Should the Chiefs change their name for more Respect?

[Deberg_1990]

Well....should they?

http://www.kansascity.com/2013/10/24...-redskins.html




Read more Yael T. Abouhalkah


But what about the Kansas City Chiefs? Should the team alter its name, too?

In a lengthy report released this month, the National Congress of American Indians indicated its displeasure once again with the Redskins name. But it added some pretty tough language about other major league teams in other cities that have long ago adopted Native American names for their squads.

The Chiefs, in fact, were among those singled out for shame.

As the Congress noted:

“Often citing a long-held myth by non-Native people that ‘Indian’ mascots ‘honor Native people,’ American sports businesses such as the NFL’s Washington ‘Redsk*ns’ and Kansas City ‘Chiefs,’ MLB’s Cleveland ‘Indians’ and Atlanta ‘Braves,’ and the NHL’s Chicago Blackhawks, continue to profit from harmful stereotypes originated during a time when white superiority and segregation were common place.”

“Each of these professional sports businesses attempt to establish a story of honoring Native peoples through the names or mascots; however, each one — be it through logos or traditions (e.g., fight songs, mascots, human impersonators and fan culture) — diminishes the place, status and humanity of contemporary Native citizens.

“What is true about many of the brand origin stories is that team owners during the birth of these brands hoped to gain financially from mocking Native identity. As a result, these business perpetuated racial and political inequity. Those who have kept their logos and brands continue to do so.”

The report goes on to note that hundreds of universities and high schools have changed their Indian-related names.

And the Congress pointed out that — since the Chiefs were born in 1963 — “no professional teams have established new mascots that use racial stereotypes in their names and imagery.”

The point: The teams found out long ago this practice was offensive and stopped adding new names with American Indian references.

The further point: The professional teams still using the names — such as the Chiefs — are being offensive to Indians as well.

What do you think?

Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/2013/10/24...#storylink=cpy

[Mr. Laz]

as i told the author of this column ...

The Chiefs are named after Harold Roe Bartle. His nickname was 'The Chief' ... nothing to do with Native Americans

Their mascot isn't Native American related ... KC Wolf

If you want to go after something it would be the Arrowhead in the logo and stadium name. That said, i hardly think the word arrowhead has any negative connotation. You can't control what the fans wear or chant.

I guess you could go after the name 'Warpaint' for the horse but the rider is not dressed in Native American attire or anything.

[Deberg_1990]

Originally Posted by Bugeater

What the hell is stereotypical about an arrowhead?

Not sure it's a stereotype....but might have something to do with this paragraph taken from the story above:


“Each of these professional sports businesses attempt to establish a story of honoring Native peoples through the names or mascots; however, each one — be it through logos or traditions (e.g., fight songs, mascots, human impersonators and fan culture) — diminishes the place, status and humanity of contemporary Native citizens. "

[Aries Walker]

Originally Posted by Bugeater

What the hell is stereotypical about an arrowhead?

Well, in this part of the world, the Europeans didn't use them. Plus, the wavy edges and shape say it's a Native American stone arrowhead. It's not much of a stretch.

And yeah, the word 'chief' is European, but so is almost word we've slapped on them - including, by the way, both 'Native' and 'American', where 'Indian' is from, well, India. There are even plenty of tribal names which are European (Crow, Blackfoot, Nez Perce). It's a thing.

And most Native American casinos don't have the tribal names on them.

[Halfcan]

Originally Posted by Aries Walker

Well, in this part of the world, the Europeans didn't use them. Plus, the wavy edges and shape say it's a Native American stone arrowhead. It's not much of a stretch.

And yeah, the word 'chief' is European, but so is almost word we've slapped on them - including, by the way, both 'Native' and 'American', where 'Indian' is from, well, India. There are even plenty of tribal names which are European (Crow, Blackfoot, Nez Perce). It's a thing.

And most Native American casinos don't have the tribal names on them.

Drive through Oklahoma-everyone has it. And all the signs for miles as well.

[HonestChieffan]

And people wonder why newspapers can't sell. The guy is a moron.

[Bugeater]

Originally Posted by Aries Walker

Well, in this part of the world, the Europeans didn't use them. Plus, the wavy edges and shape say it's a Native American stone arrowhead. It's not much of a stretch.

Except for the part where it's not negative or derogatory in any way. It's symbolism and nothing more.

[Aries Walker]

Anyway, I don't think the way to argue this is to deny that the team has anything to do with Native Americans. On the contrary, we should embrace it, but it should be an homage, portrayed with respect, which I think it already is.

If the ownership really wanted to take it to the next level, invite some Kaw or Missouri (or even Osage or Sioux) Indians to put on a cultural show before each game, similar to how the New Zealand All-Blacks have the Maori haka before their matches. Institute some pride. People of all kinds would eat that s*** up.

[Aries Walker]

Originally Posted by Bugeater

Except for the part where it's not negative or derogatory in any way. It's symbolism and nothing more.

Total agreement.

[scho63]

The Kansas City Saucy BBQ's
The Kansas City Tornadoes
The Kansas City Cherry Mashers
The Kansas City Hogs
The Kansas City Disappointers
The Kansas City QB Draftdodgers
The Kansas City Fountaineers
The Kansas City Sprinters

None seem very respectful to me!

[Discuss Thrower]

They can stay the chiefs and keep colors if they switch to fireman imagery

[gosampel]

They are going after the name Redskins

[Cheater5]

Originally Posted by LiveSteam

Yael T. Abouhalkah
aaaaaaaaa huh

Yael T. Abouhalkah should change his name to "He who sniffs Cheater5's nuts".

He most likely writes his editorials on a lined Big Chief Tablet.

[Ace Gunner]

gosh darn idiots FTW

[Garcia Bronco]

Chiefs aren't named after you NCIA. It's named after a man.

[Garcia Bronco]

Native Americans didn't invent the Arrowhead either. Attaching metal to the end of sticks, spears or arrows, goes back into ancient history.