The end of an era is finally upon us. And it's time.
The Cleveland Indians have been in hot water the past few seasons over the continued use of their infamous "Chief Wahoo" logo, which many deemed as insensitive to the Native American people it was modeled after. I tend to agree.
The team took it off their primary hats in 2013; and now, five years later, MLB claims the team will phase it out entirely by 2019. Chief Wahoo has been in use for over 65 years now, and will officially end his run on the Indians uniforms at 68 years old. Jim Thome, recently elected to baseball's Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, would rather not have Chief Wahoo on his hat at the hall, but prefers the "C".
Now, how about the elephant in the team nickname room? While not Native American, I get how certain names or logos can be offensive. In the case of Cleveland, the name isn't, but the logo is. The opposite can be said for the NFL's Washington Redskins. The logo was a good one back in the '70s, the new one not so much AND let's face it, the name is offensive. That will probably change in the next few years as well. But probably not while Dan Snyder is the team owner.
A large number of Wisconsin high schools changed nicknames and mascots in an effort to be more understanding. And let's not forget Marquette dumped the Warriors a few years back in favor of the Golden Eagles.
What I don't understand, tho, is the reaction universities have when a nickname has the blessing of Native Americans. North Dakota was pressured into dropping "Fighting Sioux" as it's nickname, even though the Sioux nearby said all was fine. The Florida State Seminoles have stuck with their name because of the blessing of many Seminoles.
Doesn't seem like we can reach middle ground on the issue.
Now, how about the elephant in the team nickname room? While not Native American, I get how certain names or logos can be offensive. In the case of Cleveland, the name isn't, but the logo is. The opposite can be said for the NFL's Washington Redskins. The logo was a good one back in the '70s, the new one not so much AND let's face it, the name is offensive. That will probably change in the next few years as well. But probably not while Dan Snyder is the team owner.
A large number of Wisconsin high schools changed nicknames and mascots in an effort to be more understanding. And let's not forget Marquette dumped the Warriors a few years back in favor of the Golden Eagles.
What I don't understand, tho, is the reaction universities have when a nickname has the blessing of Native Americans. North Dakota was pressured into dropping "Fighting Sioux" as it's nickname, even though the Sioux nearby said all was fine. The Florida State Seminoles have stuck with their name because of the blessing of many Seminoles.
Doesn't seem like we can reach middle ground on the issue.
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