In each case, most group members disagreed with the majority view that the symbols were appropriate. Chief Illiniwek is no exception. The symbol has been denounced by the United Indian Nations of Oklahoma, Women of All Red Nations, the American Indian Movement, Wilma Mankiller, the Lakota Times, Jesse Jackson, Sports Illustrated and many more. The very social conditions of Native Americans today are a direct result of this mentality. It is in this way that the Chief Illiniwek does impact Native American lives.
Nothing gives anyone the right to speak for anyone else.
But one does not have to be a member of an oppressed group to fight oppression. People who take a principled stand against injustice have a right and a responsibility to fight racism, no matter what form it takes, and no matter who is its victim. When Indians and non-Indians stand in alliance against racism, we uphold the right of all people to be treated with dignity and respect. This is such a trivial matter. Racism is never trivial.