Discussion Questions:
- Should we expect sports teams to change logos, traditions, or names that have been deemed racist? Why or why not?
- Although the team will stop using the logo in 2019, "Consumers will still be able to purchase items with the [Chief Wahoo] logo on them at the team’s souvenir shops in the stadium and at retail outlets in the northern Ohio market, but those items will not be available for sale on M.L.B.’s website." Is this acceptable, or should the Chief Wahoo logo be discontinued altogether?
- Will this change help or hurt the Cleveland Indians' reputation? Or the MLB's image, for that matter.
No, we should not expect sports teams to change logos, traditions, or names that have been deemed racist. That is, since we have had team logos of people or race, why bother to change it now? Teams can feel free to go ahead and make these changes, but it doesn't change the way people think of them as. I don't think the redskins logo, the browns logo, is racist. The Chief Wahoo logo should not be discontinued altogether. Although there are many people who dislike the logo, others disagree. It shouldn't be changed so that you have to buy tickets to a game, and from their, buy logo wear. I personally don't think this change will hurt the Cleveland Indians' reputation.
ReplyDeleteIt would only make sense for a team with a logo that's been deemed racist to make changes. Things like this are what make some fans switch allegiances and losing fans means losing money. Also, the more bad press the team gets, the more people start to dislike them. With the necessary adjustments, whether that be changing the logo entirely or just a bit, the Indians will stop the bleeding in regards to losing fans and keep their reputation from plummeting any further. Without a doubt, it'd be in their best interest to do so. However, if they do change the logo , they'd probably have to discontinue the Chief Wahoo logo entirely. Why sell gear with the logo if it's believed by many that " the logo is no longer appropriate for on-field use in Major League Baseball"? And if it's not okay to wear it on-field, is it really okay to wear it in the stands? In my mind, the answers no. There are ways for them to change the logo and nickname so they're not deemed racist. They can keep it as this "cherished insignia" many fans see it as with some slight adjustments. If I were the front office, I'd probably ask the fans for advice on how to keep the tradition without it being racist, given they're the ones who make this whole machine run.
ReplyDeleteI think that the Indians removing the Chief Wahoo logo is a big step in the right direction in regards to Native American appreciation in sports. However, I do not expect more sports teams to follow suit. In other sports there are team names that have names and/or logos that discriminate Native Americans. In the NFL the Washington Redskins have had a lot of controversy over their name, but they won't change because the ownership and league doesn't seem to care. In the MLB there was a lot of pressure by the league office to abandon the logo, so the team had no choice but to just that. Also the Indians have been trying to phase out the logo incorporating a block C instead. In other sports there have been no such efforts to change logo any circumstance. One final reason this will not continue throughout baseball and into other sports is the money aspect. The Indians are not stopping the sale of the jersey with Chief Wahoo because of all the money it brings. Even though the logo discriminates Native Americans the money helps forget that fact. It is a step in the right direction just not sure how big that step is.
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ReplyDeleteIt was a good decision for the Cleveland Indians to remove the Chief Wahoo logo from the team's jersey, stadium, and apparel in the coming years. Professional sports teams most definitely should change names and logos if they are seen to a certain ethnic group as racist. Despite this, I don't expect them to do so (at least not in the next ten years). This is based on the progress or lack thereof, rather, that has been made in the last ten years. A prime example of this is the case of the Washington Redskins, a team that has undoubtedly faced the most scrutiny over its offensive name and logo. Even with the relentless protests calling for the team's name to change, as stated in the Times article, there has been little effort from both the Redskins organization and the NFL to do so. The term "redskin" is one of the most derogatory names for a person of Native American descent. If that name isn't going to change anytime soon, neither will the other, slightly less derogatory names. While it is a great idea to remove the Chief Wahoo from the Cleveland Indians altogether, if the goal is to eventually remove all derogatory team names and logos, we still have a long way to go.
ReplyDeleteThe removal of the Cheif Wahoo logo, and other alike sports logos, is long overdue. If there is one thing that sports do, it is bring people together. Despite this, with issues like the Wahoo logo or the Redskins logo, professional sports are becoming more and more divided. If a logo has the chance to offend any group of people, it should be dealt with apropriatly, by either fixing, or removing said logo. In my opinion, the fact that they are still going to sell merchandise with the logo on it, while not making much sense, isn't all that bad. I say this because all of the issues surrounding racism witht he team, stem from the team's name. "While getting rid of Chief Wahoo will be applauded by opponents, some may see it as only the first step toward the ultimate goal of changing the team name." says the NY Times. The logog only exists because of the name, so if the names is changed, the logo may be slightly altered to depict something other than a Native American. The reputation of the team, I feel, will only get better. For a fan, the changing of a name or a logo shouldn't be enough to drive them to find a new favorite. Also, with racial tensions relaxed, the team could pick up new fans in the coming years.
ReplyDeleteI think that by changing the Cleveland Indians chief Wahoo logo, the reputation of the team will significantly improve. With many people finding this logo "outdated" and "racist," I believe that changing the logo will allow the MLB to rebuild their image as a more inclusive and accepting organization. The change in logo is a momentous occasion as it has been the same since being introduced in 1948. This 69 year old logo will finally be amended as many people have campaigned for decades to enact this change. Through this action, the MLB finally acknowledges that they must respect the culture that they have appropriated. According to Phillip Yenyo, the director of the AIM (American Indian Movement) by changing the logo, we are finally “another step in the right direction.” Although, the new logo will not be revealed until the 2019 season, it is amazing to see the overwhelmingly positive response. It is also important to note that the removal of the Wahoo logo was due to the commissioner of baseball, Rob Manfred, pressuring the chairman and chief executive of the team, Paul Dolan. To quote Manfred after the long negotiation with the Indians franchise, we “ultimately agreed with my position that the logo is no longer appropriate for on-field use in Major League Baseball." Overall, by bringing the Cleveland Indians into the modern age, it is necessary to recognize the societal effects of using a caricature of a minority as a mascot. The team has acknowledged the error in their ways, and has decided to give respect to the Native American people, while refurbishing the reputation of the MLB.
ReplyDeleteI believe with the discontinuing of Chief Wahoo logo wear, the Cleveland Indians and the MLB's reputation will improve remarkably. Many fans and spectators find this logo offensive and racist along with many other sports teams, most notably the Washington Redskins in the NFL and them losing their sole rights to the team name. By abandoning this logo, while still viewed with pride from some loyal fans of the game, it signals a new era in sports, specifically the MLB, in which they are willing to become more progressive and open to what fans and spectators want. Commisioner Rob Manfred said to the New York Times in a statement, “ultimately agreed with my position that the logo is no longer appropriate for on-field use in Major League Baseball, and I appreciate Mr. Dolan’s acknowledgment that removing it from the on-field uniform by the start of the 2019 season is the right course.” when addressing Paul Dolan's, Cleveland's chairman and chief executive, long awaited agreement with him to change the the team's logo. Many fans are excited as they see this course of action as one that may eventually lead to the team changing their name as well. However, some fans are not content with the current scenario in Cleveland. Phillip Yenyo, the executive director of the American Indian Movement of Ohio, approved the action as he said it was “another step in the right direction”. Yet he criticized the waiting period as he said, “If you are going to go this far and get rid of it, why not do it now? All they are doing is testing it out, because the name has to go, too. The nickname absolutely has to go. It’s not just the logo.” Clearly more work is necessary to please all fans, but there is no doubt this is a step in the right direction and will benefit the Cleveland Indians organization, and the entire MLB for that matter.
ReplyDeleteAlthough the team will stop using the logo in 2019, "Consumers will still be able to purchase items with the [Chief Wahoo] logo on them at the team’s souvenir shops in the stadium and at retail outlets in the northern Ohio market, but those items will not be available for sale on M.L.B.’s website." Is this acceptable, or should the Chief Wahoo logo be discontinued altogether?
ReplyDeleteI think that the continued sale of merchandise with the Chief Wahoo logo is acceptable for the team to be selling. The Chief Wahoo logo has represented decades of history for the team and many loyal fans feel very connected to the logo. as Paul Dolan, the Chief executive of the team said "We have consistently maintained that we are cognizant and sensitive to both sides of the discussion." They have to be willing to cater to both sides of the discussion, and I think they have successfully done that by discontinuing the logo for the players, but still selling the merchandise. While some may still consider that selling the merchandise is racist, they don't have to buy it. Fans of the game won't have to see the logo in the field, but the supporters of the history of the team can still buy the merchandise. Another point to bring up is the idea that the Cleveland Indians should get ample time to change their logo. Detractors of the logo want it removed instantly. For example, 'Phillip Yenyo, the executive director of the American Indian Movement of Ohio, cheered the decision as “another step in the right direction” but lamented that the move was being put off for a year." I think it is fine for the organization to put it off for another year and continue merchandise sales because changing the logo will hurt the teams brand. While avid fans of the team will still support the team, infrequent MLB viewers will potentially forget about the team. They should get ample time to change the logo so that they can let the world know about their changes. This will hopefully protect the team from losing some of their fanbase and hurting the organization. They also will be getting rid of the logo, so it is a win win. Overall, I think it is best for the eventual discontinuation of the merchandise, but not for 5 or so years so the team can adjust to a new logo.
I think that even though they are removing the Chief Wahoo logo in 2019, it is fine that consumers will still be able to purchase items with the Chief Wahoo logo on them at the team’s souvenir shops in the stadium and at retail outlets in the northern Ohio market. I think this is acceptable because the Chief Wahoo logo has always been a part of the Cleveland Indians team. The article states, “The logo has long been the source of anguish and frustration for those who consider it offensive, outdated and racist, but for many of the team’s fans it is a cherished insignia”. This logo is a special symbol for the team. The article also states “While we recognize many of our fans have a longstanding attachment to Chief Wahoo, I’m ultimately in agreement with Commissioner Manfred’s desire to remove the logo from our uniforms in 2019.” This explains that the fans have a special connection to the logo. Because of this attachment to the Chief Wahoo logo, it should still be able to be purchased at other shops.
ReplyDeleteI don't think we should expect to see teams change logos/traditions if deemed racist. That isn't to say they shouldn't, but I don't see it happening. For certain teams, like the redskins, who have been around for 75+ years, their logo/name has become such a huge part of their culture that not only would changing it now be a major change and controversial, it would bring lots of attention to the issue of racism that the sports teams themselves don't want to deal with.
ReplyDeleteIf the logo is going to be a thing of the past for the team itself, I don't see any reason to keep making them to sell them. It would show the team only cares about money and their decision to change the logo wasn't genuine.
I think that this will be a good thing for the Indians' rep and bad. A lot of the die hard fans will obviously be upset with the new change however it is a very progressive move that will please lots of people, even people who aren't baseball/Indians fans.
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ReplyDeleteI think it would make sense to for a team to change their logo if it is getting criticized for being racist so they must make changes in order to maintain their reputation. If teams do not change their logos or traditions they face the possibility of losing fans and money. So by changing their logo and removing the Chief Wahoo it is a step in the right direction. Considering many people found the logo to be “outdated” and “racist” there's no question as to whether they should keep their logo or not. As the times change different things start to become offensive to people and the way to maintain a good reputation is to stay on a positive track and listen to their fans to know how they can make their team better. It would be in the Indians best interest to change their logo to maintain their fan base and prevent their reputation from continuing to go down. Also it will improve their sales of logo wear because most people are likely to buy their logo wear now that they are changing it. If their fans do not want to wear it in the stands they also do not want to have to see the logo on their players so they should definitely change it to something that is not racist.
ReplyDeleteIn recent years, more and more sports teams have been called upon to change their logos for the rationale that they are "offensive, outdated and racist." The fact that this has not happened yet is infuriating. Logos, specifically those like the Chief Wahoo logo, are insensitive to entire groups of people. Take the name of the person on the logo for example. His name is "Chief Wahoo." There was not attempt to give him a realistic name, only one that fans could remember easily. The fact that Chief Wahoo was drawn as "a person with an exaggerated toothy smile, huge eyes and a feather" is simply insulting to all Native Americans. The Chief Wahoo logo, along with other insensitive logos, should be removed altogether. This includes removing them from all stores, not just the official MLB store. Being able to "purchase items with the [Chief Wahoo] logo on them at the team’s souvenir shops in the stadium and at retail outlets in the northern Ohio market" simply continues the power of the logo, as now people see it as a legacy item and want to buy it. This added value subtracts from the statement being made by the MLB and instead shows a monetary rationale within the minds of the fans.
ReplyDeleteI think that this change will overall hurt the franchise even though it is a move that makes sense. This racism issue has put the team in a bit of a spotlight nationally along with the Redskins and a few others. Changing the logo will earn the franchise more respect and be looked better upon by the normal population but the fans of the franchise are going to be the ones who oppose it. Many of the die hard fans have memories associated with the mascot and the team and suddenly, with this change, it doesn't feel like the same team anymore. It's not the same mascot out on the field. This matters more because what makes a sports team really is the fans. The move to keep selling the merchandise for a while longer was necessary, even though many will criticize it, because the hard core fans still need to feel at home with the new face of the franchise and it could take some time to adjust. I'm not sure we can outright expect teams to change their logos because there are a lot of other issues that come along with it that can complicate the process. The team can be pressured into changing like the Indians have, but we can't just expect them to outright abandon a lot of history they have with the logo. I agree that insensitive logos have become an issue in today's society making some feel offended or hurt but it takes time to change things so we can't just expect an outright change.
ReplyDeleteI believe that this will help the Cleveland Indians reputation because it exemplifies courage, integrity, and honor for the team. Although loyal fans are and will continue to be upset, in time the team will be known under a different name but the team will still be the same. The players, coaching staff, and fans will (hopefully) come to agree with the decision to change the mascot because it is a fact that the "Chief Wahoo" can be considered triggering and offensive to anyone. I also believe that in turn the team will gain more fans or just more respect in general because it is an honorable action that people will either respect or come to respect. “The Redskins are seen by many as having one of the most egregiously insensitive nicknames, though the team and the N.F.L. have expressed little interest in changing it.” Teams that refuse to change their insensitive nicknames are asking for lack of fans and loss of crowds it can only help the Indians become better. Protesters on numerous occasions have stood outside of the stadium demanding a change. Although the protestors stand outside the stadium fighting for a new logo and mascot they are civil and have declared they have no problem with the team itself, just the logo, and in fact some even support the team. The Indians have already progressively used less of the Chief Wahoo logo and it has shown effective and they are making the next step to rebranding their name whilst not changing their team. In conclusion changing the logo will only create a safer environment for people who felt offended by the logo and will not change the team at all and will only be a step in the right direction for less racism all over America.
ReplyDeleteJust because a team’s logo, name, or tradition has been deemed racist doesn’t mean that all owners or coaches will be willing to change it. Some owners or coaches of a team may not want to give it up because it has historical or personal significance. However, for a team to play with a racist name, logo, or tradition wouldn’t be smart because it would affect their business a lot negatively. That team wouldn’t have a large fan base because people who are offended or affected by the team will not want to support that team in any way. A racist logo or name goes against many people's morals and beliefs to the point that some people would be against that program. Considering the business side rather than personal interests I believe sports team would want to change the name or logo so they're able to possess as many fans they can which will make them the most money possible.
ReplyDeleteI do not think the Chief Wahoo logo should be discontinued altogether because of moral and business reasons. Allowing customers to buy apparel with the Chief Wahoo logo in the stadium is not the same as advertising this logo on national television with millions of people watching. The logo isn’t the official team logo for the start of the 2019 season and it will not be worn by any of the players. The people who are offended by this logo are not able to see chief wahoo on any player but only in the team shop for people who want to rock the retro uniform or hat. Also, the teams profits for new and old uniforms will skyrocket. Everyone is going to want aperal with the new logo on it because it’s been so controversial. People are also going to want to buy the old logo before the team stops making it.
This change will help both the Cleveland Indians reputation and the MLB’s image. Because of Larry Dolan’s, president of the Cleveland Indians, principle the Cleveland Indians accepted that their logo is deemed racist and wanted to do something about it. Rob Manfred, the commissioner of baseball, reached out to the Indians organization and “pressured Paul Dolan, Cleveland’s chairman and chief executive, to make a change” (Waldstein). According to Rob Manfred, Dolan agreed that the Chief Wahoo is not appropriate for display in the MLB. This arrangement between both Manfred and Dolan exposes both a good reputation for the Indians and a good image for the MLB because of their ability to make changes for what is morally right.
I believe that the Cleveland Indians changing is both the morally correct thing to do, and the right thing to do for the sake of their franchise. We are simply beyond past the days where it is okay to associate Native American's with the racist stereotype of "red" skin. I find this to be very similar to the controversy surrounding the removal of confederate statues/flags from state grounds. Just like these statues, the racist connotation carried by the Indians logo has no place in our present day society. I believe that the Redskins should look at this change by the Indians and follow suit. With sports having such a prevalent history of racism, I believe that all available steps must be made to rid racism from both the leagues and their franchises. Sports team are one of the things little kids look up to the most in this world; no kid should associate the racism of the chief wahoo with something hold so dearly in their head. I believe that as of 2019 the Indians should completely discontinue the production of the chief wahoo logo. Although I do think the Indians are taking a step in the right direction, I believe there is no tip toeing around such important issues. Any fan that the club would lose support of due to the logo change should not be wanted by the team anyways.
ReplyDeleteIn general I am not a fan of changing tradition nor am I fan of changing things solely based off of the feelings of a group of people. In this case specifically however, I do believe that the logo should go. I feel that if the logo is going to be removed from uniforms, it should also be removed from the souvenir shops and other retailers. I think that this should be done not to please the MLB Commissioner but as a smart business choice. While some Chief purists and traditional fans might be upset over the change, I do not think that it is something that will cause fans to veer away from their team. From my observation and personal experience, baseball fans are very loyal and while they might be mad at the MLB and the Indian's front office, they will still buy tickets and they will still support the players on the field. From a business prospective I think that is was a smart choice that the Indian's chairman acknowledged both sides of the argument saying "We have consistently maintained that we are cognizant and sensitive to both sides of the discussion." This is a strategy to display the thought that went into their decision making. As a side note, if the logo is banned all together I expect that we will see a big spike in the value of the the older merchandise.
ReplyDeleteTeams that have Native Americans as their logo have found themselves in the center of controversy for what feels forever. One of the MLB's discussed logos, the Cleveland Indians', "The Wahoo" has faced the brunt of the criticism, along with other team logos such as, the Washington Redskins as well as the Atlanta Braves. However, the Indians have addressed recent concerns with the latest announcement that, "The Cleveland Indians will stop using the Chief Wahoo logo on their uniforms beginning in 2019". Although, a great step in the right direction towards ridding the sports world of logos that are deemed offensive and or racist, some might argue the MLB and other sports leagues have a lot more work to do. Although the Wahoo will not be aloud on the uniforms, the Indians will still be selling merchandise containing the Wahoo. Although it is understandable that changing the logo completely would cost the Indians a lot of money, and not to mention a lot of time, I do think that the Indians should eventually make the jump to a different logo that hopefully won't cause nearly as much controversy.
ReplyDeleteWith that being said, after the Indians stating they are moving away from the Wahoo logo, I do not think that we can now expect sports teams to change the their logos if deemed to be racist or offensive. At the end of the day, these sports teams are a business. Unfortunately, a lot of the owners treat their teams as such, and when they receive the estimates for how much these changes would cost, they become disinterested. The majority of us agree that changing all offensive logos would be great in an ideal world. But it doesn't seem we live in an ideal world and owners ultimately have complete control of what they do with their teams, and specifically, their team logo.
Although, in my personal opinion, the Indians did the morally correct thing, and should be commended. I do not think we can realistically expect other sports team like the Braves, and the Redskins to change their logos based on this small change of taking the Wahoo off the uniform.
Today, I would say that depending on the situation, we should and should not expect sports teams to change logos, traditions, or names. In the case of something being sold that blatantly offends other people, we should expect them to be switched. However, in the case of a person taking a stand and saying that one's teams traditions are racist, a different outcome may be expected, as it may just be an individual's point of view on a long-standing tradition. I think that it is acceptable for the old logo to be sold, as it is a part of the teams history and culture, and could mean a lot to some people. As it will not be available to purchase on the MLB website, we know that the MLB does not endorse the logo, but the selling of the logo will not be prevented altogether. I don’t think that this change will impact the Indians’ reputation. Changing the logo because it has been deemed racist by some people just shows that they are adjusting to the new times, and keeping up with everybody else. In the MLB, the changing of a logo of one team is not a big deal, so I do not think that the change will have an impact on the reputation of the MLB.
ReplyDeleteI think that we should not expect all sports teams to change their logo if deemed racist. Despite this, I think it is a good decision for the Indians to change their logo because many people thought it was disrespectful to Native Americans. Although the Indians will no longer wear the Chief Wahoo logo, I think it is okay that they still sell items with the logo on it because it is a collectible and a piece of baseball history. For example, even though the Expos are not a team anymore, or the Brewers do not have the baseball mitt logo anymore, people still purchase and wear shirts with those logos. Granted that those logos were not racist, they are still interesting and important to fans and collectors. I think this decision will help both the Indians' and MLB's reputations. Many groups have tried to persuade the Indians to change their logo, and now that they are doing so, people will see this as a respectful decision.
ReplyDeleteI believe that economically it would be a smart decision to keep the current logos of the Indians and Redskins. However, I think that morally it would be a smart decision to change their logos. When it comes to sports and many things in life, people are mostly just in it for the money and when one looks at changing their logo they often see how much money they’ll have to pay for new uniforms and how their fans may possibly get mad and therefore not attend games. I think that trying to keep making revenue for one’s team and keeping the support of loyal fans are valid arguments for not changing their logo. However, I personally believe that the moral decision is more important. Since America was colonized there has been racism towards all ethnic minorities including Native American Indians, and today in America there are many people fighting that racism. Considering the struggles we’ve seen in America such as the Dakota access pipeline protest and the general oppression of Native Americans over the years in America, we 100% need to change the offensive logo wear of the Chief Wahoo. The changing of the logo may upset some loyal fans and cause the Cleveland Indians to lose some support, but if people are true fans the changing of the logo should not cause them to change their loyalty. A logo should not be racist or offensive to any group of people and our society should not be upset by the changing of a logo to a non-offensive animal or other being.
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