Now that we live in a world of Washington NFL post-racist nicknames, scrutiny on other teams, from pro to high school, using Native American images and names will only grow. Still nothing is known about the Cleveland Indians after they said they were “checking” his name (and what to check when “Cleveland Spiders” is there?), Nor the Kansas City Chiefs. The Chicago Blackhawks cringed at the real change and responsibility, announcing that they would keep his name and the logo and hope that a specific individual’s name, as well as their previous work with local Native American groups and the future push for education, would cover their behinds. That falls apart when you read is from the actual Black Hawk Chief and deduce how he might have felt about the whole thing.
The Atlanta Braves also opted for halftime today and holding a hands-over-ears position in hopes that this everything will collapse. They announced that they kept the name “Braves” but that they would “review” the use of their “Tomahawk Chop” by their fans.
One wonders what needs to be reviewed and what will matter, whatever comes to mind.
It is very convenient for the Braves to “review” this act because it is not something they will face this season. Even if baseball completes this fun season, there will be no fans at Truist Park. By the time the 2021 season arrives, the Braves clearly hope they will no longer be under the lights of the interrogation. They can “check it out” for almost a calendar year if they choose, giving them time to see which way the wind is blowing next spring.
But still, if the Braves announced tomorrow that they would no longer sanction “The Chop” in their home games, what does that mean? Sure, they can stop selling those foam axes and hit those war drums, but will they kick fans out on their own? It’s not that difficult to get thousands to do it at once without the public address system asking for it, as any fan who has been part of a group mocking him when the Braves are on the road can tell him. Can you imagine a team kicking out thousands of people at once? Even hundreds? Dozens?
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Would the announcements about the public address system prevent this from happening? Or would it cause fans to rebel and do it even more vociferously? Considering that a strong breeze is needed to make southerners feel aggrieved these days, you probably know the answer.
The Braves would face this problem even if they changed their name, as more dedicated fans (or just drunk, rebellious, and completely cunning) cling to their traditions. But an iron hand from the team regarding any Native American iconography used as pets would at least put them on the path to banish these kinds of things forever. A name change, a ban on any offensive merchandise from being used in the park, an increase in the new name and logo would be progress. A half-hearted effort meant to calm complaints for a short period of time not long ago.
Anyone in their right mind knows that “The Chop” is just a mockery of a derogatory image of Native Americans as savage warriors. It is a caricature, a rude tribute to an outdated and mocking image. It is on the same level as raising the right hand with “Hau, White Man” or wearing a headdress. The Braves expect a increased ratio with various Native American organizations and the momentum of history and information will suffice for them, as will the Blackhawks. What amounts, or at least appears to be, is the argument “I have a black friend, so I can’t be a racist.” No matter who the Braves work with, there will be many groups and people calling for an end to everything, and with good reason.
This country committed genocide against Native Americans, took their land and reneged on countless treaties, and we have the gall to say, “hey, look, we’ve honored you by naming a baseball team after you.” Not.
The Braves, and Blackhawks, Chiefs, Indians, and many others, know they are wrong and just hope to avoid doing the work of choosing, marketing, and defending a new name and logo. In addition, they are also terrified of the reaction they will receive from their mouth-breathing fans. However, what the NFL team in DC is about to discover is that those who scream the most about the change will also be the first to buy the new hats, shirts and T-shirts. Just look.
The Chiefs will face the same problems, as their fans also adopted “The Chop.” And we know how much more passionate and territorial soccer fans can get than the roughly 20,000 who appear on a Wednesday night in Cobb County. But they know what the answer is, they know what is right. However, it’s a shame that they hold on as long as they can before doing those things, even at a time when it’s so obvious.
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