Clubs host Speaker’s Night

Are you a fan of driving fast cars, rock n’ roll and the American Dream? Well, Speaker’s Night, sponsored by the “Speak Out!” Communications Club and Sociology Club, might not have had the first two, but it definitely had the American Dream- or at least, to be far more accurate, the American Dream was heavily discussed.

The subject of servant leadership and the American dream started off the night with Dr. Scott Finnie, a charismatic professor from Eastern Washington University with a Ph.D. in Leadership Studies, followed by representatives from the American Indian Student Alliance Club (AISA) who spoke about the ongoing mistreatment of American Indians and their representation as mascots.

Dr. Finnie opened the event and his speech, “Unleashing the Power of Communication: The Bridge of Listening and Servant Leadership” with a simple question and a promise.

“If any of you can tell me what America’s motto is, you can leave before [the time he was to finish],” he smiled into the crowd, eyes widened in mock demand. Answers such as “home of the free,” or “land of the brave” were thrown up into the air by the braver members of the audience, but alas, the correct answer was not given.

“E pluribus unum,” a Latin phrase made famous by the proud cause that is America, translates to “From one to many”. The phrase reflects the origin of the American dream–a dream that promises individuals with all different backgrounds the freedom and unity provided by the title “American.” As Dr. Finnie highlighted in his presentation, however, years of slavery, segregation and discrimination have prevented individuals from taking their slice of the American pie.

Finnie went through his presentation highlighting the causes and solutions to discrimination towards all ethnicities, all while making sneaky jabs at the Seahawks with winks and playful smiles.

“Exposure, education, a sense of worth, immersion and sacrifice,” Scott explained, identifying the keys to what he believed were the solutions to racial discrimination.

His reception was mixed, though most agreed the presentation was enjoyable.

“I understood his point, as far as racial communication goes,” AJ Sebek said, as people filtered out of the room. “But I felt as though he didn’t touch enough on what we can do.”

“I liked it a lot,” Hillary Poirrier said happily. “I thought he was very enthusiastic.”

After Dr. Finnie left the stage, AISA began their presentation, entitled “Change the Mascot.”

T.J. Gossard, previous president of AISA began the presentation by addressing the moral issues surrounding American Indian mascots.

On either side of the podium, pictures of stereotyped natives were placed alongside photographs of true American Indians.

Evanlene Melting Tallow, AISA adviser, presents “Change the Mascot” in front of a photo comparing stereotypes to realities. -Lily Anderson/The Sentinel

Evanlene Melting Tallow, the adviser for AISA, went through theose comparisons, highlighting the insulting usage of Native American traditional attire (commonly worn during Pow Wows) at sporting events. Melting Tallow also discussed the insulting racial slur, Redskins, used by a Washington football team.

“We are not a costume,” Melting Tallow said, after showing a commercial regarding American Indian mascots, refused by the NFL to be aired during the Super Bowl. “But real people with hopes and dreams.”