The Observation Deck

What is all the fuss about native Americans protesting "Chief Wahoo" ? I would be honored if they named the club after me, I don't hear Martin Luther King complaining about a street named after him, or John F Kennedy's family protesting about the airport named after him, Rockefeller Park, Severance Hall, get over it, it's not a put down but a promotion. Were not shooting the Indians, were celebrating them.

Jackie, this should be posted under Global Discussions, you idiot.

I think the best answer to this question will probably be that provided by actual Native Americans.

Rhonda LeValdo, for example, wrote

The sole argument proponents have is that these mascots honor us by keeping our history alive. We cannot have such low standards for educating our youth. Right now, could any student name five tribes? Name the President that killed the most Native Americans in the largest mass hanging in this country's history? Or name one boarding school? Native mascots don't teach that history, so let's stop using that argument. If there is such a burning desire to honorably keep Native history alive, invite a Native into your classroom to share that history.

More here for those interested.

For what my own opinion is worth, however, I feel that there is a clear difference between Chief Wahoo and anything that could result from an intent to honor.

Buy your Chief Wahoo gear this season.

well stated Matt, thanks

There's a long and tragic history concerning the marginalization and exploitation of Native American interests, happening as recently as the Indian Termination Policy (1953-1968) that attempted to destroy tribal associations that had existed for more years than the United States has been a nation.

I became involved with Native American causes in Cleveland perhaps 30 years ago when I was alerted to the tremendous needs that were present in our community. Encouraged or economically forced from their reservations to the eastern cities in the '50's and '60's by the government's Indian Termination Policy, thousands of displaced Native Americans found themselves newly planted in a land and a culture totally alien to their heritage.

In the '30's and '40's, there were relatively few Native Americans in Cleveland. Indeed, all tribes had been forced from this state by the mid-1800's. The Wyandots were the last tribe to be forcibly removed. (from Upper Sandusky) With the late 20th century moves off reservations to Cleveland and other cities, Native Americans had to suddenly confront stereotypes, mascots, and a modernism totally out of touch with their lives, while all the time, powerful outside interests were casting their eyes on former reservation lands.

At least these days, tribal recognitions are being restored, and more decisions regarding reservation autonomy and mineral rights for Native tribes are being recognized.

Where all this is going is simply that many people are apparently unaware of how much the Native Americans have been affected by so much that has happened, and continues to happen to them. If more people would put themselves into the footsteps of the moccasin, they would understand so much more about all of this.

Perhaps the most difficult part of that ball club cartoon image for Native Americans is probably the use of the red "honor " feather. Normally presented to a warrior as a great honor, its use on that image is possibly the most troubling area of concern for those in the Native community with whom I have spoken over the years.

Back to the banjo...

Always glad to contribute what I can.

Meanwhile, thank you Mr. Rice for the obviously considerable attention you've given this topic!

Aho.

Che Miigwetch Matt.

You wish to walk on the Red Road? May others learn the way.

Back to the banjo.