The news floating across the prairie into Macon County displaces the normal soy bean burning stench from Decatur plants. It appears yet another 'group' is offended with a perception of politically incorrect name reference. These would be people of small physical stature. Let me explain.
Freeburg high school, which is located in Southwest Illinois has used the mascot name 'Midgets' for approximately 100 years. As the story goes the name was coined when their undersized basketball team defeated a much taller more physical team...therefore, the Freeburg 'Midgets.'
The Little People of America organization is spearheading efforts to bring down the Freeburg 'Midgets' mascot. Let's pause here for a brief definition and differential explanation. In 1957, the LPA was formed and stated that people under 58 inches tall with disproportionate body parts, are defined as dwarfs...those meeting that criteria may be LPA members; not midgets who are defined as shorter than normal sized people but with 'normal' body extremities.
The word 'midget' is used frequently in our culture to describe smaller than average objects, things and people with no derogatory intention. Example: Midget Football League.
Some organizations in our society grab this offended poppycock for attention or a money shakedown technique. Professional sport teams like, Atlanta 'Braves,' Cleveland 'Indians,' and Washington 'Redskins,' have told these groups to buzz off. Of course, America's phoniest organization, the NCAA, puts pressure on their membership universities to drop Indian mascots or not be permitted to participate in post season play. Most universities comply while Florida State gets a pass because as the NCAA states, "They have a 'unique' relationship with the Seminoles Tribe." I wonder what qualifies as unique? I wonder if Florida State University provides a few perks for the Seminoles tribe? In any event, I say, "Go Midgets !"
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