The Cleveland Indians
have been around since 1894, with a name and logo that marginalize a racial
group. The term Indian is considered a derogatory term for Native-American and
is termed disrespectful. The organization has been under scrutiny over the past
decade for the removal of the name from the Cleveland Indians, as well as the
controversial logo that presents an unflattering and cartoonist image of an “Indian”.
There have been a steady increase in demonstrations against the red-faced,
ill-depicted version of a Native-American. Many Native-Americans have spoken
out against this dishonor and have protested at many games, however it remains
unchanged. The people garnering these offensive apparels and merchandise
believe that there is no harm done, that they are simply supporting a
tradition. “We just don’t want our people, our culture, our heritage, to be
portrayed as a mascot. I don’t think any ethnic group would like that. But they
ignore this and think it’s funny, because in their minds we don’t exist and
never have.” However, protesters have made a valid point of whether or not a sports
team with the name “African-Americans” would still be around today. This gets
the reader to think, because I believe that this would have been changed
several years ago.
This is evident across
several sports teams including the Chicago Blackhawks, Washington Redskins, and
Kansas City Chiefs. These logos have been under scrutiny, however remain unchanged
due to traditions. The Cleveland Indians have made small steps towards a
betterment as they have created a Block C logo for their caps. There is a step
toward a solution, yet this could go further. If you take a look at the
conversion of the Anaheim Mighty Ducks to the Anaheim Ducks, you will not only
see a name change, but a complete re brand equipped with alternate logos and
colors. The Chief Wahoo could easily be left behind as the organization should
take these concerns seriously and search for a viable alternative.
McGraw, Daniel.
"Native Americans Protest Chief Wahoo Logo at Cleveland Indians Home
Opener." The Guardian. Guardian News and Media, 11 Apr. 2015. Web. 18
Apr. 2016.
<http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/apr/11/native-americans-protest-chief-wahoo-logo-at-cleveland-indians-home-opener>.
I find the this practice so incredibly and obviously offensive and do not understand, well I guess I do, how anyone can justify it. I am especially appalled at the Washington NFL team name
ReplyDeleteThe University of North Dakota recently was forced to Change their mascot name from the "Fighting Sioux" because this name insinuated that the Sioux Tribe was inherently violent and derogatory. The school changed the mascot to the "Fighting Hawks" instead.
ReplyDeleteWilliamson, A. (November 19, 2015). WTKR.com. University of North Dakota Changes Controversial Mascot Name. Retrieved From http://wtkr.com/2015/11/19/university-of-north-dakota-changes-controversial-mascot-name/
My hometown team was called the Mohawks, and growing up this was a huge source of pride for me and my friends. Mohawks are a tribe of Iroquois Indians, and they were often seen as great warriors and protectors. They were the eastern-most Iroquois, so it was their duty to protect the rest of their people from invaders. From this perspective it is sometimes difficult for me to understand how people could be offended by their names being used for sports teams since that is how I identified myself for a long time. It was always a source of inner strength I could draw upon when I needed inspiration. For me, it seems more of an honor to have your tribe represented as a team who is working their tails off, striving to make themselves better and achieve difficult feats. The same goes for those on the team to be able to identify with and use those people as a symbol of strength. I feel like that is honoring those indigenous people. So, from that perspective its hard to see how it is offensive, but at the same time I am not and never will be a true Iroquois Indian and to call myself one for the name of sport, or a game, could be seen as a sign of disrespect to those who are Iroquois. It is really interesting to think about and I wish I could talk to an Iroquois about it.
ReplyDeleteI understand your position on this. Sometimes we have to distinguish between intent and effect and let effect lead us to a decision. I am certain that your hometown meant to honor Mohawks of the Iroquois. Your intent was to honor. The effect, however, cannot be controlled by your intent no matter how well meaning. I think part of the effect is that no other ethnic/racial group is singled out in this way and the indigenous population has not control or say over who or what uses its symbols nor can they control purpose. I like your idea of talking to someone that is Mohawk. Short of that, there are a lot of good sources, both scholarly and non-scholarly, on this issue. I think there is another issue that is more on the practical end--it is not always possible for hometown teams to spend the money to replace the mascot. When education budgets are cut to the bare bones, what is a hometown to do if they do decide to change their mascot
Delete