Native Americans double down on protests against Kansas City mascot ahead of Super Bowl

[jgo]

Source: The Hill

A Native American activist group is doubling down on its protests against the Kansas City Chiefs’ controversial mascot as the team heads to the Super Bowl on Sunday.

Not In Our Honor, a Kansas City-based group that advocates against the use of Native American imagery in sports, hosted several events leading up to the Super Bowl in Arizona and plans to protest at the game itself.

Founder Rhonda LeValdo told The Hill that the goal of the efforts is to “make people aware of how this imagery and cultural appropriation works against us and how it affects us as Native people.”

“This is a worldwide event,” LeValdo added. “I don’t want people in different countries thinking this is OK to do to us.”

Read more: https://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/3854186-native-americans-double-down-on-protests-against-kansas-city-mascot-ahead-of-super-bowl/

[brer cat]

1. K&R

[catbyte]

2. This Ojibwe thinks that it's long past time the asinine argument that these team names

somehow "honors" us should've been put to rest. There's nothing honorable about it. It's the whole "noble savage" bullshit stereotype, and it's long past the time that it should've been retired. It's no different than the erstwhile Sambo's restaurant chain or the Frito Bandito. If those were offensive and dropped, I don't see why folks have a problem with us asking for teams to just cut it out. If a tribe didn't have a hand in it, as with the Seminole tribe and the Florida State University, then it's just plain wrong.

How would Catholics feel if a team were named the Pittsburgh Popes and the mascot ran out in a mitre and robe with a huge cross around his neck, genuflecting and splashing around holy water and waving around incense? The drums are sacred to us, and don't get me started on the tomahawk chop, war whoops and chanting. You get the idea.

I guess there just aren't enough of us left, and we don't have enough clout for them to listen to us. Perhaps someday they'll get it, but I'm not holding my breath. Look how long it took for Washington DC to change the name of their team and, to us, that name was as hurtful and racist as the n word is to African Americans. In fact, it's worse. It’s genocidal. Come on, folks. Would it be such a sacrifice?

[wnylib]

6. +1,000,000

Damn right.

Here in western NY there is a high school team called Red Raiders. For decades their mascot was Chief Wahoo. He was part of half time ceremonies and pictured on banners, t-shirts, and sweatshirts.

After several years of complaints, the school district eliminated Wahoo as the mascot but kept the Red Raiders name. To justify the name, they created a large red wildcat as their mascot. So why not call themselves the Red Wildcats?

As long as they keep the Red Raiders name, it will always be associated with its original meaning.

[Evolve Dammit]

8. Beyond that, we need to provide real support for the tribes living in total poverty and suffering

for generations with inhumane treatment that has resulted in massive drug addiction, sexual violence and no pathways to have a productive life free from the crushing abuse. After we as a country virtually exterminated them (think genocide) they deserve so much better. Their voice needs amplification.

[Beartracks]

11. While a "Pittsburgh Popes" mascot sounds like Python-level satire...

... that is indeed the point: it's pretty much exactly the level of over-the-top disrespect we see with the Chiefs mascot, behavior, and paraphernalia. If I'd seen a "Popes" skit on Monty Python's Flying Circus back in the day, I would've thought that it was hilarious because it couldn't possibly happen -- and yet here we are, with the Chiefs. Such "Popes" satire would've been making fun of team franchises who would actually do such a thing; but the Chiefs isn't satire, it's reality, and it just rubs the faces of Native Americans in the dirt.

Awesome post, catbyte.

===============

[jmowreader]

23. Pick a different example, please.

The baseball team in San Diego is the Padres - “padre” is another term for a priest. Their mascot is the Swinging Friar, a jolly fat man in a robe with a rope around his waist and a tonsure haircut. The Catholics have no problem with either the team name or the stereotypical priest who leads the team.

The Macon Trailer Trash wouldn’t go over so well.

[SunSeeker]

35. Catholics would be not be fine if the mascot was a Pope.

The cartoonish Padre is a romanticized version of the Spanish Mission priests of the late 1700s, which no longer exist. Although few San Diego Catholics equate the Padre to their priest, Catholic groups have indeed called for a name change:

Dozens of Catholic religious leaders and communities sent a letter to MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred Monday asking the league to force the Padres organization to change their team name to something less offensive.

The letter obtained by EOTT demands the league to stop all use of “Catholic names and depictions,” and specifically asks the Padres in general to “cease all papist caricatures.”

“You have sports teams like the Padres, which depict an offensive caricature of a rotund priest hitting a baseball,” said Fr. Nathanial Duarte, head of the Catholic committee that first brought the issue to the public. “We’re also asking the Los Angeles Angels to cease using the halo.”

http://www.eyeofthetiber.com/2020/07/24/religious-orders-call-on-mlb-to-force-san-diego-padres-to-change-name/

[AZLD4Candidate]

31. This Mohawk feels the same way. What if the team was called the Kansas City (insert racist term for

white people here) and came out wearing klanhoods?

[DenaliDemocrat]

55. I said what if the Boston team became

The Drunken Irishmen and the logo was a drunk redhead in a muscle t-shirt. The mascot can be a beaten pregnant wife. How would that fly?

Stereotypes suck. Fuck that “we are honoring them” bullshit.

[SunSeeker]

36. Thank you catbyte. Your post really explains it well!

[IbogaProject]

41. Florida State University

They use the Seminoles name. Not clear if they have any deal with that tribe.

[catbyte]

43. From the Florida State website:

Relationship with the Seminole Tribe of Florida

SEMINOLE TRIBE OF FLORIDA 2005 RESOLUTION

For more than seven decades, Florida State has worked closely, side by side, with the Seminole Tribe of Florida. The relationship, built on respect, is so mutually supportive that in 2005 the tribe — which rarely puts such things in writing — took an unprecedented, historic step with a public declaration of support. The Seminole Tribe invited the university president at that time, T.K. Wetherell, to Big Cypress Reservation to receive a written resolution from the Tribal Council affirming its enthusiastic support for the university's use of the Seminole name, logos and images. Subsequently, Chief Jerry Haney of the Seminole Tribe of Oklahoma also publicly stated his support.

The council's action was recognition of Florida State's continued collaboration with the tribe to 1) include prominent participation by tribal members in many of the university's most meaningful events, and 2) seek advice and direction to ensure tribal imagery is authentic. The university continues to welcome these opportunities to expose our students, faculty, staff and alumni to the Seminoles' history and traditions and reflects what we value as an institution — multiculturalism and diversity. In return, the Seminoles’ culture and lore are kept alive.

snip

https://unicomm.fsu.edu/messages/relationship-seminole-tribe-florida/

[IbogaProject]

45. So cool

And especially impressive as they are one of only four tribes to have never signed a treaty.

[Dr. Strange]

58. Based on this letter...

are we to conclude that Florida State having the Seminole as a mascot is in fact honoring them?

[catbyte]

59. Florida State does not have a mascot.

I'm not Seminole, I'm Ojibwe, and I don't presume to criticize the relationship between the tribe and the university. Perhaps neither should you.

[Dr. Strange]

60. Really?

So when you see "Kansas City Chiefs" you think the Chiefs are their mascot, but when you see "Florida State Seminoles" you don't think of the Seminoles as the mascot?

I don't presume to criticize the relationship between the tribe and the university. Perhaps neither should you.

This would in fact be my position. It strikes me as less presumptuous than

This Ojibwe thinks that it's long past time the asinine argument that these team names somehow "honors" us should've been put to rest. There's nothing honorable about it.

If the Seminoles find it to be honorable, then perhaps neither of us should question it.

[catbyte]

61. I'm not going to argue with you. If you can't see the difference between a team

working with an tribe and teams who use our religious rites and exploit our images without input from us, then I don't know what. Have a good weekend.

[Dr. Strange]

62. Okay.

I do see a difference, but I think that would seem to mean that using Native American mascots isn't inherently racist.

Nonetheless, have a great weekend as well!

[catbyte]

63. Again, Florida State does not have a mascot for the very reason that

Native American mascots are inherently racist. Just wanted to clear that point up.

[Traildogbob]

3. I am a life long Cowboy fan

I know, last 25 plus years are about to end that, (Fuck you Jerry) but, being so I Hate the Eagles. But tomorrow I will be pulling for Philly because that damn tomahawk chop and accompanying chant makes me sick. I despise every team that uses it. Hurts can silence that damn noise. Go Philly.

[Tree-Hugger]

4. Go Birds! nt

I was in an awful position this year when two of my most intensely disliked - Cowboys and Brady - played against each other. I didn't enjoy it, but I had hoped to see the Cowboys wipe the Buccs, which they did.

[BOSSHOG]

13. How come us Iggle fans get so much grief

We’re lovable. I’m a good sport, but being a true eagle fanatic I can be a tad obnoxious. On another site, a poster said he hoped the Eagles would win so Philly fans would burn the city to the ground. I enjoy the heck out of the verbal banter. It’s a movie to be made. To compound my crime of being an Eagle fan I’m also a graduate of the University of Arkansas as are Jerry Jones and Jimmy Johnson, teammates on the 64 National Championship team. Got a picture of the team in my office.

I’ve rambled enough. The Chiefs name should go. Surely Missouri and Kansas can come up with a symbol all fans can be proud of.

FLY EAGLE FLY !

[Traildogbob]

16. For me

It was the Cheering Micheal Irvin’s possible paralysis while lying on the field. And the batteries and snow balls at Santa.
Other than That just rivalry dislike.
But we are going nowhere under Jones and I’ve had a fill of Dak AND Zeke. Gimme the cash then just hang out.
But Hurts and the Eagles are gonna be damn good for a while.
If we could have kept Jimmy and Jerry’s ego in check, who knows.
Best of luck tomorrow. Hope your D keeps that damn tomahawk silent.

[BOSSHOG]

18. My brother in law and you think alike

He’s a big Cowboy fan. I know a few of them and none of them like Jerry. My BIL and I went to a Philly-Dallas game at the Vet in 87. You could tell he was a Cowboy fan 10 miles away with his Cowboy regalia. And I was donned in my finest Eagle garb. I could have gotten a job at the UN after that game using my best diplomatic skills with my fellow fans to keep him from getting his Butt kicked. Most of us are insane when it comes to football. I hope the Iggles win because I have just about enough room in my garage for one more sports pennant.

That tomahawk chop crap is grating in so many ways.

Love our D

[Traildogbob]

19. Cowboy garb at the Vet?

That’s worse than dressing drag with a Hillary flag at a Trump rally in Texas, while chanting “Pussy Ass Bitch. You saved his life.

[BOSSHOG]

21. Yeah I recall sweating it out before we left the house

But those surrounding us way up high we’re kinda cool and I was the Secretary of State for 4 hours. His winter weather Cowboy jacket was pretty sharp. I did the flip side in 94 when I went to the Auburn Arkansas game at Auburn with a couple of buddy’s. I was all decked out in woo pig Sooie. Came close to getting my ass whipped. I guess lucky for me Auburn won.

[Traildogbob]

22. 😂

[BOSSHOG]

24. I was a Chief In the Navy

Im fine with that denotation. As well as CEO etc. They don’t imply an Indian or his tribe. They don’t have uniforms clearly denoting Indian. Named after a Mayor? Then why the Indian chant? Do Mayors have chants? Don’t most Mayors have detractors? Don’t some Mayors lose or resign in disgrace? Bartle had the nerve.

I think the hunters work. I don’t know if I’ll ever cotton to the Commanders. Maybe go the way of minor league baseball teams.

[AZLD4Candidate]

32. Look at their logo and their actions during the game. That seems to undermine everything you say

[BOSSHOG]

53. I was referring to CEOs etc

They don’t have logos or war chants. Thus I have no objection to them being called Chief. Obviously my “they” was not specific enough.

The KC Chiefs would be wise to seek out another name.

[Polybius]

48. ...

[Tree-Hugger]

5. That and...

....their ridiculous chop and chant. It needs to go.

Fly Eagles Fly. 🦅

[hoosierspud]

7. The Spokane tribe partners with the our local teams,

The Spokane Indians (minor league baseball) and the Spokane Chiefs (hockey). The Indians sometimes play in jerseys with Salish writing on them and their award winning mascot was designed in collaboration with tribal members.

I also lived in KC for 17 years. They have been digging in their heels about this since the 90's. KC has the largest Native American population in Missouri, but those jerks don't care.

I'm no Eagles fan, but I will continue to root against the Chiefs tomorrow.

[bahboo]

9. so much to like about Kansas City and their football team...

and then they fuck it up with this. Change is long overdue. Do it. Washington did, and they had a far longer history than KC.

[DBoon]

10. I'd drop the "i" out of the team's name

and use this as a mascot



The chant could be something like, "OINK, OINK,OINK!"

[Rebl2]

27. Actually there

is a hat being made locally for chiefs fans and they dropped the i. The KC Chefs.

[Whatthe_Firetruck]

49. Remember the commercial...?

Where this old dude is painting out something in a football end field, and a player comes by and asks, "Who are the Chefs?"

Camera pulls back to see he has spelled out just that instead of Cheifs, and he mutters disgustedly, "Great googly moogly!"

[SergeStorms]

12. Wonderful!

Every time those numbskulls start their insipid chant - that no native American tribe ever sang - it makes me want to vomit. Some Hollywood composer once said, "Hey, this sounds like a cool Indian tune, huh?", and a stupid white man meme was born, long before anyone knew what a meme was.

I have nothing against Kansas City or it's fans other than that. I simply loathe that stupid chant.

[aggiesal]

14. Here is the problem they will run into ...

A University in Colorado, that has a lot of Native American students, has a Native American intermural team named the Fighting Whities to highlight the issue.
There slogan is "Every thangs gonna be all White"
Unfortunately, the non-Native Americans students (i.e. Whites) loved it.
They have a store where you can by the logo on t-shirts, mugs, ...

[wnylib]

17. They need a stronger name than Whities.

Something like the White Child Molesters, after the sexual predators in the Indian Boarding Schools.

[AZLD4Candidate]

33. I can think of one. you eat it with cheese and soup.

[wnylib]

37. Got to have an insulting caricature as a mascot, too.

[AZLD4Candidate]

38. How about these?

[jmowreader]

25. Had

They only played a couple years…but their first year they sold so much merch they were able to endow four scholarships.

[BidenRocks]

15. No problem with Green Bay

Is the day coming where Native Americans are only known for casinos?
Since history about blacks is banned, I guess NA history will be also.
It is rather messy this history thing.
Better ask Ron what he thinks. (DeSantis)

[tinymontgomery]

26. I taught at a school that was called the Rebels

I taught at a school that was called the Rebels in the middle of NC. Their mascot was a student dressed as a rebel. A new principle that tried to change the name but she got so many calls and threats she never changed it. She grew up there and got calls calling her a damm yankee and go home. lol The last school I taught at before I retired is called the Chiefs. Their mascot is a Native American, this in SC.

[Rebl2]

29. Interesting

[ShazzieB]

30. I'm totally here for eliminating Native American related team names.

I'm a little confused about the KC mascot, though. Isn't their mascot a wolf now? Maybe they should just change the team name to the Kansas City Wolves and have done with it.

As long as I live, I will never understand why people get so fanatically attached to a team name or a mascot. It's still the same team, no matter what name you slap on it. People are so weird!

[AZLD4Candidate]

34. Luckily I support teams that don't have this problem. Mets, Bills, Sabres, AZ Wildcats

[Polybius]

52. Unless animal names become offensive in 2060

That's the problem, sometimes when team names are picked it's not known how the future will look at them. Maybe the Nevada Aliens? Nope, forget it if we one day make contact, that will offend people too then. Maybe Florida Rocks?

[More_Cowbell]

39. KC still has their racist chant and tomahawk chop

But you're right that their mascot is now the wolf.

I never watch any NFL games with the Chiefs. I'm not listening to that chant or watching that stupid tomahawk chop.

I know the NFL isn't bothered by my tiny boycott!

[Polybius]

51. Because many of us don't like change when it comes to our sport

I like having team names that I grew up with. Even the Devil Rays had to change their name. Yankees could also offend some.

[The Jungle 1]

40. I am an Eagles fan.

I suggest Kansas City change the name to the Kansas city Benito Mussolini's.
Only a fascist city would continue with a name that pisses off so many people.

GO BIRDS.

[ForgoTheConsequence]

42. Philly built a statue to honor a fake white boxer BEFORE Joe Frazier.

I'd sit this one out.

[The Jungle 1]

44. Rocky was fake?

I would not mention that in northeast Philly

[ForgoTheConsequence]

46. Breaking news not a lot of 170 lb 5'9 heavywights.

Crazy.

[SergeStorms]

47. Who speaks so badly....

most 'Murkins can't understand what he's saying.

If you couldn't tell, I'm not a huge Sylvester Stallone fan.

[The Jungle 1]

50. If I have to explain you wouldn't understand.

It is a Philly thing.

[ForgoTheConsequence]

56. Philly thing like rioting over statues of genocidal white supremecists?

Men Break Out Guns, Bats and Hatchets to “Protect” South Philly’s Christopher Columbus Statue

[The Jungle 1]

57. Before you rant perhaps it would be helpful if you told the whole story.

I agree we should not celebrate CC. He was a human maggot. He worked slaves to death. He chopped peoples legs and arms off. He traded in and kept children as sex slaves.
If talking does not work then Philly will take action.
The statue was in a box for two years. The court said the box had to be removed. I can tell you this. It ain't over.
https://www.cbsnews.com/philadelphia/news/christopher-columbus-statue-south-philadelphia-court-ruling/


Just so you better understand Philly.
Philadelphia bystanders ran the Patriot Front out of town. It won't be the last time.
https://www.nbcnews.com/think/opinion/philadelphia-bystanders-ran-patriot-front-out-town-it-won-t-ncna1273283
If more cities reacted this way these white supremacist pukes would go home and stay there. This was not an organized response. People saw what was happening and stood up.

No we are not perfect. We also throw snowballs at Santa.

[maxsolomon]

54. It's pretty bad. No "Redskins" bad, but bad.

Cleveland changed. DC changed. Although both their new names suck.

Atlanta & KC can change.

Up here in the PNW, the Western Washington University students are agitating to change the mascot from Vikings. Because they were violent colonizers.

“I think this mascot also reflects a sort of hyper masculine, hyper violent sort of image which is doubly problematic,” communications studies professor Michael Karlberg told The Western Front, the university’s main student newspaper. “I think we really ought to reconsider.”

The Front reports the Associated Students Vice President for Diversity brought up the mascot change at AS Board meeting earlier this month in part because the Viking mascot doesn’t portray students of color.