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Atlanta Braves tomahawk chop and name controversy

January 20, 2023

The Atlanta Braves tomahawk chop and name controversy involves the name and tomahawk chop tradition by the Atlanta Braves, an American Major League Baseball (MLB) franchise. Native Americans have been questioning the Braves' mascot choices since the 1970s. Native American objections to the tomahawk chop received much attention during the 1990s and have continued into the 2020s.[1] The Atlanta Braves and their fans continue their overwhelming support of the team name and chop tradition.[2]

A foam tomahawk

History

Chief Noc-A-Homa

In 1972, Russell Means filed a $9 million lawsuit against the Cleveland Indians for their use of "Chief Wahoo".[3] Means also objected to the Braves' use of Chief Noc-A-Homa.[3] Means said, "What if it was the Atlanta Germans and after every home run, a German dressed in military uniform began hitting a Jew on the head with a baseball bat?"[3] Means was unaware that Chief Noc-A-Homa was portrayed by a Native American, Levi Walker.[4] For a week, controversy raged.[4] Walker went on radio talk shows to defend Noc-A-Homa. He said, "I think Indians can be proud that their names are used with professional sports teams".[4] Ultimately, Noc-A-Homa survived the controversy.[4]

Tomahawk chop

The tomahawk chop originated at Florida State and was adopted by fans of the Atlanta Braves in 1991.[5] Carolyn King, the Braves' organist, stated she wasn't influenced by Florida State.[5] She had played the "tomahawk song" during most at-bats for a few seasons, but it finally caught on with Braves fans when the team started winning.[6][7] The usage of foam tomahawks led to criticism from Native American groups that it was "demeaning" to them and calls for them to be banned.[7] In response, the Braves' public relations director said that it was "a proud expression of unification and family".[7] King, who did not understand the political ramifications, approached one of the Native American chiefs who were protesting.[8] The chief told her that leaving her job as an organist would not change anything and that if she left, "they'll find someone else to play".[8]

Foam tomahawks were first created by foam salesman Paul Braddy in 1991 for the Braves, following their adoption of the tomahawk chop.[9] Upon hearing Skip Caray say during a radio broadcast of an Atlanta Braves game that they needed tomahawks to accompany their newly acquired tomahawk chop celebration,[10] Braddy approached the Braves' concessions manager, John Eifert, with a suggestion of a foam rubber tomahawk. Eifert agreed, providing they cost around $5, to which Braddy carved a tomahawk out of foam with an electric knife.[11][9] The foam tomahawks became very popular with Braves fans at the Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium,[12]—so much so, that Braddy was able to quit his $60,000-a-year salesman's job in order to manufacture foam tomahawks full-time and was able to create 8,000 a day.[13]

The controversy has persisted since and became national news again during the 2019 National League Division Series.[14] During the series, St. Louis Cardinals relief pitcher and Cherokee Nation member Ryan Helsley was asked about the chop and chant. Helsley said he found the fans' chanting and arm motions insulting and that the chop depicts natives "in this kind of caveman-type people way who aren't intellectual".[14] The relief pitcher's comments prompted the Braves to stop handing out foam tomahawks, playing the chop music, or showing the chop graphic when the series returned to Atlanta for Game 5.[14] The Braves released a statement, saying they would "continue to evaluate how we activate elements of our brand, as well as the overall in-game experience" and that they would continue a "dialogue with those in the Native American community after the postseason concludes".[14] The heads of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation and Cherokee Nation (tribal nations whose ancestral homelands include Atlanta or Georgia) both condemned the chop and chant.[14]

During the off-season, the Braves met with the National Congress of American Indians to start discussing a path forward.[15] For eighteen months after the 2019 NLDS incident, the president and CEO of the Braves, Derek Schiller, refused to disclose a position on the chop.[16] When the Braves played their first home game with fans, the club encouraged fans to chant and chop.[16] Commissioner of Baseball Rob Manfred opined during the 2021 World Series, "It's important to understand we have thirty markets around the country. They're not all the same. The Braves have done a phenomenal job with the Native American community". He supported the Braves' position on the matter because the Native American community in the Atlanta area "is wholly supportive of the Braves program, including the chop. For me, that's the end of the story".[17][18] Manfred provided no evidence for his statements, and his assertions were criticized by Native people as baseless and ill-informed.[19] Richard Sneed, the Principal Chief of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, also stated that he personally is not offended by the name Braves or the tomahawk chop, but calls the chant "hokey", adding, "I told them, man, that's like 1940s, 1950s spaghetti western stuff." Sneed said he respects the opinion of those who oppose the name and chop motion.[20][21] "I always took it as, from the time I was a child or a teen, that it was an acknowledgement of the warrior spirit of Native Americans and their strength, and so forth," Sneed said.[20] "To me, the only thing that's derogatory is Redskins".[20] Before the 2021 World Series, citing the disproportionate rates of poverty, sexual assault, and substance use that Native Americans face, Sneed said, "there are huge issues that are facing Indian country, and I get a little bit frustrated when it seems to be the only thing that people are outraged about is somebody swinging their arm at a baseball game".[22] He added, "I've been asked previously, 'Are you offended by the tomahawk on the uniform?' Like, why? A tomahawk is an inanimate object. Why would I be offended by that?"[22] Still, the Eastern Cherokee Band of Indians and the Braves organization have embarked on efforts to be more culturally appropriate and to integrate parts of Cherokee language and culture into the team's activities, stadium, and merchandise.[23]

Team name and branding

In the winter of 2013, the team came under fire for using the Native American head logo on their spring training caps.[24] After two months of controversy, the Braves replaced the cap with a different design that didn't feature the old Native American mascot.[25] In July 2020, after the Washington Redskins and Cleveland Indians announced they were reevaluating their Native American mascots, attention turned to the Atlanta Braves team name.[26] The Braves released a statement, announcing that discussions were still ongoing about the chop, but the team name would not be changed.[15] In an interview, Braves president Terry McGuirk said, "we are so proud of our team's name, and our expectation is that we will always be the Atlanta Braves".[27]

In July 2020, Richard Sneed released a statement about the tribe's conversations with the Braves.[28] The statement said the EBCI believed "that candid, thoughtful conversations are crucial to educating leaders and bringing about positive change".[28] The EBCI statement also applauded "the Braves' willingness to engage in this effort and look forward to continuing to build the relationship the EBCI shares with them, to present a model for how other professional sports teams can work with Native Nations in a respectful and constructive manner".[28] Before the 2021 World Series, the NCAI criticized the defense of the mascot and "chop" by MLB commissioner Manfred, and NCAI president Fawn Sharp reiterated the viewpoint of Native Americans that any caricature representation is harmful.[29]

See also

References

  1. ^ Lutz, Tom (July 13, 2020). "Indians, Braves and Chiefs: what now for US sports' other Native American names?". The Guardian. Retrieved July 13, 2020.
  2. ^ "Fans overwhelmingly support keeping Braves name". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. July 10, 2019. Retrieved July 13, 2020.
  3. ^ a b c "Indians on the Warpath". The Charlotte News. January 19, 1972. Retrieved July 13, 2020.
  4. ^ a b c d Hudspeth, Ron (January 19, 1977). "Good News for Kiddies: Noc-A-Homa Returning". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Retrieved July 13, 2020.
  5. ^ a b Shultz, Jeff (July 17, 1991). "Tomahawks? Scalpers? Fans whoop it up". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Retrieved July 13, 2020.
  6. ^ Moore, Terrence (August 9, 1991). "Organist Carolyn King encourages tomahawking 'Wave' into a ripple". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Retrieved July 13, 2020.
  7. ^ a b c Anderson, Dave (October 13, 1991). "The Braves' Tomahawk Phenomenon". New York Times. Retrieved July 13, 2020.
  8. ^ a b Wilkinson, Jack (October 8, 2004). "On her final chops". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Retrieved July 13, 2020.
  9. ^ a b Anderson, Dave (October 13, 1991). "Sports of The Times - The Braves' Tomahawk Phenomenon". New York Times. Retrieved February 23, 2017.
  10. ^ "200,000 Foam Tomahawks: That's Not Chopped Liver". Bloomberg. October 11, 1991. Retrieved February 23, 2017.
  11. ^ "Carving can be electric". Baltimore Sun. November 12, 2008. Retrieved February 23, 2017.
  12. ^ Hiatt, Gabe. "A Super Bowl win could help Atlanta shake its reputation as a bad sports town". The Washington Post. Retrieved February 23, 2017.
  13. ^ CRAIG DAVIS (September 14, 1991). "Braves' Park Now A Tomahawk Shop". Sun Sentinel. Retrieved February 23, 2017.
  14. ^ a b c d e Edwards, Johnny (October 13, 2019). "Chiefs of Georgia native tribes call tomahawk chop 'inappropriate'". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Retrieved July 13, 2020.
  15. ^ a b Rosenthal, Ken (July 7, 2020). "The Braves are discussing their use of the Tomahawk Chop, but not their name". The Athletic. Retrieved July 13, 2020.
  16. ^ a b Burns, Gabe (April 9, 2021). "Braves use 'tomahawk chop' during home opener". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Retrieved April 10, 2021.
  17. ^ Rogers, Jesse (October 26, 2021). "Braves' tomahawk chop gesture a matter for Atlanta's Native American community, commissioner Rob Manfred says". ESPN.com. Retrieved October 27, 2021.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  18. ^ Nightengale, Bob; Lacques, Gabe (October 26, 2021). "'End of the story': MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred standing down on Atlanta's tomahawk chop, nickname". USA Today. Retrieved October 27, 2021.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  19. ^ Streeter, Kurt (October 29, 2021). "M.L.B. Commissioner Can't Hear Native Voices Over Atlanta's Chop". The New York Times. Retrieved April 7, 2022.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  20. ^ a b c Spencer, Sarah (July 10, 2020). "Braves' name, chop are complex and personal issues for Native Americans". Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Retrieved July 31, 2020.
  21. ^ Streeter, Kurt (October 29, 2021). "M.L.B. Commissioner Can't Hear Native Voices Over Atlanta's Chop". The New York Times. Retrieved April 7, 2022.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  22. ^ a b Stephanie Apstein (October 28, 2021). "Why Does MLB Still Allow Synchronized, Team-Sanctioned Racism in Atlanta?". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved October 29, 2021.
  23. ^ Martin, Joseph (August 20, 2020). "Braves work with tribe to address cultural concerns". Indian Country Today. Retrieved April 7, 2022.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  24. ^ Lukas, Paul (December 27, 2012). "First look:new MLB batting practice caps". ESPN. Retrieved July 13, 2020.
  25. ^ Lukas, Paul (February 11, 2013). "Braves shelve cap with controversial logo". ESPN. Retrieved July 13, 2020.
  26. ^ Waldstein, David (July 7, 2020). "First look:new MLB batting practice caps". New York Times. Retrieved July 13, 2020.
  27. ^ Tucker, Tim (July 7, 2020). "Braves executives make team's position clear on name change questions". Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Retrieved July 13, 2020.
  28. ^ a b c McQuade, Alec (July 13, 2020). "Native American tribe responds to Braves' talks on Tomahawk Chop, team name". WXIA-TV. Retrieved July 14, 2020.
  29. ^ Joseph Salvador (October 27, 2021). "National Congress of American Indians Respond to Manfred on Atlanta's Name, Celebration". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved October 28, 2021.

January 20, 2023
atlanta, braves, tomahawk, chop, name, controversy, involves, name, tomahawk, chop, tradition, atlanta, braves, american, major, league, baseball, franchise, native, americans, have, been, questioning, braves, mascot, choices, since, 1970s, native, american, o. The Atlanta Braves tomahawk chop and name controversy involves the name and tomahawk chop tradition by the Atlanta Braves an American Major League Baseball MLB franchise Native Americans have been questioning the Braves mascot choices since the 1970s Native American objections to the tomahawk chop received much attention during the 1990s and have continued into the 2020s 1 The Atlanta Braves and their fans continue their overwhelming support of the team name and chop tradition 2 A foam tomahawk Contents 1 History 1 1 Chief Noc A Homa 1 2 Tomahawk chop 1 3 Team name and branding 2 See also 3 ReferencesHistory EditChief Noc A Homa Edit In 1972 Russell Means filed a 9 million lawsuit against the Cleveland Indians for their use of Chief Wahoo 3 Means also objected to the Braves use of Chief Noc A Homa 3 Means said What if it was the Atlanta Germans and after every home run a German dressed in military uniform began hitting a Jew on the head with a baseball bat 3 Means was unaware that Chief Noc A Homa was portrayed by a Native American Levi Walker 4 For a week controversy raged 4 Walker went on radio talk shows to defend Noc A Homa He said I think Indians can be proud that their names are used with professional sports teams 4 Ultimately Noc A Homa survived the controversy 4 Tomahawk chop Edit The tomahawk chop originated at Florida State and was adopted by fans of the Atlanta Braves in 1991 5 Carolyn King the Braves organist stated she wasn t influenced by Florida State 5 She had played the tomahawk song during most at bats for a few seasons but it finally caught on with Braves fans when the team started winning 6 7 The usage of foam tomahawks led to criticism from Native American groups that it was demeaning to them and calls for them to be banned 7 In response the Braves public relations director said that it was a proud expression of unification and family 7 King who did not understand the political ramifications approached one of the Native American chiefs who were protesting 8 The chief told her that leaving her job as an organist would not change anything and that if she left they ll find someone else to play 8 Foam tomahawks were first created by foam salesman Paul Braddy in 1991 for the Braves following their adoption of the tomahawk chop 9 Upon hearing Skip Caray say during a radio broadcast of an Atlanta Braves game that they needed tomahawks to accompany their newly acquired tomahawk chop celebration 10 Braddy approached the Braves concessions manager John Eifert with a suggestion of a foam rubber tomahawk Eifert agreed providing they cost around 5 to which Braddy carved a tomahawk out of foam with an electric knife 11 9 The foam tomahawks became very popular with Braves fans at the Atlanta Fulton County Stadium 12 so much so that Braddy was able to quit his 60 000 a year salesman s job in order to manufacture foam tomahawks full time and was able to create 8 000 a day 13 The controversy has persisted since and became national news again during the 2019 National League Division Series 14 During the series St Louis Cardinals relief pitcher and Cherokee Nation member Ryan Helsley was asked about the chop and chant Helsley said he found the fans chanting and arm motions insulting and that the chop depicts natives in this kind of caveman type people way who aren t intellectual 14 The relief pitcher s comments prompted the Braves to stop handing out foam tomahawks playing the chop music or showing the chop graphic when the series returned to Atlanta for Game 5 14 The Braves released a statement saying they would continue to evaluate how we activate elements of our brand as well as the overall in game experience and that they would continue a dialogue with those in the Native American community after the postseason concludes 14 The heads of the Muscogee Creek Nation and Cherokee Nation tribal nations whose ancestral homelands include Atlanta or Georgia both condemned the chop and chant 14 During the off season the Braves met with the National Congress of American Indians to start discussing a path forward 15 For eighteen months after the 2019 NLDS incident the president and CEO of the Braves Derek Schiller refused to disclose a position on the chop 16 When the Braves played their first home game with fans the club encouraged fans to chant and chop 16 Commissioner of Baseball Rob Manfred opined during the 2021 World Series It s important to understand we have thirty markets around the country They re not all the same The Braves have done a phenomenal job with the Native American community He supported the Braves position on the matter because the Native American community in the Atlanta area is wholly supportive of the Braves program including the chop For me that s the end of the story 17 18 Manfred provided no evidence for his statements and his assertions were criticized by Native people as baseless and ill informed 19 Richard Sneed the Principal Chief of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians also stated that he personally is not offended by the name Braves or the tomahawk chop but calls the chant hokey adding I told them man that s like 1940s 1950s spaghetti western stuff Sneed said he respects the opinion of those who oppose the name and chop motion 20 21 I always took it as from the time I was a child or a teen that it was an acknowledgement of the warrior spirit of Native Americans and their strength and so forth Sneed said 20 To me the only thing that s derogatory is Redskins 20 Before the 2021 World Series citing the disproportionate rates of poverty sexual assault and substance use that Native Americans face Sneed said there are huge issues that are facing Indian country and I get a little bit frustrated when it seems to be the only thing that people are outraged about is somebody swinging their arm at a baseball game 22 He added I ve been asked previously Are you offended by the tomahawk on the uniform Like why A tomahawk is an inanimate object Why would I be offended by that 22 Still the Eastern Cherokee Band of Indians and the Braves organization have embarked on efforts to be more culturally appropriate and to integrate parts of Cherokee language and culture into the team s activities stadium and merchandise 23 Team name and branding Edit In the winter of 2013 the team came under fire for using the Native American head logo on their spring training caps 24 After two months of controversy the Braves replaced the cap with a different design that didn t feature the old Native American mascot 25 In July 2020 after the Washington Redskins and Cleveland Indians announced they were reevaluating their Native American mascots attention turned to the Atlanta Braves team name 26 The Braves released a statement announcing that discussions were still ongoing about the chop but the team name would not be changed 15 In an interview Braves president Terry McGuirk said we are so proud of our team s name and our expectation is that we will always be the Atlanta Braves 27 In July 2020 Richard Sneed released a statement about the tribe s conversations with the Braves 28 The statement said the EBCI believed that candid thoughtful conversations are crucial to educating leaders and bringing about positive change 28 The EBCI statement also applauded the Braves willingness to engage in this effort and look forward to continuing to build the relationship the EBCI shares with them to present a model for how other professional sports teams can work with Native Nations in a respectful and constructive manner 28 Before the 2021 World Series the NCAI criticized the defense of the mascot and chop by MLB commissioner Manfred and NCAI president Fawn Sharp reiterated the viewpoint of Native Americans that any caricature representation is harmful 29 See also EditCleveland Indians name and logo controversy List of sports team names and mascots derived from indigenous peoples Native American mascot controversy Washington Redskins name controversyReferences Edit Lutz Tom July 13 2020 Indians Braves and Chiefs what now for US sports other Native American names The Guardian Retrieved July 13 2020 Fans overwhelmingly support keeping Braves name The Atlanta Journal Constitution July 10 2019 Retrieved July 13 2020 a b c Indians on the Warpath The Charlotte News January 19 1972 Retrieved July 13 2020 a b c d Hudspeth Ron January 19 1977 Good News for Kiddies Noc A Homa Returning The Atlanta Journal Constitution Retrieved July 13 2020 a b Shultz Jeff July 17 1991 Tomahawks Scalpers Fans whoop it up The Atlanta Journal Constitution Retrieved July 13 2020 Moore Terrence August 9 1991 Organist Carolyn King encourages tomahawking Wave into a ripple The Atlanta Journal Constitution Retrieved July 13 2020 a b c Anderson Dave October 13 1991 The Braves Tomahawk Phenomenon New York Times Retrieved July 13 2020 a b Wilkinson Jack October 8 2004 On her final chops The Atlanta Journal Constitution Retrieved July 13 2020 a b Anderson Dave October 13 1991 Sports of The Times The Braves Tomahawk Phenomenon New York Times Retrieved February 23 2017 200 000 Foam Tomahawks That s Not Chopped Liver Bloomberg October 11 1991 Retrieved February 23 2017 Carving can be electric Baltimore Sun November 12 2008 Retrieved February 23 2017 Hiatt Gabe A Super Bowl win could help Atlanta shake its reputation as a bad sports town The Washington Post Retrieved February 23 2017 CRAIG DAVIS September 14 1991 Braves Park Now A Tomahawk Shop Sun Sentinel Retrieved February 23 2017 a b c d e Edwards Johnny October 13 2019 Chiefs of Georgia native tribes call tomahawk chop inappropriate The Atlanta Journal Constitution Retrieved July 13 2020 a b Rosenthal Ken July 7 2020 The Braves are discussing their use of the Tomahawk Chop but not their name The Athletic Retrieved July 13 2020 a b Burns Gabe April 9 2021 Braves use tomahawk chop during home opener The Atlanta Journal Constitution Retrieved April 10 2021 Rogers Jesse October 26 2021 Braves tomahawk chop gesture a matter for Atlanta s Native American community commissioner Rob Manfred says ESPN com Retrieved October 27 2021 a href Template Cite news html title Template Cite news cite news a CS1 maint url status link Nightengale Bob Lacques Gabe October 26 2021 End of the story MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred standing down on Atlanta s tomahawk chop nickname USA Today Retrieved October 27 2021 a href Template Cite news html title Template Cite news cite news a CS1 maint url status link Streeter Kurt October 29 2021 M L B Commissioner Can t Hear Native Voices Over Atlanta s Chop The New York Times Retrieved April 7 2022 a href Template Cite news html title Template Cite news cite news a CS1 maint url status link a b c Spencer Sarah July 10 2020 Braves name chop are complex and personal issues for Native Americans Atlanta Journal Constitution Retrieved July 31 2020 Streeter Kurt October 29 2021 M L B Commissioner Can t Hear Native Voices Over Atlanta s Chop The New York Times Retrieved April 7 2022 a href Template Cite news html title Template Cite news cite news a CS1 maint url status link a b Stephanie Apstein October 28 2021 Why Does MLB Still Allow Synchronized Team Sanctioned Racism in Atlanta Sports Illustrated Retrieved October 29 2021 Martin Joseph August 20 2020 Braves work with tribe to address cultural concerns Indian Country Today Retrieved April 7 2022 a href Template Cite news html title Template Cite news cite news a CS1 maint url status link Lukas Paul December 27 2012 First look new MLB batting practice caps ESPN Retrieved July 13 2020 Lukas Paul February 11 2013 Braves shelve cap with controversial logo ESPN Retrieved July 13 2020 Waldstein David July 7 2020 First look new MLB batting practice caps New York Times Retrieved July 13 2020 Tucker Tim July 7 2020 Braves executives make team s position clear on name change questions Atlanta Journal Constitution Retrieved July 13 2020 a b c McQuade Alec July 13 2020 Native American tribe responds to Braves talks on Tomahawk Chop team name WXIA TV Retrieved July 14 2020 Joseph Salvador October 27 2021 National Congress of American Indians Respond to Manfred on Atlanta s Name Celebration Sports Illustrated Retrieved October 28 2021 Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title Atlanta Braves tomahawk chop and name controversy amp oldid 1133084749, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,

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