Woman behind the Redskins name change says the Chiefs should be on guard
 

The fight took a monumental shift at a protest nine years at Arrowhead Stadium and it’s about to come full circle. No matter what you think of the issue, it will soon be ubiquitous in and around Kansas City’s greatest obsession other than barbecue.

The Chiefs are aware of it, and are preparing accordingly.


Back in 2005, a group calling itself Not In Our Honor protested before the Chiefs played Washington. The protesters were predominately American Indians, united in their anger over what they perceived as offensive stereotypes passed off as nicknames for sports teams. An older woman, Suzan Harjo, one of the leaders of the protest, met a younger woman named Amanda Blackhorse, then a student at Kansas.
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</aside>They bonded over their passion for the issue, and that’s how the case known as Blackhorse et al v. Pro-Football Inc. came to be. Last week the plaintiffs prevailed when the United States Patent and Trademark Office canceled the trademarks of the Washington Redskins.


The case is under appeal, but you should know that the woman who took on and (at least for the moment) defeated the corporate entity that owns Washington’s NFL team would like to see the same type of case brought against the Chiefs.
As she says, the spark that started back in 2005 at Arrowhead has created a fire that will probably soon return.


“What happens there, it’s just insane the things they allow to go on,” Blackhorse says of the Chiefs and Arrowhead. “They are definitely in the group (of offensive teams), for sure.”


For now, the Chiefs are publicly silent on this. But they know the fight is likely coming, and they hope a few things work in their favor — most notably that it’s tough to compare their nickname with the one in Washington that is a dictionary-defined racial slur. Blackhorse’s group has also protested baseball’s Cleveland Indians, and that team has greatly scaled back its use of the cartoonish Chief Wahoo logo.


The Chiefs have similarly scaled back some of their more obvious plays on Indian stereotypes, and they hope they have some other advantages when the fight comes. The team is named after H. Roe Bartle, the mayor who was key in Kansas City landing the team from Dallas in 1962. Bartle’s nickname was “The Chief.”


The team stopped using a man dressed in traditional headgear as a mascot during pregame festivities many years ago. In the early 1990s, many of the Chiefs’ defensive players posed for a poster that today both looks absolutely ridiculous and would never be recreated.
The team does, however, play the tomahawk chop during games and welcomes fans in headgear and other stereotypes of Native American dress.


Those are some of the parts of the game day experience that Blackhorse calls “insane,” and why she expects a fight that’s gaining momentum and support nationally to come to Kansas City.


She knows that the vast majority of Chiefs fans will oppose her, but she also knows that the vast majority of fans in Washington opposed her, as well.


She says there is “no middle ground with this issue,” that once an ethnic group is used as a nickname for a sports team, the people in that ethic group lose control of their identity and humanity.


“I don’t want people to think I’m going around pointing fingers, like, ‘You’re a racist, you’re a racist, you’re a racist,’ ” she says. “That’s not the point. The point is we’re offended. You can love Native Americans to death. You can have admiration, love what we do, how we are, whatever, and still (hijack) our culture without understanding it that way.”


Wherever you stand on this issue, there is no denying that Blackhorse’s side is making progress. Teams are sensitive to and aware of perpetuating stereotypes so much more than in the past, in response to public sentiment.


The issue is further complicated by context, that this is a fight centered around Indians, who make up about 1 percent of the nation’s population and who, in Blackhorse’s words, “are invisible sometimes to people.”
That makes getting the message out a bit more difficult. A group of people that feels offended by widespread stereotyping isn’t big enough to get critical mass on its own.


That’s why Blackhorse says the movement needs the help of non-Indians, and part of why she’s so encouraged by developments in Congress and with the trademark case.


There is a lot of momentum here, which can be dangerous for teams like the Chiefs that will likely soon find themselves directly in the fight.
“I’m not sure there’s anything the (Chiefs) can do at this point other than look for another name,” Blackhorse says. “They could be the team that says, ‘You know what? We understand the issue and we don’t want to be Dan Snyder and fight this in court forever. We want to do the right thing and move forward and avoid this entire battle.’ I’m sure fans will be upset, but still, that’s doing the right thing.


“If they want to be sensitive to Native American people, that’s the thing to do.”

Early 90's
http://www.bidstart.com/makethumbdet...img&w=364&mx=Y

**** off, insecure, over-sensitive indian lady.

Obama came out against the Redskins. Wonder if he will do te same here.

God I forgot about that pic. LMAO

Kansas City Jazz would rule!


But that might offend music lovers.

Who were the dumbasses that came on this board trying to change our name?

If the pc police get their way - Kansas City Wolves. Play off the Wolfpack theme.

Peta will complain over wolves.

Once you give in to the offended crowd, they find more to be offended by. Who knew?*











*Well, other than everyone who's ever studied history

Someone should calmly explain to her that we're named after the mayor of the city when the Chiefs came to town. I'm certain that would clear this up, quickly. All parties involved seem to be of level heads.

Bitch, you used the "Sioux slur" in your ****in ad which is offensive to the Lakota tribe.

Get your shit straight before casting stones.

From my cold, dead hands, lady.

http://i.imgur.com/XTxSbF6.jpg

**** you, lady. This is America. We have the ****ing right to enjoy our football team and it's god damned sacred traditions.

You **** off and find something important to whine about. Something that matters. This doesn't matter to anyone. Except US.

I don't care if they change the chiefs or not, but using Bartle as an excuse to keep the name is bull shit. He was a grown man in a cheap boy scout Indian costume. His image is way more offensive than warpaint ever was.

I wouldn't even give a shit if we got a name change. I think it would be kind of cool actually.

I may be ****ing miserable about this football team. They may have turned me into a soulless, evil little shit that hangs around here only to laugh their misfortune. I may have only been to one game in the last three years.

But they are still MY ****ING FOOTBALL TEAM. And I will be god damned if this lady is going to take away my right to feel and know and say the CHIEFS won a SUPER BOWL one day when I get my love for them back.

I will be god damned, lady.

We're the ****ing CHIEFS.

Too ****ing bad, lady. This is America. If you're offended, you have to deal with it. You don't get to wipe out the things that offend you unless they hurt someone. Like really hurt them.

Go cry in a corner and let people worry about things that ACTUALLY MATTER. There are poverty-stricken people in this country starving to death, people who can't find jobs, people struggling under the weight of massive debt, people who are ACTUALLY BEING DENIED CIVIL RIGHTS (sup gay people, luv u), and you come up in here like THE NAME OF A ****ING FOOTBALL TEAM THAT BRINGS PEOPLE JOY AND HAPPINESS (during the regular season) ****ING MATTERS ONE LITTLE SPECK?

Get the **** out of America. Go to some communist shithole where you can get away with forcing people to think and act just like you think they ought to, and where the government can get away with forcing private corporations to conform to some self-righteous bullshit standard that didn't even exist 10 years ago.

God dammit I'm voting for the Republicans in the next election.

LONG LIVE THE FIGHTERS!

Look at these jokers.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.n...85932922_n.jpg

They do have a sense of humor. LMAO

https://scontent-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hpho...72743828_n.jpg

Can you contact this lady directly? Clay, you should be trolling the shit out of her.

As usual in this country we are letting the minority rule over the majority.

Only pussies would be intimidated by 4 protesters holding posters.

No. This has gotten to this point because people started giving her attention.

But I'm beginning to understand how Redskins fans must feel. Idiots from out of nowhere are trying to take away something that they love and has been a part of their lives for decades. What are they gonna do, sue the Redskins every time they sing their fight song at a game? That's a load of crap, man.

God damn it pisses me off. The Clarks better not be forced to pay these people one thin dime.

I'd ****ing stand beside Pioli and Cassel against these idiots...

BETTER ****ING SUE AMAZON!

http://www.amazon.com/Big-Chief-Writ.../dp/B0094ITC9Y

Now the senators are gonna have to change their name because it will offend the Senate and distract them from doing their job of doing nothing.

That's actually a very good point. I get the feeling, though, that Clark would fold like a cheap suit.

This is pissing me off so much I can't sleep.

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/842/zbln.jpg


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/850/i37y.jpg


Never would have guessed that just like most Feminazi protestors as well, both of them uglier than a mud fence.

Oversensitive, politically correct sons-a-bitches.

The tail wags the dog, gentlemen. Get ready to pick up new gear for your Kansas City Red Wolves.

What are they gonna do?

ARREST ME for wearing CHIEFS gear?

I need a damn drink.

The Kansas City Wiz returns.

Somebody just needs to murder these ****s.

You have to be one arrogant self-riotious piece of shit to believe you are speaking on behalf of all native Americans. This group will not win. The Redskins wouldn't have lost out if Daniel Snyder wasn't such an unlike able prick. The Hunts will not lose this one. Mark my words.

I would expect no less from from one of this country's shining examples of capitalistic American supremacy.

This will be their finest hour.

CLARKS!

CLARKS!

CLARKS!

If Snyder loses, so will Hunt. It will just be a matter of time as these chicks will never give up. Then were does it stop? Is "Arrowhead" stadium offensive too?!! PETA going after animal names?!!!!

In the end, we will end up as the Kansas City Football Club. Kansas City Football Stadium.

We better hope that Snyder stands his ground. Firmly.

What do you mean, club? I'm offended by this exclusionary term.

If they change names nobody will remember Indians exist lol

They should go **** themselves

There is nothing racially offensive about the name Chiefs or the Arrowhead logo. The argument could be made that the tomahawk chop, running Warpaint out after the Chiefs score, and the banging if the giant drum should be discontinued, but I seriously doubt that the courts would see "Chiefs" in the same way they viewed "Redskins".

This. ANd at what point is it the fans and not the team anyway?

Are we going to inspect our clothes going into the stadium, hell leaving my house in the morning?

George Preston Marshall, owner and founder of the franchise, sought to rename the Boston Braves after leaving the stadium they shared with the baseball team of the same name. The name was changed to ‘Redskins’ to honor then-coach Lone Star Dietz, an American Sioux.



It doesn't matter the good intentions, typical liberal PC bullshit

I casino reason the Chiefs should have to change their name.

She can take this name when she pries it from my cold, dead hand.

This. The drum, the headdresses etc are all on the fans and won't stop just because of this. Same as Radiers fans dressing up as idiots. No matter what happens with the Redskins, Indians, Braves, or Chiefs people will still be wearing their jerseys and hats with the name on it. Probably MORE people will wear the stuff as a big middle finger to these people.

Exactly. The name is fine, the imagery around it is questionable though.

Doesn't matter to me, "Redskins" needs to go

How do you honor someone with an insult?

I can understand the cartoonish imagery of fans dressing up like Native Americans being offensive, and possibly the profiting off of such imagery maybe being wrong and cheapening the Native American legacy, but the names themselves are completely different in connotation.

'Chief' is a vague term and ultimately a respectful word which honors the power structure of the Native American hierarchy. I feel like the 'Chiefs' actually benefit Native Americans by keeping their positive history and imagery alive in modern times, and I don't understand why Native Americans would want to do away with that form of respectful publicity which is driven by relevant regional history.

On the other end of the spectrum.. 'Redskin', is a racially driven term, pointing to the savage stereotype non-Native American people have used throughout US History to stir up fear and group disrespect against Native Americans. It doesn't help that it's in the US Capital where our citizens expect a message of equality. I can see the problem with this... not so much with the 'Chiefs'.

We live in the touchiest of times, but I feel like the 'Chiefs' and 'Redskins' monikers are night and day in terms of offensiveness.

I see what you did there!

Piss on these people...

You couldn't be more wrong on redskins name. This is the popular media spin, only it isn't based on history, knowledge or facts.

Pretty much agree with this.

Though aside from all this the Chiefs name feels stale and really all it represents is mediocrity. Wouldn't mind at all if they blew it up and went with something else.

The word chief isn't offensive. I just don't see how that can hold up in court. There aren't just indian chiefs in the world.

Arrowhead isn't offensive either - other people have been shooting arrows for centuries. Maybe we're talking about Roman chiefs?

They will cut down on the American indian stuff though, I think that is unavoidable.

Like someone else said, if the sports references to Indians go then they will be ignored even more.

More than anything its just sort of an awful look to build around visually.

Any team with an animal name: Peta
Teams with Indian connections : Stupid Indian Bitch
Buccaneers, Raiders : Somali Pirates
Cleveland Browns: NAACP
San Diego Chargers: Weathermen
Vikings: Scandinavians?
Patriots: Decedents of the Redcoats
Saints : Devil Worshipers
Texans: Santa Annas Army decedents
Steelers; Soft Metal lovers

I could go on and on..............

Change the name, I'm still going to yell out CHIEFS at the end of the national anthem.

Don't forget about the Packers.

No chance in hell they win this battle. It will be like Little Big Horn.

Packers: Homosexuals

It's 5am here in AZ and I'm up to early reading CP in bed. I literally had to stop myself from laughing my ass off out loud and pissing off still sleeping family members at "soft metal lovers". Hahahah. Well done.

Excuse my while I forward this in email form to a bunch of relatives. It's so spot on...a true gotcha moment.

It is offensive. The Indians native Americans just told you so. Why would you want to keep a name that's offensive to people?

The Ghanaian soccer team are called The Black Stars*



*May or may not be something to do with their flag design...

The name isn't what is offensive. They are just trying to abuse their perceived power.

Soon, all memories of Native Americans will be wiped away... and then the few remaining will protest that.

You don't get to decide what's offensive to the people of rougeish complexion native Americans find offensive. That's for them to decide. They find it offensive. The name "Chiefs" must go.

Ahhhh trolling. :thumb:

I called this awhile back. Being in Virignia, the fans of the Redskins said the same shit you guys are now spouting.

"It isnt offensive".."SNYDER WILL NEVER CHANGE IT", etc etc.

Once the PC train left the station it isnt stopping. Chiefs will be next, count on it.

While YOU dont think it's offensive, and I agree, THEY (the ones who cry the loudest and who the media loves to pander to) claim it's offensive. This lady is even telling you it's you she's coming after next.

After the Skins name gets changed, btw Snyder has already secured a patent for a "Washington Football Entertainment License" for a different name in case this shit goes sour. And it is going sour. But after the skins get changed, it's going to be all in public with MSNBC/CNN/etc talking about the victory for the little guys (indians), then the following questions will be directed at YOU.

And let's face it. Nobody outside of Missouri/Iowa/Kansas likes the Chiefs. Redskins have die hard fans in very big cities, (cities that make policy for the rest of the nation). What do you have?

Wait until you have Obama and Harry Reid claiming that Since the redskins got changed because it's offensive, then you county bumpkin rednecks in the Midwest ought to see the light and change the Chiefs/Blackhawks/Indians/etc.

The train has left. I'd start thinking about what you want your name to be called.

GO PACK

Kansas City Bronco Killers

Oops not very PC of me. LMAO

Not trolling, Guru. I'm just using the same arguments that the PC pussies used in the Redskins thread. The stupidity of their claims is the same in both cases, but Chiefs fans will see it more obviously here, where it's their ox being gored.

From 2011 - Just a fan opinion but a good one.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=ycn-8754447

The Kansas City Chiefs are one of the most storied and longest-lived franchises in NFL history. When they moved from Dallas to Kansas City, they changed their nickname from the Texans to the Chiefs. There was a very distinct reason why the Chiefs have that particular nickname.

History

The reason for the Chiefs moniker isn't because of a Native American tribe in the area. Instead, the Chiefs got their nickname from H. Roe Bartle who died in 1974. He was a civic leader and executive for the Boy Scouts of America. Bartle was mayor of Kansas City for two terms and was very popular in the ciy when the football team moved from Texas.


It was during his time with the Boy Scouts from 1928 to the 1950s that Bartle got his nickname "Chief." He was an imposing figure at 6-3 and was respected by everyone. As mayor from 1955 to 1959, he was instrumental in bringing the franchise to the city. Lamar Hunt honored his hard work and dedication by naming his team after Bartle's nickname, "Chief"

Protests

In October of 2005, Native American tribes protested outside Arrowhead Stadium when the Washington Redskins came to town. They were making a point that class of people shouldn't be used as a mascot. I completely agree—the Redskins' nickname is based upon the color of someone's skin and is completely out of line.

NCAA teams have changed their names to reflect changes in attitudes such Southeast Missouri State and Arkansas State. They became the Red Hawks and Red Wolves, respectively.

Should the Chiefs follow suit with some "red" nickname and an animal? After all, KC Wolf is our on-field mascot.

I don't think the Chiefs need a new name at all. They stand for Kansas City itself, a legacy that is both proud and honorable. Arrowhead Stadium and the arrow symbol is a testament to the tradition and values of Scouting throughout the world. The arrowhead logo is also a symbol used for a leadership award in Scouting on the district level. It is also prevalent in many Scouting organizations such as the Order of the Arrow , a branch of the Scouts that passes on Native American lore and traditions.

Unlike another NFL team name that is racist, the Chiefs nickname is just fine on its own. The next time the Chiefs and Redskins play, the protest is really about the NFL team in Washington.

William Browning is a fan of the Kansas City Chiefs after latching on to the team during the lean years of St. Louis football. Born in the gateway city, he is also a lifelong St. Louis Cardinals fan. He currently resides in Branson, Mo.

Yup...let's just change our name to the Pelicans!...****ing twat

North and South Dakota Better watch out.....
Fort Osage High School too..

Lots of great and relevant analogies here in this thread.

You guys are at the top of your game.

I just don't understand why people do not understand that those names for sports teams were and are being used because of the respect that people had for the fierceness and the way they fought.
It is not meant to be a bad thing, yet some want to view it that way to push their agenda.

I think the Kansas City Heshers could be relatable.

The Kansas City Perennial Playoff Losers!

DING DING DING

If the Chiefs were forced to change their name to the Wolves in 2017, and win the Super Bowl that year - do you really care about the name change?

What name change?

Just run with the Kansas City Bubbas... have a BBQ theme, get some kick ass sponsorships and have some fun.

after a forced name change this group will target a job title change for all sports scouting systems. "scout" will be found to be offensive and all scouts will soon be called talent finders....