Dis-Mayed

Well, there's been some recent buzz about Colin Mayes' reaction to the native joke. Now, it's definitely wrong to call natives names like "Tonto" or "Chief" (unless if they happen to be a real chief, or their name is Tonto), and had he done that, he would definitely deserverve to be punished. But he didn't say that, he just didn't overly react when someone else did. I mean, he probably never even realized the comments made in the joke (which may say more about society's views and perceptions on stuff than his personal viewpoints). I wouldn't rake a guy over the fire for it, at least.

But then, that would be if he at least apologized for his responce. Step down as chair of the committee, say you're sorry for praising the joke, and be done with it. 5 minute story, nobody makes anything about it.

But then, he goes and tries to avoid it. In Scott's blog linked above, he points out that Mayes seemed indifferent to the terms, and only when asked if he thought himself saying them was offensive, he brought out the "Geez, yeah, I guess it could be" line. For that, I think it's fair to point it out, and to try to get him to realize what he did was wrong. The better thing would be to try to get those type of stereotypes and comments out of the jokes, but his apologizing for his comments would be a start.