“It’s so ridiculous, they shoot themselves in the foot”

Frölunda has decided to replace her symbol, an Indian woman with green, white, black and red plumage, who has become strongly associated with the club.

The background is partly the debate that has been going on for a while, mainly in the United States, where, among other things, the Washington Redskins have decided to change their name, and partly the overhaul of the entire association brand with which the club has worked before.

– This decision the board has made is probably one of the most difficult decisions we have made. There are emotions, finances and other things involved. At Frölunda we always have the best of the association in mind and it is our task to always have it. We are talking about a logo now, not a brand. We have a character and we won’t change character, but we will change the logo next summer, says Frölunda president Mats Grauers when GT meets with him on Thursday.

One who reacts to the decision is Marco Vieira. He is president of the Goa Gubbar fan association and has a strong feeling for the club’s logo.

Now he is disappointed.

It almost seems like you should start cheering for a new team next year. All the success has been with the Indian. It’s what Native Americans remember. If you go out to Europe and wear the Frölunda sweater, everyone knows what it is. They don’t say “check the Indian”, they say “check Frölunda”. Many of those who scream for the old logo weren’t even born then.

Why do you think the club chooses to do this?

– Actually, I have no idea. I think it’s so ridiculous to raise the problem. Everyone who has Indians, should they quit now then? Can’t High Chaparral (a western-inspired theme park in Småland) have Indians either?

“Very stereotypical idea”

Fredrik Portin, who is a postdoctoral fellow in political theory, ethics and philosophy of religion at the University of Gothenburg, has previously said that even if the words are believed to be used with positive thinking, it will be wrong.

– Although positive qualities are mentioned, at the same time it is based on a very stereotypical idea of ​​what the indigenous population is like and that has its roots in an earlier notion of the indigenous population as a primitive and violent savage. Using these words like “Indian” and “Redskins” unknowingly reinforces an already problematic stereotype that many in the indigenous population do not want to feel.

– You have to understand that these names are rooted in the memory and traditions of the followers. You can understand why you are reluctant to put this aside. But you get new memories, and traditions are by nature, so they are constantly changing, he said earlier this summer.

Marco Vieira, on the other hand, does not find the symbol offensive.

– No I dont think so. She’s so fucking sensitive about everything today. Whatever you say and think, everyone should start crying. I think there are other things that are more important.

“The Indian does everything”

How does this message affect your support?

– I do not know yet. I am disappointed that they are taking the Indian.

Do you think that the Indian defines Frölunda so much?

– Yes, actually, I do. It is the Indian who does everything. For me, that’s really the case. Many may not know what Frölunda is, but they do know what the Indian is. Then I think of all the kids who bought souvenirs and everything. There are many who have started to like Frölunda just because of the Indian.

Marco Vieira says that a big reason he stayed with Frölunda was the club’s brand.

– I started to like the Chicago Blackhawks 40 years ago when I saw their Indian. It was the one I became attached to. Then I started to follow them a bit and got stuck for the team. The same thing happened with Frölunda. I think Frölunda is shooting himself in the foot now.

Do you think this could be devastating for Frölunda?

– One way or another, yes. When they brought out the Indian the players come out of on the ice, it became a fucking life. Why was it removed? He had a Facebook page called “We who want the Indians to come back” and I don’t know how many thousands of members there were. I think it will be the same now.

Do you think your supporters have been heard on this issue?

– No. There have been polls here and there, but I think it is an advantage for Indians everywhere. It is a small group that yawns and screams.

The answer: “Careful analysis”

Frölunda President Mats Grauers on the criticism:

– We listened, of course, but we have also carried out a very thorough impact assessment which is the basis for this. With that as a basis, we are clear that it is okay to change, so I am convinced that the Indian will live and continue to live. But not in our name.

For practical and financial reasons, Frölunda will play with the Indian on his chest this season, but the club’s ambition is to have a new logo for the 2021/22 season.

– It is not possible to replace this in a short time, it is a match kit and all the youth activity and an incredibly long process. We will be very transparent throughout the process and will offer a large participation in the development of the new logo, says Grauers.