Crystal Echo Hawk writes that decisions to get rid of offensive logos and brand names are a step forward, but it’s time to tackle one of the key areas where racist stereotypes thrive: sports.
Many people and brands are starting to grapple with the ways in which their organizations, and perhaps they themselves, have condoned and perpetuated discriminatory and racist behavior. As long as the MLB, NHL and NFL continue to allow the use of Native mascots these words will always be empty.
The NFL allows Dan Snyder and the Washington football team to use a dictionary-defined racial slur in addition to Kansas City’s Native symbolism and gestures. The MLB allows both Cleveland and Atlanta to use Native mascots — even after a Native MLB player called the tomahawk chop “disappointing” and “disrespectful.” The NHL also tolerates the use of a Native mascot and Native iconography by the Chicago Blackhawks.
