KC Star demands the Chiefs stop the chop

[Hammock Parties]

****ing piece of shit fishwrap

Stop the offensive ‘Arrowhead Chop.’ It’s time for a new Chiefs tradition

link redacted

The image of former Kansas City Chiefs star Derrick Johnson banging the war drum at Arrowhead Stadium provided a stark reminder of the home team’s offensive and outdated tradition.

While Johnson led the prelude to last Sunday’s nationally-televised contest between the Chiefs and Green Bay, fans waved their arms back and forth in unison, banding together for the Tomahawk Chop.

It was a bad look for Kansas City — and an affront to Native Americans.

For years, the Chiefs organization has worked with Native American groups to address concerns about the negative stereotypes that have been on display at our home games. The team no longer promotes face paint or headdresses that disrespect the heritage or customs of Native Americans.

And Native Americans have blessed the use of the Chiefs’ war drum in accordance with their customs and rituals.

But the ever-present “Arrowhead Chop” at home games, along with Chiefs officials’ unwillingness to disavow the cheer, are evidence that the team still has more work to do.

“The Arrowhead Chop is part of the game-day experience that is really important to our fans,” said team President Mark Donovan.

But why? Arrowhead Stadium is one of the loudest places to play in the NFL, and there’s no doubt that Chiefs fans will bring the noise — with or without the chop.

The divisive chant is racially insensitive and entirely unnecessary.

“The chop itself is the most disgusting thing you can do in sports,” said Amanda Blackhorse of Arizona to Rally Against Native Mascots, a national group opposed to the use of Native American images in sports.

The continued use of Native American mascots, nicknames and themes in sports dehumanizes Native Americans, Blackhorse said.

“I disagree with so much of what they are doing,” she said of the Chiefs organization’s continued encouragement of the chop. “At this point, they are ignoring the opposition. Shame on them for allowing racism to happen in that stadium.”

Elizabeth Glynn, the CEO of Travois, which helps create affordable housing and economic development opportunities for American Indians, has spoken to leaders of tribal nations and said most are against the use of any imagery that depicts Native Americans in a bad light. Travois works with more than 100 tribes in 22 states.

“No one wants to take away the enjoyment for fans,” Glynn said. “There are a lot of ways to have fun at games. You can do that without labeling and stereotyping an entire group of people.”

Of course, the Chiefs aren’t the only organization that has clung to this offensive celebration. The Tomahawk Chop came under fire earlier this month during the Major League Baseball playoff series between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Atlanta Braves.

St. Louis pitcher Ryan Helsley of the Cherokee Nation was asked for his thoughts about the Braves’ game-day tradition. Hensley didn’t mince words, and the Atlanta organization immediately halted its foam tomahawks giveaway.

“I’m trying to use my voice to get awareness out there and try to help people in that way, to help people see another side, help people see our side,” Helsley told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

While sports teams have paid lip service to racial sensitivity, the Washington Redskins have shown no inclination to change their distasteful and inappropriate nickname. Cleveland’s baseball team was painfully slow to phase out its mascot, which belittled Native Americans, Chief Wahoo.

The Chiefs have taken steps in the right direction, but their unwavering commitment to the Arrowhead Chop is confounding and disappointing. What purpose does it serve? And why continue the chant if it offends even a single Native American?

Chiefs fans are among the most loyal and enthusiastic in the NFL. And there’s no doubt they would fill any void left by the absence of the chop with a high-decibel celebration of our team.

November is National Native American Heritage Month. The Chiefs plan to celebrate the culture during a game against Oakland on Dec. 1. But the organization could do far more good if it used this month to reevaluate a practice that perpetuates stereotypes and dehumanizes an entire group.

It’s time for a new Chiefs tradition.

[RunKC]

Coming in 2020:

“Despite H. Roe Bartle, should the Chiefs change their name to combat racial stigma against Native Americans?”

[Bowser]

Originally Posted by dirk digler

We have a rat as a mascot (err I mean wolf)

Nah, it's a ****ing rat. Pretty cool in the 90's, I guess.

If we're changing anything, it has to be that.

[FloridaMan88]

The KC Star and their loser Editorial Board can go suck it.

[dirk digler]

Originally Posted by Bowser

Nah, it's a ****ing rat. Pretty cool in the 90's, I guess.

If we're changing anything, it has to be that.

I would have gotten rid of KC Rat a long ****ing time ago. Do they even talk about the Wolfpack anymore?


It is interesting that the Star isn't bitching about Warpaint as well. That is so offensive.

[Warrick]

Chop that rat right out of the building already... You want change, get a real mascot. And an entirely new staff at The Star.

[FloridaMan88]

I am surprised the KC Star didn't learn their lesson after they tried to defame Tyreek and ruin his career.

They are a fake news dumpster fire.

[FAX]

It seems an odd issue of primary concern when we have pool-water thieves running around our neighborhoods scot free.

Priorities, media professionals. Priorities.

One day soon, somebody is going to dive into their pool, smack the bottom at terminal velocity, and that person could very well be of Native American descent.

FAX

[BWillie]

Shouldn't the tomahawk chop be offensive to buffaloes and pilgrims who were slayed by Native Americans?

[BlackHelicopters]

Does the Kansas City Star employ writers with world class speed?

[BWillie]

I think many are being conditioned and taught to be offended. Because of outrage culture. If you think you should be offended by everything, chances are you will convince yourself.

How come Irish people aren't offended by this?


How come Scandinavian people aren't offended by this?


Cartoony caricature of Patriots


Are Cowboys they are upset they are portrayed as this?


At some point you have to stop being pissed off all of the time.

[carcosa]

You guys should read "There There" by Tommy Orange. Really good novel about being native in modern day America. It's not "PC" for you dorks who are worried about that kind of thing

[carcosa]

Originally Posted by BWillie

I think many are being conditioned and taught to be offended. Because of outrage culture. If you think you should be offended by everything, chances are you will convince yourself.

How come Irish people aren't offended by this?


How come Norwegian people aren't offended by this?


Cartoony caricature of Patriots


Are Cowboys they are upset they are portrayed as this?


At some point you have to stop being pissed off all of the time.

I mean, none of those people have been nearly wiped out by genocide and marginalized in this country for hundreds of years but other than that yeah it's definitely the same thing

[KChiefs1]

Originally Posted by jjjayb

**** the Star.

That’s what she said.

[FlaChief58]

**** them

[Hammock Parties]