Wednesday, May 12, 2004

WTF? Syracuse is changing its team name from the Orangemen (and Orangewomen) -- to just the Orange.

This isn't the first time Syracuse changed its team name for politically correct reasons. Up until the 1970s, the mascot was the Saltine Warrior -- but it was changed because of the racial overtones. No, the name didn't offend white people who thought they were being called crackers. The Saltine Warrior represented a member of the Iroquois tribe, and Native American groups were none too pleased.

Now Syracuse joins Harvard (Crimson) and Stanford (Cardinal) as the only teams named after colors. Actually, Stanford was once the Indians, but changed the name to be politically correct as well. Someday, maybe all sports teams will change their names to bright, lovely colors that don't offend anyone -- except rational people.