I first ran across Destiny over a year ago. A new game universe promised by the creators of the Halo franchise? Featuring player-v-player (PvP) as well as co-play options? And a strong storyline threaded throughout, giving you solo play? All against an intriguing science fiction backdrop of humanity’s last stand?
It piqued my interest.
Data and research now shows that the use of such racist and derogatory team names (and by association, ‘traditions’ and fan antics) have real and detrimental effects on Native youth today. With fifty percent of the Native population being of 25 years of age or younger, the danger of perpetuating this practice and continuing the cycle of defeatism, hostile learning environments, and poor self-esteem is all too real.
So inevitably, the question posed to me and my wife at some point – alone or together – is just how we met. Because to know us is to know two fiercely independent-dependent people. How in the world did all this collide, fusing together into a nearly nineteen-year long love affair and marriage?
James Bixby interviewed me back in November and the podcast was released just before Christmas.
This story was commissioned to be part of my church’s Christmas cantata. I’ve made slight word changes from the spoken version for better flow, but otherwise remains as it was presented.
I’ll have new posts, shortly.
Hey, I get it. I understand why. Team fandom is a complicated, deep, personal thing that involves a lot of emotional investment and history. It’s difficult to hear that your beloved franchise is doing something wrong – simply by using a name (and by extension, mascot and other fan accoutrements).
“Because Mario Lemieux is the guest and they want to have Pens fans there to hobnob.”
King broke the dam, shattered the glass wall. Because of his words, his actions and those of the Civil Rights Movement, our country is a better place.
Mentioned in Games’ Most Wanted as a great futuristic game, I thought I’d elaborate on why I really love this alien-invasion squad-based simulation.