Calls for Notre Dame to Ditch 'Fighting Irish' Nickname Commence

Daniel Morrison of Slap the Sign, Notre Dame’s Fansided site, has launched a campaign for the university to consider changing its nickname. At a time when the Washington Redskins and Cleveland Indians are taking serious looks at their identities, it only makes sense that this should fall under the spotlight, too. But is it warranted? In short, Morrison argues that, in spite of many people embracing the Fighting Irish moniker, it’s rooted in negative stereotypes of Catholics and immigrants. He also gives historical context: Irish people once were looked at in the U.S. with the same prejudice that other minority groups are today. Thus, stereotypes were born. As one can see from the aforementioned professional franchises, there’s a long history of those in this country, and now, people are trying to undo what their forefathers did. -- More...