Tag: Slap the Sign

Watch: Irish Catholic American Responds to Irish Nickname Piece

After our story about Daniel Morrison’s call for Notre Dame to dump the “Fighting Irish” nickname was published, the reaction was strong.

After our story about Daniel Morrison’s call for Notre Dame to dump the “Fighting Irish” nickname was published, the reaction was strong. People were quick to defend Notre Dame’s identity and everything that comes with it. The clear feeling among the masses was anger that anyone would even consider taking the time to suggest this. On Tuesday alone, the story had over 31,000 views, most of which came from Facebook.

Another opinion came in video form by YouTube user IrishBenjamin57. Though the video came from a small channel, IrishBenjamin57 made his feelings about this story clear. More importantly, he explained why this idea affects him personally and not merely as an Irish Catholic American:

This piece struck a nerve with some people more than others, and it shows. Stories like that of IrishBenjamin57’s exist all over Notre Dame’s fan base. This one just happens to have been shared on YouTube. Even if this idea doesn’t affect you on as deep or personal a level as IrishBenjamin57, you can’t disagree with standing up for what you believe in.

Calls for Notre Dame to Ditch ‘Fighting Irish’ Nickname Commence

Daniel Morrison of Slap the Sign, Notre Dame’s Fansided site, has launched a campaign for the university to consider changing its nickname.

Daniel Morrison of Slap the Sign, Notre Dame’s Fansided site, has launched a campaign for the university to consider changing its nickname. At a time when the Washington Redskins and Cleveland Indians are taking serious looks at their identities, it only makes sense that this should fall under the spotlight, too. But is it warranted?

In short, Morrison argues that, in spite of many people embracing the Fighting Irish moniker, it’s rooted in negative stereotypes of Catholics and immigrants. He also gives historical context: Irish people once were looked at in the U.S. with the same prejudice that other minority groups are today. Thus, stereotypes were born. As one can see from the aforementioned professional franchises, there’s a long history of those in this country, and now, people are trying to undo what their forefathers did.

Should Notre Dame get rid of the leprechaun logo? Should it simply drop the word “Fighting” from the present nickname? Should it go in a different direction altogether? This could be the beginning of a long debate.