Native American leaders ask Chiefs to alter workforce title and imagery
A gaggle of Indigenous American leaders are pushing the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs to alter its title and imagery.
The Kansas City Chiefs title, brand, and total motif is clearly spinoff of Native American tradition. Through the years, loads of adjustments have been made to keep away from making a mockery or caricature of Indigenous American tradition, however one group thinks it’s not practically far sufficient.
A gaggle known as the “Not In Our Honor” Coalition is asking the Chiefs to change its name and drop the Native American motif altogether, accusing it of being racist. Some members of the group gathered exterior the stadium earlier than the Monday Night time Soccer recreation to protest and exhibit.
In 2020 the Chiefs banned overt displays like headdresses and appropriating face paint. These got here after discussions with native Native leaders. Then, and now, the workforce has dedicated to traditions that honor fairly than mocking the traditions and historical past of Indigenous American folks, however some natives need the workforce to drop all connections with the historical past.
An accompanying petition from the group to change the name has garnered practically 15,000 signatures on the time of publication.
Will the Chiefs ever change their title?
A reputation change? It’s a giant query that is likely to be extra advanced than folks notice. Clearly, there are many industrial causes for and towards altering the title. The title and trademark has loads of capital and goes again loads of years. A complete rebrand might be extraordinarily costly each when it comes to prices to generate a brand new model whereas additionally roughly abandoning the outdated one.
Alternatively, a brand new brand and workforce title would imply followers must get new gear. What higher time to do this than when curiosity within the workforce is at an all-time excessive propelled by star quarterback Patrick Mahomes?
On the similar time, the Chiefs have sought to give a legitimate voice to Native groups with partnerships. A reputation change could stifle that platform and put an finish to a few of these discussions when they’re wanted to protect the historical past and reminiscence of Indigenous Individuals.
Whereas, clearly, not all natives are on board, some appear to be receptive to the Chiefs’ trendy method to its title and imagery. For now, the title will keep the identical, however there’s definitely an opportunity it might change down the road.
