construction workers. I mean, think about it … they bring you food, drinks and are at your beck and call while you’re in their place of work, most are on their feet for at least eight hours a day and they’re doing it all while making less than minimum wage. Servers depend on tips to make a living because, Lord knows, they’d be hurting if they were counting solely on their wages to pay their bills. While I was making my way through college, I revisited my days of working in fast food when I took a job at Dairy Queen. But it wasn’t until I began working there that I really got the feeling that people really didn’t appreciate or understand the kind of labor employees at fast-food joints actually put in.
Not only were most of my co-workers full-time college students trying to earn some extra spending cash, but several were student-athletes, as well. Imagine trying to go to a full day of classes, hitting the gym or field for practice and then coming to work, only to get bitched at by unappreciative customers. While those types of jobs helped mold me into who I have become today, I must admit that I’m much happier not working in the food service industry. So, the next time you go out to eat, whether it be at a fancy restaurant or a fast-food joint, remember that just because the employees may be a little lower down the totem pole, they’re still an integral cog in the labor force of this country.
Jennie Oemig
Editor
Arcadia News-Leader
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Don't Laugh At Me
As the new school year commences, it brings back fond memories of my days attending school back home in Cornell. If you didn’t guess it already, I was one of those geeky kids who loved school, much to my parents’ delight. Sure, I enjoyed summer as much as the next kid, but, for some reason, I yearned to go back each fall and bury my nose in books and homework.
I loved homework, writing and being artistic – which really hasn’t changed all that much, I guess. Regardless of how hard I worked at getting straight A’s, it was sometimes difficult for me to stay focused in school.
No, I’m not talking about passing notes during class or whispering about boys in a secluded corner of the library. Granted, there are many of those instances I can recall that have been stored in my memory banks, I’m referring to the harsh reality that school can oftentimes be a horrific place for a kid. Though I had an affinity for learning, I neglected to mention that I was also a pudgy kid who was blessed with Coke-bottle spectacles by the time I was in fourth grade.
While that period of my life has come and gone – for the most part – I, like many other kids that age, became the subject of ridicule from my classmates. Words like ‘fatty’ and ‘four eyes’ were thrown my way on a daily basis. Meant to be a place where kids felt safe and did the majority of their maturing, I quickly discovered that school wasn’t always a conducive environment for learning.
When I started kindergarten, I remember a choice few of my classmates who were just plain mean to me. Though I wasn’t the one who bore the brunt of their wrath, it still hurt. I was only leafy to imagine how other kids who were incessantly teased felt.
While there were others who saw humor in this kind of behavior and joined in on the pranks and jokes on occasion, class clowns they certainly were not.
As we grew older, several of those same mean kids continued to tease and torment classmates, so much so that it brought kids to tears. And while I’d like to say I was merely a victim, innocent when it came to bullying, I admit that there were times I caught myself laughing at the expense of others. Looking back, I can’t help but shake my head in disgust. It’s not funny, whatsoever. But, as they say, hindsight is 20/20. Unfortunately, it doesn’t appear as though much has changed since my elementary and high school days.
Through all the technological advancements that education has seen, as well as the many fads that have come and gone – from the leather and grease of the ‘50s and the hippie chic of the ‘70s to the big hair of the ‘80s and punk and grunge styles of the ‘90s – bullying seems to be the one constant that every generation has endured. As tragic as it is to imagine, bullying has always been a problem within the confines of any educational institution, whether it be in the cafeteria, out on the playground or in the classroom.
And, sadly, with new conveniences like cell phones and computers, bullying has become even worse. Threats and torments are now as easy as sending a message via Facebook or text message. And while I know, from experience, that kids don’t like being tattletales – not to mention the fact that it can be embarrassing for them to admit to being bullied – parents need to make sure their children are not being victimized. While I know that schools have bullying policies in place, this kind of behavior should be nipped in the bud before these kids even enter the hallways. Parents need to instill in their children that teasing of other individuals won’t be tolerated. Not only should they respect their elders, but they should be taught to respect everyone.
Jennie Oemig
Editor
Arcadia News-Leader
I loved homework, writing and being artistic – which really hasn’t changed all that much, I guess. Regardless of how hard I worked at getting straight A’s, it was sometimes difficult for me to stay focused in school.
No, I’m not talking about passing notes during class or whispering about boys in a secluded corner of the library. Granted, there are many of those instances I can recall that have been stored in my memory banks, I’m referring to the harsh reality that school can oftentimes be a horrific place for a kid. Though I had an affinity for learning, I neglected to mention that I was also a pudgy kid who was blessed with Coke-bottle spectacles by the time I was in fourth grade.
While that period of my life has come and gone – for the most part – I, like many other kids that age, became the subject of ridicule from my classmates. Words like ‘fatty’ and ‘four eyes’ were thrown my way on a daily basis. Meant to be a place where kids felt safe and did the majority of their maturing, I quickly discovered that school wasn’t always a conducive environment for learning.
When I started kindergarten, I remember a choice few of my classmates who were just plain mean to me. Though I wasn’t the one who bore the brunt of their wrath, it still hurt. I was only leafy to imagine how other kids who were incessantly teased felt.
While there were others who saw humor in this kind of behavior and joined in on the pranks and jokes on occasion, class clowns they certainly were not.
As we grew older, several of those same mean kids continued to tease and torment classmates, so much so that it brought kids to tears. And while I’d like to say I was merely a victim, innocent when it came to bullying, I admit that there were times I caught myself laughing at the expense of others. Looking back, I can’t help but shake my head in disgust. It’s not funny, whatsoever. But, as they say, hindsight is 20/20. Unfortunately, it doesn’t appear as though much has changed since my elementary and high school days.
Through all the technological advancements that education has seen, as well as the many fads that have come and gone – from the leather and grease of the ‘50s and the hippie chic of the ‘70s to the big hair of the ‘80s and punk and grunge styles of the ‘90s – bullying seems to be the one constant that every generation has endured. As tragic as it is to imagine, bullying has always been a problem within the confines of any educational institution, whether it be in the cafeteria, out on the playground or in the classroom.
And, sadly, with new conveniences like cell phones and computers, bullying has become even worse. Threats and torments are now as easy as sending a message via Facebook or text message. And while I know, from experience, that kids don’t like being tattletales – not to mention the fact that it can be embarrassing for them to admit to being bullied – parents need to make sure their children are not being victimized. While I know that schools have bullying policies in place, this kind of behavior should be nipped in the bud before these kids even enter the hallways. Parents need to instill in their children that teasing of other individuals won’t be tolerated. Not only should they respect their elders, but they should be taught to respect everyone.
Jennie Oemig
Editor
Arcadia News-Leader
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Fatality Raises Concerns
It’s no secret that the Amish population in northern Wisconsin is on the rise. And that’s all fine and good with me. However, I do have reservations about the way in which automobiles and buggies are required to share roadways. I’m not going to sugar-coat this, by any means. Buggies should not be allowed to travel on highways where the posted speed limit is 55 mph and above. I’m not saying that Amish and Old Order Mennonite folks should be banned from all roadways if they are traveling by buggy, but, in my eyes, it’s just too dangerous.
First off, most buggies are not equipped with proper lighting, thus posing a huge threat, especially if they happen to be traveling along the road near or after sundown, which I’ve witnessed. Add to that the fact that buggies typically don’t reach speeds in excess of 15 mph. When operating lightweight, wooden vehicles on the same roads with heavy, metal 4-by-4 pickups and 18 wheelers, lives most certainly will be lost. And they have been.
Granted, the most recent fatality that occurred near Whitehall was a buggy vs. sedan, I’d hate to imagine what might have happened had that sedan been a semi, which are quite prevalent in the area, mind you. Those buggies are oddly built so that the passengers are ejected if it is rear-ended, what with the seating area above the impact zone. Another thing that concerns me is the way in which buggies are allowed to operate on state highways without meeting the required safety measures – child safety seats, seat belts and airbags, to name a few.
I recall a very similar scenario playing out last summer when a van rear-ended an Amish buggy, resulting in the death of an infant. The 6-week-old girl’s parents were riding in the buggy with her when the accident occurred, but what concerns me is why the girl was killed. The baby was not secured in a car seat (as she should have been if she were in a motorized vehicle) and was ejected from her mother’s arms when the buggy was struck from behind. Again, I understand the need to adhere to the Ordnung, but, not having a child in a safety seat would be, by today’s standards, considered negligent.
There are even some who refuse to display slow-moving vehicle signs on their buggies because they are too flashy. I respect the need for members of the Amish and Old Order Mennonite communities to respect and honor their heritage, but when it comes to safety, I don’t think they should be afforded the opportunity to refuse to comply with state laws. No one else can … at least not without paying some sort of forfeiture, that is. And, at this point, there’s no way to tell if the driver of the sedan had been distracted or experienced sun-blindness, when the setting sun hinders vision.
Regardless, I think everyone traveling on our roadways needs to be a lot more attentive and aware of what’s going around them. Distractions like cell phones, radios and everything else aside, more attention needs to be paid to the actual act of driving. There’s no doubt in my mind that cutting down on the number of driving-related fatalities is a group effort.
Jennie Oemig
Editor
Arcadia News-Leader
First off, most buggies are not equipped with proper lighting, thus posing a huge threat, especially if they happen to be traveling along the road near or after sundown, which I’ve witnessed. Add to that the fact that buggies typically don’t reach speeds in excess of 15 mph. When operating lightweight, wooden vehicles on the same roads with heavy, metal 4-by-4 pickups and 18 wheelers, lives most certainly will be lost. And they have been.
Granted, the most recent fatality that occurred near Whitehall was a buggy vs. sedan, I’d hate to imagine what might have happened had that sedan been a semi, which are quite prevalent in the area, mind you. Those buggies are oddly built so that the passengers are ejected if it is rear-ended, what with the seating area above the impact zone. Another thing that concerns me is the way in which buggies are allowed to operate on state highways without meeting the required safety measures – child safety seats, seat belts and airbags, to name a few.
I recall a very similar scenario playing out last summer when a van rear-ended an Amish buggy, resulting in the death of an infant. The 6-week-old girl’s parents were riding in the buggy with her when the accident occurred, but what concerns me is why the girl was killed. The baby was not secured in a car seat (as she should have been if she were in a motorized vehicle) and was ejected from her mother’s arms when the buggy was struck from behind. Again, I understand the need to adhere to the Ordnung, but, not having a child in a safety seat would be, by today’s standards, considered negligent.
There are even some who refuse to display slow-moving vehicle signs on their buggies because they are too flashy. I respect the need for members of the Amish and Old Order Mennonite communities to respect and honor their heritage, but when it comes to safety, I don’t think they should be afforded the opportunity to refuse to comply with state laws. No one else can … at least not without paying some sort of forfeiture, that is. And, at this point, there’s no way to tell if the driver of the sedan had been distracted or experienced sun-blindness, when the setting sun hinders vision.
Regardless, I think everyone traveling on our roadways needs to be a lot more attentive and aware of what’s going around them. Distractions like cell phones, radios and everything else aside, more attention needs to be paid to the actual act of driving. There’s no doubt in my mind that cutting down on the number of driving-related fatalities is a group effort.
Jennie Oemig
Editor
Arcadia News-Leader
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Apathy Is Not The Answer
One day, as I was going through an old edition of the News-Leader, picking out news stories of yore for the “From Our Files” section, something struck me as surprising. In 1960, about 200 people turned out for the Arcadia School District's annual meeting. Ironically, one of my very first assignments as editor was to attend the annual meeting last October and report on it. Let me tell you, there were nowhere near 200 people in attendance. That begs the question: when did people stop being so actively involved in these types of public meetings? But, more importantly, why?
The same goes for city council meetings. Not very many members of the public turn out for those either. Regardless of the fact that my job description requires me to be in attendance, I have no doubt that, even if I were not in this position, I’d be there. I like to knowing what is happening in the community in which I reside. I don’t think my parents have once gone to a city council meeting and they’ve been living in Cornell about 30 years. Though I’d like to just chock that up to apathy, I’ve come to realize that it’s not just them.
For most, public meetings are the ideal time to express concerns and vent frustrations to the powers that be. However, they serve a much bigger purpose – awareness. While I understand people lead extremely busy lives, I think many have forgotten the importance of being involved in the politics of the communities in which they live. As sad as it is, more often than not, people only attend a meeting after something goes wrong. Not to play devil's advocate, by any means, but, perhaps, whatever went wrong could have been avoided had he or she been a regular attendee of public meetings. I don’t mean to be blunt, but those who don’t care enough to be involved should have nothing to complain about.
Don’t get me wrong, I am fully aware that much of the responsibility to keep the residents of Arcadia informed and in the know lands on my shoulders. However, there is no feasible way for me to hit on everything. Meetings of the school board and city council oftentimes last three hours (sometimes longer) and can consist of 20-plus agenda items. Plus, there may be certain items that only pertain to and affect a choice few individuals. There’s no way every little morsel of information discussed at these meetings will wind up in print, which makes public involvement that much more important.
During my three years working as reporter/editor, it astounds me how few people actually take advantage of those outlets. You can't just stand idly by and hope things go your way. Not only do you need to actively make sure you hold those who represent you accountable, but you also need to get involved and let your voice be heard. With that, I’d just like to remind everyone of three upcoming opportunities to do just that. The Arcadia City Council meets Aug. 12 at 6 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall; the Trempealeau County Board of Supervisors (courthouse in Whitehall) and the Arcadia School Board of Education (high school LMC) will hold their regular monthly meetings on Aug. 16 at 7 p.m. and 8 p.m., respectively. I hope to see some new faces in attendance.
Jennie Oemig,
Editor
Arcadia News-Leader
The same goes for city council meetings. Not very many members of the public turn out for those either. Regardless of the fact that my job description requires me to be in attendance, I have no doubt that, even if I were not in this position, I’d be there. I like to knowing what is happening in the community in which I reside. I don’t think my parents have once gone to a city council meeting and they’ve been living in Cornell about 30 years. Though I’d like to just chock that up to apathy, I’ve come to realize that it’s not just them.
For most, public meetings are the ideal time to express concerns and vent frustrations to the powers that be. However, they serve a much bigger purpose – awareness. While I understand people lead extremely busy lives, I think many have forgotten the importance of being involved in the politics of the communities in which they live. As sad as it is, more often than not, people only attend a meeting after something goes wrong. Not to play devil's advocate, by any means, but, perhaps, whatever went wrong could have been avoided had he or she been a regular attendee of public meetings. I don’t mean to be blunt, but those who don’t care enough to be involved should have nothing to complain about.
Don’t get me wrong, I am fully aware that much of the responsibility to keep the residents of Arcadia informed and in the know lands on my shoulders. However, there is no feasible way for me to hit on everything. Meetings of the school board and city council oftentimes last three hours (sometimes longer) and can consist of 20-plus agenda items. Plus, there may be certain items that only pertain to and affect a choice few individuals. There’s no way every little morsel of information discussed at these meetings will wind up in print, which makes public involvement that much more important.
During my three years working as reporter/editor, it astounds me how few people actually take advantage of those outlets. You can't just stand idly by and hope things go your way. Not only do you need to actively make sure you hold those who represent you accountable, but you also need to get involved and let your voice be heard. With that, I’d just like to remind everyone of three upcoming opportunities to do just that. The Arcadia City Council meets Aug. 12 at 6 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall; the Trempealeau County Board of Supervisors (courthouse in Whitehall) and the Arcadia School Board of Education (high school LMC) will hold their regular monthly meetings on Aug. 16 at 7 p.m. and 8 p.m., respectively. I hope to see some new faces in attendance.
Jennie Oemig,
Editor
Arcadia News-Leader
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Tribal Retribution
Last week, the Osseo-Fairchild School District was ordered, by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, to drop its Chieftains nickname and logo, which it has used for many years. With so much rich, Native American culture in Wisconsin, I’m sure Osseo-Fairchild will only be the first of many districts to fall under scrutiny after the passage of a new state law that went into effect in May. That particular law allows for any resident who lives within the district and objects to the usage of a race-based nickname, logo or mascot to file a complaint with the state superintendent. The same day the law was passed, residents within the Osseo-Fairchild district filed a complaint over the logo.
Since the verdict was handed down last Tuesday, the Gale-Ettrick-Trempealeau School District decided to do away with its Redmen mascot, as well. And, with good reason. If the state has ordered one district to drop its nickname and logo, chances are the rest will eventually have to follow suit. All it takes is one person who objects to its usage. My question is, why is it necessary to do away with these mascots? I honestly don’t see why they are so offensive ... and I hardly doubt I’m the only one.
When I attended high school, I was proud to be a Cornell Lady Chief. And Justin, over there, was a Lake Holcombe Chieftain. We had uniforms, sweatshirts, T-shirts, all adorned with the school mascot and chief head logo. To me, it was a tribute to the roots of the region ... and reminded us kids of the heritage and history of our country. It was about the time I became a sophomore that the shit really started to hit the fan and people began regarding those mascots and logos as demeaning, stereotypical and discriminatory. I don’t see it that way.
School mascots are not meant to be derogatory in any way, shape or form. From the get-go, it was supposed to exemplify our appreciation for the Native American heritage. What better way for us to express that than to name our school mascots in their honor? At some point, though, the meaning became skewed and Native American descendants began taking offense at the way they were being portrayed. As such, our gym floor was replaced, removing the chief head that was in the center. What took its place was a flaming C, which made absolutely no sense to me, especially since the district only relinquished the logo and not the mascot name. Somewhere along the way, the school digressed back to using a Native American headdress in its logo ... one step forward, two steps back, I guess.
Other schools in the region faced the same issues: the aforementioned Lake Holcombe Chieftains, Winter Warriors, Elmwood Raiders, Greenwood Indians. Arcadia even went through the process of eliminating the American Indian reference from its logo. The order that was handed down last week stated that the school district did not have permission of any federalized American Indian tribe to use the name or logo. So, what are they really saying? If the school somehow obtained permission to use that logo, that would be OK?
And where do you suppose this type of legislation will cease? Ancestors of pirates might find those mascot names and logos offensive. The same goes for lumberjacks, vikings, medieval warriors and spartans. The Butternut and Hurley High School nicknames are Midgets ... now you can't tell me that's not offensive. Before long, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) will seek to stop the use of animals as mascots, as well. Eventually, all team names – if there are any down the road – will need to be inanimate objects like lightning, magic or evergreens.
It’s just a vicious cycle that will eventually lead to the demise of all high school mascots. But, then again, why do high school teams need to have mascots in the first place? It's a nice, traditional concept and all, but, truth be told, they don’t.
Jennie Oemig
Editor
Arcadia News-Leader
Since the verdict was handed down last Tuesday, the Gale-Ettrick-Trempealeau School District decided to do away with its Redmen mascot, as well. And, with good reason. If the state has ordered one district to drop its nickname and logo, chances are the rest will eventually have to follow suit. All it takes is one person who objects to its usage. My question is, why is it necessary to do away with these mascots? I honestly don’t see why they are so offensive ... and I hardly doubt I’m the only one.
When I attended high school, I was proud to be a Cornell Lady Chief. And Justin, over there, was a Lake Holcombe Chieftain. We had uniforms, sweatshirts, T-shirts, all adorned with the school mascot and chief head logo. To me, it was a tribute to the roots of the region ... and reminded us kids of the heritage and history of our country. It was about the time I became a sophomore that the shit really started to hit the fan and people began regarding those mascots and logos as demeaning, stereotypical and discriminatory. I don’t see it that way.
School mascots are not meant to be derogatory in any way, shape or form. From the get-go, it was supposed to exemplify our appreciation for the Native American heritage. What better way for us to express that than to name our school mascots in their honor? At some point, though, the meaning became skewed and Native American descendants began taking offense at the way they were being portrayed. As such, our gym floor was replaced, removing the chief head that was in the center. What took its place was a flaming C, which made absolutely no sense to me, especially since the district only relinquished the logo and not the mascot name. Somewhere along the way, the school digressed back to using a Native American headdress in its logo ... one step forward, two steps back, I guess.
Other schools in the region faced the same issues: the aforementioned Lake Holcombe Chieftains, Winter Warriors, Elmwood Raiders, Greenwood Indians. Arcadia even went through the process of eliminating the American Indian reference from its logo. The order that was handed down last week stated that the school district did not have permission of any federalized American Indian tribe to use the name or logo. So, what are they really saying? If the school somehow obtained permission to use that logo, that would be OK?
And where do you suppose this type of legislation will cease? Ancestors of pirates might find those mascot names and logos offensive. The same goes for lumberjacks, vikings, medieval warriors and spartans. The Butternut and Hurley High School nicknames are Midgets ... now you can't tell me that's not offensive. Before long, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) will seek to stop the use of animals as mascots, as well. Eventually, all team names – if there are any down the road – will need to be inanimate objects like lightning, magic or evergreens.
It’s just a vicious cycle that will eventually lead to the demise of all high school mascots. But, then again, why do high school teams need to have mascots in the first place? It's a nice, traditional concept and all, but, truth be told, they don’t.
Jennie Oemig
Editor
Arcadia News-Leader
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