National Geographic Witchcraft Witchcraft has long been a topic of fascination and intrigue for many people. National Geographic, a renowned organization known for its exploration and documentation of different cultures and phenomena, has also dedicated its resources to uncovering the secrets behind witchcraft practices worldwide. In its pursuit of truth and understanding, National Geographic has ventured into various countries, from Africa to Europe, to shed light on the diverse traditions and beliefs surrounding witchcraft. Through in-depth investigations and interviews with locals, they have managed to provide a valuable insight into the world of witchcraft. One of the main themes that emerge from National Geographic's exploration of witchcraft is the notion that it is deeply rooted in cultural, historical, and social contexts. Witchcraft practices differ significantly from one region to another, reflecting the unique traditions and belief systems of each society.
U of I Academic Senate endorses new mascot
The proposed new mascot for the University of Illinois, the Belted Kingfisher, was endorsed in a landslide vote Sept. 21.
The University of Illinois Academic Senate is urging school officials to adopt a new official mascot, passing a resolution endorsing the Belted Kingfisher — a blue and orange bird native to Illinois — 105-2 on September 21.
After Monday’s vote, U of I spokeswoman Robin Kaler said there was “no process in place to choose a new mascot.” But this Senate vote is a step toward providing the school with a replacement for Chief Illiniwek, arguing for school officials to “immediately commission a plan for the implementation of a new mascot this academic year.
The University has been without a mascot since 2007 when they retired the Chief Illiniwek imagery, following an NCAA ban on “hostile and abusive” mascots.
The Senate believes that the lack of a replacement has “impeded the development of a fulfilling University experience and hindered the creation and maintenance of traditions that promote enduring bonds with the institution” by permitting “unofficial channels to continue to use and profit from the former mascot.”
The U of I Senate believes that adopting a new mascot for the University is vital in supporting the effort to “create a culture and climate that is welcoming to Native American students, staff, faculty, and community members.”
The Academic Senate’s proposed replacement –the Belted Kingfisher, a predatory bird known for its high-speed dives– has shown approval among U of I students. In March, a poll of 7,819 University students found that nearly 54% supported the Kingfisher as the school’s new mascot.
The Senate addressed that the predatory, blue and orange bird is on-brand with the University – “resonating perfectly” with the school colors and “Fighting Illini” moniker. The Senate marked that the distinct advantage of the Belted Kingfisher is its uniqueness: “not yet been used as a mascot by any major American business, notable sports team, or university in America—thus offering a possible mascot that would have strong brand recognition with no chance of confusion with any collegiate competitor.”
Illinois seeks new mascot 9 years after Chief Illiniwek's removal
URBANA, Ill. -- Nine years after it retired Chief Illiniwek under pressure from the NCAA, the University of Illinois will begin the search for a new mascot, interim Chancellor Barbara Wilson said Monday.
Wilson announced the first tentative steps in a campus-wide email and said she will soon appoint a committee of 10 to 12 people to figure out how to decide on a mascot and how long that process will take.
The plan is not to replace the Fighting Illini nickname the school's teams now use, campus spokeswoman Robin Kaler said. But the school wants to select a mascot to be on the sideline and at events.
Wilson acknowledged that the process could include "challenges." Many students and university graduates would like to see Chief Illiniwek return. Some wear Chief-themed shirts to sport events and chant "Chief!"
"I am optimistic that this initiative will help build school spirit and loyalty beyond athletics," Wilson said in her email.
The reaction on social media was swift and, for the most part, opposed to the idea.
Joshua Evans is a 2000 graduate of the university who expressed his disapproval on Twitter. In a telephone interview with The Associated Press, the Shawnee, Kansas, resident said he doesn't oppose the idea of a new mascot. His wife is a Kansas graduate, and having a mascot such as the Jayhawk can be appealing, he said.
But given the history at Illinois, "I just don't know if there's going to be a real logical, widely accepted mascot that people are going to be excited about. It just seems kind of forced to me and unnatural," he said. "I can see it's going to be mocked and ridiculed as a joke."
At an Academic Senate meeting Monday, Wilson said the mascot would not be something that would lead to ridicule, Kaler said.
In its report, the student committee acknowledged that most alumni interviewed and many current students oppose the idea of a new mascot, but the committee concluded that the benefits, such as the potential to create campus unity, outweigh those concerns.
For years, American Indians and the NCAA pushed the university to do away with Chief Illiniwek, which had been portrayed since 1926 by a student in a buckskin costume who danced at football and basketball games and other events. Many American Indians found those dances and the portrayal offensive. The tradition's defenders still maintain that the Chief was meant to show respect to American Indians.
NCAA sanctions imposed in 2005 barred Illinois from hosting postseason events. Two years later, the university retired the chief.
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Sports Fans, Identity, and Socialization Exploring the Fandemonium
Once deemed an unworthy research endeavor, the study of sports fandom has garnered the attention of seasoned scholars from a variety of academic disciplines. Identity and socialization among sports fans are particular burgeoning areas of study among a growing cadre of specialists in the social sciences. Sports Fans, Identity, and Socialization, edited by Adam C. Earnheardt, Paul Haridakis, and Barbara Hugenberg, captures an eclectic collection of new studies from accomplished scholars in the fields such as communication, business, geography, kinesiology, media, and sports management and administration, using a wide range of methodologies including quantitative, qualitative, and critical analyses.
In the communication revolution of the twenty-first century, the study of mediated sports is critical. As fans use all media at their disposal to consume sports and carry their sports-viewing experience online, they are seizing the initiative and asserting themselves into the mediated sports-dissemination process. They are occupying traditional roles of consumers/receivers of sports, but also as sharers and sports content creators. Fans are becoming pseudo sports journalists. They are interpreting mediated sports content for other fans. They are making their voice heard by sports organizations and athletes. Mediated sports, in essence, provide a context for studying and understanding where and how the communication revolution of the twenty-first century is being waged.
With their collection of studies by scholars from North America and Europe, Earnheardt, Haridakis, and Hugenberg illuminate the symbiotic relationship among and between sports organizations, the media, and their audiences. Sports Fans, Identity, and Socialization spurs both the researcher and the interested fan to consider what the study of sports tells us about ourselves and the society in which we live.
Witchcraft practices differ significantly from one region to another, reflecting the unique traditions and belief systems of each society. National Geographic also delves into the reasons behind witchcraft's enduring presence in modern times. Societal factors, such as poverty, inequality, and social unrest, often play a role in the continuation and resurgence of witchcraft practices.
Additionally, personal motivations, such as the desire for power, revenge, or healing, also contribute to the perpetuation of witchcraft. Moreover, National Geographic examines the impact of witchcraft on individuals and communities. While some view witches as a source of fear and harm, others perceive them as healers and protectors. The organization provides nuanced perspectives on this subject, challenging stereotypes and shedding light on the complexity surrounding witchcraft beliefs and practices. Throughout its coverage, National Geographic emphasizes the importance of approaching witchcraft with an open mind and a commitment to cultural understanding. By showcasing the diversity and intricacies of witchcraft practices, they invite viewers and readers to broaden their perspectives and challenge their preconceived notions. In conclusion, National Geographic's exploration of witchcraft sheds light on the diverse and complex nature of this phenomenon. Through its investigations, the organization uncovers the historical, cultural, and social aspects of witchcraft and challenges stereotypes surrounding witches. By delving into the motivations behind witchcraft practices and the impact on individuals and communities, National Geographic provides a valuable perspective on this fascinating subject..
Reviews for "Witchcraft Uncovered: National Geographic Explores the Global Phenomenon"
- John - 1 star
I was really disappointed with "National Geographic Witchcraft". I was hoping for an in-depth exploration of the history and cultural significance of witchcraft, but instead, all I got was a superficial and sensationalized portrayal. The documentary focused too much on the sensational aspects of witchcraft, like spells and curses, without providing any real historical context or analysis. It felt more like a tabloid piece than a serious documentary.
- Sarah - 2 stars
I found "National Geographic Witchcraft" to be rather uninformative. The documentary touched on various aspects of witchcraft but failed to go into enough detail about any of them. This left me feeling unsatisfied and wanting more. The pacing was also a bit off, jumping from one topic to another without allowing the audience enough time to fully understand and absorb the information. Overall, I think the film could have benefited from a more focused and organized approach.
- Michael - 1 star
I have always trusted National Geographic to provide me with accurate and informative content, but "National Geographic Witchcraft" was a letdown. The documentary seemed more interested in showcasing extreme and fringe examples of witchcraft, rather than giving a balanced and nuanced view. It almost felt like I was watching a series of reality TV episodes rather than a documentary. I would have appreciated a more thoughtful and well-researched exploration of the subject matter.