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Post by tHOM on Feb 11, 2005 15:48:38 GMT -6
Jason,
I couldn't believe it when I opened up the uichoops webpage and saw that article. That is one of the most ludicrous articles I have ever read.
A mascot is, by nature, a humorous thing. The skit shouldn't be seen as anything but light-hearted and pretty damn funny.
I could almost understand you trying to make a point that the skit was inappropriate because he was setting a bad example for the fans. He probably shouldn't be making fun of the refs because it just sets precedent that it's okay for fans to get on them. (though, a fair amount of ref bashing is fine with me, but fans can take it over the line.)
But to jump from a funny skit that pokes fun at the refs to being insensitive to the blind?! You've gotta be a retard to believe something like that.
Also, the aforementioned points about pizza and a bikini are valid arguments.
What's next Jason...you gonna start bashing Sparky for having red skin (which could be offensive to Native Americans...how many dragons do you know that have red skin?)
And on a serious note. Do you guys think the cheer and dance team should wear parkas during their routines? I think they bear way too much sking and it just sets back the women's liberation movement by about 50 years. I mean, gosh, perpetuating the notion that women are only objects. You do notice that they guys on the cheer team don't have to wear a skirt and half-shirt.
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Post by Horizonleaguer on Feb 11, 2005 15:52:17 GMT -6
You guys sound like the UIC players when they cant get along and argue all game long...LIke a bunch of fools
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bigm
New Recruit
Posts: 89
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Post by bigm on Feb 11, 2005 16:02:32 GMT -6
Ok ok, guys. Let's drop this. Yes, Sparky may have offended some people with this, but this is no reason for us to argue and start hating each other for this. Let's just drop this. Maybe Sparky can be a little more careful next time. But seriously, this is not as big as what other schools are doing. Just think about Illinois and the Chief. I hope I don't get blasted by bringing up this example. All I want is peace.
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Post by NewFoundGlory on Feb 11, 2005 16:05:07 GMT -6
Did I say it was unconstitutional, unlawful, or anything like that? Nope. It clearly isn't....or even close. It is, however, a bad idea for the University. It deflects from major portions of their mission statement. If no one else cares, that's honestly totally fine. It's not a big deal. To me, it was striking, but I have those tendencies to protect minority groups of people from unnecessary stupidity. It's not the end of the world or anything, just something I found interesting. Yea, you are a liberal if a very conservative person is the one saying it. Side note, i would love to hear your politics/views/etc, that would be quite interesting. But anyways, Im reading that you protect minority groups? Gee, well thank you savior for all your help. <----- this is just like the idea that the toughest people aren't always the people that say they beat people up every day, they're usually the people that don't have to say anything. You're type of public official that would get rid of those things that are sacred in this country... let me guess, you're sleeping with the patriot act right? but in all seriousness, im big in politics myself, so if you want to discuss politicis i would love to over in the other forum. Back to what was the original issue..... sparky wasn't making fun of blind people.... he was making fun of referees and making bad calls... when people laughed, if they laughed at all, they weren't saying "ooo that's funny because he suffers from being blind and blind people are funny to watch", they were laughing at sparky and saying "haha, referees are terrible" or whatever... the whole thing to this argument is the prior act (universal knowledge of this saying "are you blind, ref")... for example, if no one ever used this saying/phrase or ever called referees blind, then yes this would be most likely offensive, because then it looks like to the crowd that he's just walking around being blind for laughs... possibly confusing... sorry....
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Post by NewFoundGlory on Feb 11, 2005 16:10:13 GMT -6
Ok ok, guys. Let's drop this. Yes, Sparky may have offended some people with this, but this is no reason for us to argue and start hating each other for this. Let's just drop this. Maybe Sparky can be a little more careful next time. But seriously, this is not as big as what other schools are doing. Just think about Illinois and the Chief. I hope I don't get blasted by bringing up this example. All I want is peace. BIGM you have no clue what you're talking about.... haha, almost had you didnt i.. just kidding.... you do know what you're talking about... i was just going to say that you at least have a good case there with the chief at U OF I... uicjason is just throwing a 1000 things out there waiting for one to stick... im goin to start calling him John Kerry...
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Post by UICJason on Feb 11, 2005 16:14:49 GMT -6
BIGM you have no clue what you're talking about.... haha, almost had you didnt i.. just kidding.... you do know what you're talking about... i was just going to say that you at least have a good case there with the chief at U OF I... uicjason is just throwing a 1000 things out there waiting for one to stick... I've only thrown one thing out there. One theory, one thought. You note that he is saying "Referees are terrible." Nope, he is expressly saying "Referees are blind." He doesn't speak, and he didn't hold up a sign saying "terrible." He only acted as though he was blind, with the intent of fans inferring that referees are terrible based on their being blind. It's so simple, and so ridiculous. You honestly have no idea what you're talking about when it comes to my politics and the Patriot Act, etc. Your conclusions don't even make any sense.
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Post by EzE on Feb 11, 2005 16:22:13 GMT -6
I have a food intolerance to wheat. If you give out free pizza, I am not offended. However, I don't get any pizza. I could claim that UIC is insensitive for not providing for my "special needs," but I am not going to do that. I don't think the blind ref skit was offensive. If anything, this emoticon is more offensive. Are those sunglasses on there because the emoticon is blind? Is that offensive? Is not having a blind icon making advocates for the blind enraged so they have this icon? Is this icon for the mutes of the world? Guys, this is a bball board...let's talk about how bad this team is doing this year and leave mascots making lame jokes about blind referees while wheat intolerant fans watch from the stands alone.
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Post by UICJason on Feb 11, 2005 16:25:02 GMT -6
Guys, this is a bball board...let's talk about how bad this team is doing this year and leave mascots making lame jokes about blind referees while wheat intolerant fans watch from the stands alone. This is a great line, I have to hand it to you. That emoticon isn't blind, though...it's cool.
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Post by Mr Frontrow on Feb 11, 2005 16:59:03 GMT -6
Sparky did look better in the bikini than at least a couple of the UWM cheerleaders. ;D
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Post by BTR on Feb 11, 2005 16:59:34 GMT -6
Guys,
You have to remember, this is the same person (Jason) that took to the defense of Bruce Pearl, a man who I would not piss on if he were on fire, when HIV was wished upon him. He basically thought the end of civility as we know it would ensue.
He wants everything PC, not realizing a message board is all about talking crap and shooting the s h i t.
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Post by UICJason on Feb 11, 2005 17:59:29 GMT -6
No man deserves to die for things related to basketball. Truly, if you believe that, you have problems. There are massacres in African nations, killing going on here at home, and you wish death upon a jerk of a basketball coach? You're the one with an issue.
I hate Bruce Pearl. Can I say this again? I hate Bruce Pearl. I think he is scum. He, IN NO WAY, deserves to die. That's just pure unadulterated stupidity.
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Post by Jay C on Feb 11, 2005 18:48:12 GMT -6
It is impossible for a blind person to be offended because they can't see Sparky. End of argument.
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Post by FreeRadical on Feb 11, 2005 19:20:36 GMT -6
Jason:
Sparky is a comedic figure.
He's SUPPOSED to be flawed.
Was the skit funny?
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Post by Big D on Feb 11, 2005 20:07:23 GMT -6
I actually quite enjoy Sparky's skits. I think they're original and entertaining....even as an adult I get a kick out of them....and kids enjoy them too. I never once have been offended by a Sparky act, nor have I thought they may be offensive to someone else. I'm trying to think which skits stick out the most.... 1) The weightlifter....where he is unable to lift the weight and then the kid does it no problem 2) The angel.....where we walks innocently towards the opposing team and then breaks out the pitchfork (or whatever it is) and pretendes to stab the players and coaches....good stuff. 3) The magician....where he blows up Air-Sparky....I like this one as well although I think that balloon looks ridiculous.... I have never seen the blind or bikini skits but I do not think the bikini thing is at all offensive, in any way...it's a big, red, fuzzy costume with a bikini....not a beautiful woman.....the blind thing, I personally do not find offensive, but I understand that some people may have problems with it. I think that because he's using it at a basketball game, and it's clear what he means by it, it's OK. Overall, I'm a big fan of Sparky....I think he is the most original mascot in the HL and he does great skits that kids can enjoy and that adults can laugh at too..... The last thing I want is for Sparky to tone it down and start doing something boring....he's an entertainer and he does a great job of entertaining....
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Post by UICJason on Feb 11, 2005 21:30:24 GMT -6
I have always agree BigD. I really enjoy the magician skit. In fact, I think Air Sparky is hilarious.
I just found this one strikingly strange and unnecessary. Didn't mean for it to be such a big deal. Sometimes I just like debate, but people just get a little too offended and start name-calling. I'm not into that.
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