Lucy Ganje: Phil Jackson challenges us to end objectification of American Indians
Dear Editor: Today Phil Jackson, Los Angeles Lakers coach and University of North Dakota alum, lived up to his reputation as "the man with the longest reach."
After being conferred with an honorary degree (a doctor of letters), at an academic convocation at the University of North Dakota, Jackson thanked the UND community and the State Board of Higher Education. He then called for an end to the Fighting Sioux name and logo.
It is time, basketball's Zen master said, to stop objectifying American Indian people and culture and move forward. Quoting the Canadian philosopher Andrew Feenberg, Jackson said, "Life can only be understood looking backward; but it must be lived looking forward."
The "winningest coach in history" went on to say that change can happen swiftly and gracefully, and challenged the North Dakota State Board of Higher Education to "step up with a big mind" and change the world "from our own back yard."
Lucy Ganje
Grand Forks, N.D.
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