Let me make this very clear before I go any further. I do not condone any sort of racial slurs or making fun of any ethnicity as far as sports mascots are concerned in professional sports.

For many years, I was a fan of the Washington Redskins. While from a fan standpoint I didn’t like the name change of a near 100 year old organization, I understood why a name like “Redskin” could be bothersome to some people.

I even understand the recent name change of the Cleveland Indians. While the word Indian may not necessarily be offensive to some, the idea that an Indian is being used as a mascot may bother some people. I will say I completely understand and support the Indians organization reason (now Guardians) for getting rid of the Chief Wahoo logo.

To take things a little further, I know there are several other collegiate me professional sports teams that reference American Indians in their logo/team name. If those changed, I would completely understand.

But what I can’t understand is this.

Leprechauns are not real. Sorry for any children reading this, but it’s true. They are fictitious. The team’s name is the “Fighting Irish.” If people want to assume that has anything to do with drinking alcohol, you’re incorrect. The Leprechaun from another Dame is not offensive in any capacity, and if you are offended by it, odds are you are just a social justice keyboard warrior with nothing new to complain about. Copied below you can find Notre Dame’s response to the survey that was taken by IndyStar.

“The leprechaun, of course, is symbolic of the Fighting Irish and intentionally a caricature. It also originated — in England — as a derisive symbol of Irish people, which Irish-Americans – including those at Notre Dame — again have turned back on former oppressors as a sign of celebration and triumph,” Notre Dame said in a statement obtained by PEOPLE. “In both the upraised fists of the leprechaun mascot and the use of the word ‘fighting,’ the intent is to recognize the determination of the Irish people and, symbolically, the university’s athletes.”

“There is no comparison between Notre Dame’s nickname and mascot and the Indian and warrior names (and) mascots used by other institutions such as the NFL team formerly known as the Redskins. None of these institutions were founded or named by Native Americans who sought to highlight their heritage by using names and symbols associated with their people.” (The Washington Football Team recently renamed itself from the Redskins.)

credit: people.com

Notre Dame was not the only university accused of having an offensive mascot. But so was Arizona State for using the term “Sun Devil” as their mascot. West Virginia University also made the “Top 10” list with their mascot the “Mountaineer.”

Some of this is just absolutely ridiculous. Some of it is all very justified, but some of it is just plain stupid. How is a Mountaineer really offensive to anyone? Are Christians really that upset about Arizona State using a Sun Devil mascot? I am a Christian, and in no way am I offended by this.

I understand that in the year 2021 and as this nation clearly becomes more progressive, things need to change. But at some point we have to stop the ridiculousness. Social change warriors really need to pick and choose their battles. It’s just unfortunate with the power of social media that these individuals have the ability to get what they want by trying to start viral campaigns to bring down whatever institution they feel like that particular week.

It’s a shame that these social justice warriors can’t put their energy to good use and do something positive for the world instead of always trying to identify the smallest of negativity in it.

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