UVa apologizes for Cavman video
The University of Virginia’s director of athletics has apologized for a video shown at UVa’s football game against the College of William & Mary that some found demeaning to American Indians.
In a letter published Monday in the student-run Cavalier Daily, Craig Littlepage said he regrets airing the pre-game video that depicted UVa’s mascot, “Cavman,” facing off against an American Indian representing William & Mary’s mascot, the Tribe.
“This video resurrected an old debate - and an even older stereotype - by the use of a demeaning and childish caricature of an American Indian,” Littlepage wrote. “This is a stereotype that all of us know is a sad relic of a time when many, perhaps most, Americans misunderstood American Indians and their proud heritage, largely because of media images not unlike the one in the Cavman video last week.
“We are sorry that the video insulted persons whose history and culture are essential parts of our national heritage. The video was sadly uninformed, and the Athletic Department regrets that it aired. It has been removed from the department’s Web site.”
William & Mary has been searching for a new mascot.
In early July, the school announced that it had received more than 800 suggestions, including an eagle, a wren, a phoenix, a colonial, a royal court jester, Thomas Jefferson and an asparagus stalk.
William & Mary defeated the Cavaliers, 26-14, on Sept. 5 at Scott Stadium.
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Reader Reactions
I found the coaching and effort quite offensive for this game but not something as stupid as a video. UVa may have some really book smart fans, but they sure have a lot who lack any common sense. Anyone who would apologize for this needs their head examined, but it will probably elevate the overrated AD’s stature more. How do intellectually weak and challenged whiners like this still get so much wasted publicity?
Whae t planet am “I” living on?
You really do find the Cavman schtick anything more than a bad joke? It is the worst football appetizer in the nation—though as such, it fits nicely with the ‘entree’.
I submit that Coach Groh—never a fan of the Pep Band—in his never ending quest for improving his product on the field, should look up a veteran leader from that scramble band to help draw up his offensive and defensive line schemes. At least the Pep Band showed some, er, pep—and some spirit—both of which are sorely lacking in UVA “team” play. Though a scramble band, they always seemed to know (more or less) what they were doing, and they were entertaining as heck (those that found them unacceptable are unlikely to be found in the stands now anyway).
Things can get much, much worse. I once endured a University of Illinois vs. Northwestern University football game that ended in a 0-0 tie—which answered a pre-season SI query: “Can either team win this game?“ Well, no, but both teams later turned their programs around and travelled to the Rose Bowl. And have since come full circle.
The Hoos will turn it around someday. The Cubs may win a WS first. But, keep the faith.
I am a Dakota Sioux and also a UVa grad. I’d like to announce the founding of the UVa. American Indian Alumni Association and also say that the Littlepage apology is one the most minimal actions that could be taken by an institution such as ours. What American Indians need at UVA are faculty members, programs and staff members Apologies are appreciated but we’re still wondering when we’ll be allowed to live in on the Lawn. President Casteen has promised yet has failed to deliver any substantive changes for American Indians and now he is retiring. So the years go by and the damage that was done by our country to Indian Nations has become part of our culture, so much so that the image depicted in the video is mere entertainment, never mind that the College of William and Mary was chartered for the education of American Indians — that fact was lost in the mockery. In fact, the story line of the film is what has happened to American Indians at UVA, we are thought to have been crushed into the ground and this has apparently become a point of celebration for the institution. The film is not so distant from other public spectacles at UVa. such as the sculpture near to the Corner, celebrating the murderous image of George Rogers Clark as he sets about destroying an American Indian family. The film shown to the tens of thousands gathered at Scott Stadium just extended that Virginia tradition a little further. Absent real action by our institution to create faculty and programs to address this legacy, the apology, although very much appreciated, is rather difficult to accept.
On a side note, I don’t know how much money UVa makes from certain types of advertising, but some of it may have a negative effect by antagonizing the fans.
The “in-your-face” advertising for Aquafina water, where cheerleaders dance around the basketball court with Aquafina water bottles is too much. That’s not really part of the ACC basketball atmosphere, is it?
I don’t like those soft drink cups at games, with the blurred 3d Hologram and ads all over the cups. Who wants to save those things??? Well, at least I don’t. I still have orange UVa cups from the 1980’s though, which had no advertising on the, however! A plain orange and blue soft drink cup with one UVa insignia and with maybe one ad on it would
be fine. Haha.
Okay, enough of my marketing suggestions.
“The Cavman video, as usual was incredible. The video, along with the entrance to the field is one of the best in college football! Go HOOS!“
Which is a good thing, because that video entrance is about all they have going for them…lol They got STOMPED by the very team they were making fun of…lol ...and then have to apologies for the video, PRICELESS!
I do agree with anitboyd that the pep band should be brought back. Who needs another marching band? Please! A symphony orchestra on trailers pulled by Belgian percherons perhaps but a marching band?? I remember my first visit to Tech in 1972. Tech has a nice marching band. UVA is not Tech!
The Cavman video, as usual was incredible. The video, along with the entrance to the field is one of the best in college football! Go HOOS!
anti - what planet do you live on?
Trust me, “sensitivity” is not a problem at UVA. Apparently, “common sense” is out the window, too. One can easily come up with dozens of ways to fire fans up that are actually positive, and effective. Are you guys seriously defending that lame excuse for “team spirit” depicted as Cavman? Bring back the old scramble band, if you want clever (sort of) banter and satire. At least they took nobody seriously, including themselves.
What’s next? Free admission to guys wearing white sheets over their heads?
Give me a break! No wonder they can’t play football at UVA, they are to “sensitive”. This was not an insult to Indians unless of course they are ashamed of being Indians. This was about two sports teams about to do battle! The indians won by the way. Antiboyd needs to learn to live in the real world where everything you may not like is not intended to be an insult. Get a sense of humor and enjoy life and you will live longer like jawdoc and me!
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