Join the Network

Advocacy Resources

Our Faith Our Vote

Franklinton Center

Neighbors In Need

Change the Name! Change the Logo!

What is negative stereotyping in the naming of Sports Teams and their Mascots?

The dehumanization of people through the use of negative and trivializing stereotyping. This act contributes to violence against certain people because they are seen as less than human. The stereotype of indigenous people promoted by the baseball team also contributes to the myth that indigenous people only exist in the past. In reality, over two million native people live within the boarders of the US. In Cleveland, Ohio, people from over forty indigenous tribes and nations make their homes. Many of these people object to the name and logo but feel powerless to strive for change because of past failure or because of a “conditioning” from years of living with racism in America.

We ask the people of Cleveland and the globe to join us to create a community that respects all. Help us to discontinue the use of names and logos that project and produce negative and inaccurate stereotypes of Native Americans. We can begin this campaign by contacting the owner of the team via emails, faxes, letters and telephone calls.

Talking Points

Please customize the letter below with a personal story or other reasons why you, as a person of faith, feel negative stereotyping is wrong. You may want to include some of the following:

Respect and dignity are basic human rights which are denied the indigenous peoples with the continued racist use of the name “Indians” and the degrading “Chief Wahoo” logo.
Explain why you feel the name and logo should be changed, and how they project a negative image of the city of Cleveland.

Subject:

Dear Mr. Dolan,

(Edit Letter Below)

In light of your ongoing commitment to using Chief Wahoo and the "Indians" name, we are concerned that this practice is counter to the principles of fairness and integrity that sports in the United States are supposed to support. Interestingly, you are in a unique position to change major league history by simply changing the name as the country moves towards addressing stereotypes of racial groups. We recognize that you may not have considered this and would face an incredible backlash if you did.

While we are uncertain as to whether you will ever change the team mascot and name, it is clear from our perspective that the majority can see that American Indian mascots perpetuate racist stereotypes. Unfortunately, racist stereotypes and images have a long history in the United States and it is only recently that we have said goodbye to Sambo's restaurant and "White Only" drinking fountains, etc. Vestigially, it may be that negative attitudes towards blacks still exist with some despite the discontinuation of that racist imagery. Clearly, there is more work to be done and potential efforts like yours could set a positive example for America's youth who look to baseball as a source a pride and a forum to learn important values.

Indeed, your team's mascot and name has propelled us forward into important discussion about the ideals and principles our societal institutions should exemplify. Certainly, the images they display should be consistent with the basic human value of respect. As history has taught, there are always groups that want to maintain the status quo as change can be threatening. Even in the Brown vs. Board of Education era there were black proponents of "separate but equal," which we have all learned is "inherently unequal."

You have the opportunity to make an indelible mark on the history pages of society's relationship with American Indians and impact tomorrow's youth in a way no major baseball league owner ever has. As we move forward, we would like to cite you as an example of adherence to fairness and integrity as we all work towards inclusive sports in the United States. Perhaps, one day the values our institutions purport will be consistent with their practice.

We recognize that the "Negro leagues" are no longer with us and we would like to see the discontinuation of American Indian mascots and team names occur all across the nation. It may be that in our lifetime that this could occur if we can find a courageous ally who will stand beside America's youth and clearly delineate the need for a fresh start. To that end, we are prepared to stand with you, educate your organization, and support you. We pray to the Creator that you will find the strength to walk on this Mother Earth in a way that facilitates harmony with all people of all races and then you will truly become a community leader that we can be proud of.

Thank you for any consideration to move us in that direction. Please discontinue the Chief Wahoo logo and the Cleveland Indians name.

Sincerely,
[Your name]
[Your address]

Take Action on this Issue

Send this message to:

Mr. Lawrence Dolan

Complete the following to send this message. If you have participated before, just type in your email address then submit the form.

Powered by image