A Positive Relationship: More Than A Mascot.

Possibly the most fascinating case out of all the name controversy is probably the relationship between the Seminole tribe and Florida state's mascot's Chief Osceola and Renegade. This mascot tradition began on warm Saturday morning in 1978. The tradition included Chief Osceola on his Appaloosa Horse riding to midfield and then planting the burning spear his was carrying in the turf. Insuring that the Chief was accurately depicted always has been a essential part to the integrity of the mascot. Florida State makes efforts to ensue that the depiction is accurate as possible and thus have gained tremendous support from the Seminole Tribe of Florida, although they have not earned the support of everyone.

With that said the Seminole Tribe of Florida was more than impressed with the tradition that Florida State put they decided to honor Chief Osceola and Renegade. Student Drake Anderson, who currently plays the role of Chief Osceola , alongside leader and former Mascot Allen Durham with six members of the Osceola and Renegade team traveled to the tribe's Brighton Indian Reservation for a parade in which they would be honored, that took place on Feb. 18 2012. Allen Durham had this to say about his experience visiting the reservation, "In order to preserve the dignity of our portrayal of Osceola and Renegade, we normally don't make any appearances outside of Florida State football games," said Durham, who portrayed Osceola while he was a Florida State student. "But certainly with the Seminole Tribe requesting it, we were absolutely honored and most definitely said 'yes' to this very special request."

I think this is a case of the best way to handle earning the right to to use a mascot that involves sacred traditions of another ethnicity's culture.