If tRump had won the election it’s a sure bet the Indians would not be moving to change their name as the team owners are currently, albeit reluctantly, planning to do after the 2022 season. They would have stuck with the racist image for at least the next four years.
Back in 1995, when I got sprung from federal prison (yet again), there were two things I was desperate to do: Register to vote, and join in the protests Native Americans were staging on opening day at the Jake, which had just opened the year before.
When I joined in the protest, I was carrying a “Sambo” sign similar to this one, asking, “What if the Indians mascot looked like this? How would African Americans feel?” I thought then, as I do now, that we black folk have an obligation to support others in their fights for justice — that is, if we expect others to stand with us in our fight(s).
The level of pure vitriol and hatred that was spewing from the mouths of the diehard Indians fans and supporters of Chief Wahoo as they streamed into the ballpark was totally disgusting. These blockheads directed such venomous and bigoted comments at those of us who were protesting racism I was downright ashamed of them, but it was something I needed to witness.
For perhaps the first time in my life I saw up close and personal just how bigoted some Americans can be towards other “true” Americans. But while the comments were ugly they didn’t deter us. I went back year after year to join my brothers in protesting on opening day.
Even in our vineyard and winery, we don’t allow anyone to wear anything with a Chief Wahoo patch on it. One year, a gentleman who volunteered to help us prune the grapevines was wearing a Wahoo t-shirt. When I patiently explained to him that we very well could have some of my Native American friends showing up to help prune, and in no way was I going to allow them to be offended, he willingly turned the t-shirt inside out. He could have selected the option others have exercised over the years when I approach them about the racist insignia: He could have simply left our property, which would have been just fine with me.
Allow me to explain what constitutes the absolute height of institutionalized racism in this country: When a non-Native American has the temerity — the unmitigated gall — to tell Native Americans what should or should not offend them. But their opinion doesn’t count. No one gets to have a legitimate vote on this issue unless they are Native American. Period.
It’s been over a quarter-century since my Native brothers and sisters began speaking out against the blatant racism of Chief Wahoo; it should not have taken this long to bring about change. But at least change is now happening, and this bodes well for the futures of other oppressed people, as well as for the nation as a whole.
We still have a long way to go, but at least we are starting to move in the right direction.
2 Responses to “MANSFIELD: Elections Have Consequences”
Peter Lawson Jones
Bravo, Mansfield. There’s no reason you should know this, but, while serving in the Ohio House of Representatives, I authored a resolution calling upon the Cleveland Indians to jettison Chief Wahoo. Needless to say, the measure went nowhere, but, in any event, the battle ultimately was won.
Steven McQuillin
When the baseball stadium first opened I attended a few times although I’m no baseball fan. I still recall the stupidly homophobic comments when using the restroom, not directed at me but surely with the confidence they wouldn’t be contradicted. It was a xenophobic environment which I hope has changed over the years