Yes, Mr. Hanson should not have to bow to political correctness. Someone needs to “brave it” and go ahead and be creative.

http://www.threefirescouncil.org/

But let’s get to the real problem here -the pernicious PC idea that Americans now have to ask for licenses from “authentic” cultural or “community” leaders before they can enjoy and use the cultural bounty that enriches our country. Chief Illiniwek wasn’t some creation “honoring” so-called “Native Americans.” He was an historical figure symbolizing a great American university and of all of us - no matter what our ethnicity - who were once proud to be its graduates. No group of Americans should “own” or control Illiniwek any more than poor white Kentuckians should control whether Illinois can refer to itself as “The Land of Lincoln.” Of course, under “diversity” culture, the idea that Americans share any symbols or attitudes is itself “offensive.” Nevertheless, it was that bold and explosive idea of a democratic community building a new culture through freedom, exchange and creativity which forms America’s truly revolutionary spirit and separates us from static and controlled models of cultural purity such as those of France or China.

My genealogy is German, Irish, English, Swiss, Polish and on and on, but that’s past history. I’m an American - unhyphenated and as “native” as any Cherokee or Lakota. I like all kinds of real American food - hummous, pizza, sushi, fajitas and baklava. I can take or leave saganaki and chop suey, but it doesn’t bother me one bit if they were invented in the USA and aren’t “authentic.” I don’t need Al Sharpton’s authorization to listen to Duke Ellington, I don’t need David Duke’s approval to listen to the Carter family, and I don’t need any “Native American” telling me where to put up my Navajo weaving in my home. It is absolutely nauseating that an American artist like Bob Hanson has to get down on his knees and assure the media that he’s selected only the “accurate” parts of Longfellow’s genius. Since when has accuracy become the test of art? Do we critique “Romeo and Juliet” on the basis of the accuracy of its portrayal of 16th century Verona? Rubbish! I really feel sorry for Hanson, but at least he can now understand how Jewish artists in Germany felt when they were accused of unauthorized “mongrelization” of the pure Aryan culture of the German “Volk.” Isn’t it ironic that another common “Native American” symbol was the swastika?

I remember seeing the Hiawatha Pagent a few times as a young child, but didn’t really notice when it was no longer around.

I wish I could see the choral union’s performance.