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Chicago Blackhawks logo
Last week, Damian Cox published an article in the Toronto Star discussing the Chicago Blackhawks’ logo suggesting it was perhaps time to abandon the stereotypical image. Since I am of Native heritage, Goddess Kaat suggested that perhaps I weigh in on the topic. We have had numerous conversations about sports teams and the use of Native names and mascots and she thought it was finally time for the Goddesses to address it.
Initially, I was hesitant. After all, we have much larger issues that are pressing to First Nations peoples, but upon further investigation I was shocked to find that Cox’s article had spawned a racist backlash on numerous message boards. This is not uncommon when people feel their sports team’s history is being threatened. Nothing gets people as riled up as their home sports team and its traditions. Yet the misinformation and racism that was being thrown out on various forums was too disturbing to ignore.
Let’s briefly address the issue that has caused the big uproar. Cox claims that the Indian head logo is much like the cigar store Indian and that the time has come to stop using ethnic groups as mascots. He erred on the side of caution – by proposing the removal of the Indian head on the Blackhawks’ jersey.
This is a legitimate debate. Indians have had their names and likeness appropriated by the dominant culture for years. Yet whereas some issues seem pretty cut and dry (the nickname “Redskins” or the caricature Cleveland Indian,) the Indian head logo is not. Some Native tribes actually use this same logo for their own sports teams. When asked about the logo, Blair Atcheynum, a Native and former member of the Chicago Blackhawks, said it didn’t bother him. But to other Natives it is still a symbol of the European conquest and hegemony.
To me, the real issue seems to be the fallacies in arguing for keeping the logo and the racism that has reared its ugly head in response to such an article. Such as:
- “It’s the third most popular jersey in the league! Thousands of people spend their money on team apparel because they like it. It’s stupid to get rid of it.”
This is the ever popular “bandwagon fallacy.” Think 5 billion Chinese people can’t be wrong? Why not? Guess what folks, they can. The thousands of Nazis all thought they were right too.
- “I don’t see it as insulting. I see it as honoring Native Americans.”
Great. But this isn’t about you. It’s about the group that is being represented. They should be the ones determining what is honoring and what is insulting.
- “Other teams are named after ethic groups. What about the fighting Irish?”
Ever hear the term “two wrongs don’t make a right?”
- “People are too PC anymore. Indians need to get thicker skins if they’re offended.”
Well, we have pretty thick skins as it is. We wouldn’t have been able to survive 500 years of conquest if we didn’t. It’s not being PC. It’s common sense. I think we can all agree that if a team logo was an Arab man with stereotypical Arab features wearing a Muslim headdress there’d be trouble.
- “I’m from (such and such) tribe and don’t find it offensive.”
We’re getting closer. If the people that are being represented are not offended, then perhaps it’s not an issue. But if some are, then clearly it is.
- “That’s not offensive. Offensive would be a dirty Indian huffing glue … even though it would actually be more correct.”
Wow. Really? And this was one of the tamer of the racist posts I saw.
Unfortunately, what this post really brought to light was that Native Americans are the one ethnicity that are still allowed to be represented without their consent. It also revealed that such ugly racism is accepted when it comes to certain ethnic groups. And while I was initially on the fence about this particular team identity, I am beginning to think that the casual acceptance of such logos only tells people that it’s ok to be not only culturally insensitive but outright racist about that particular group.
Don’t get me wrong. I am a sports fanatic and can appreciate the tradition behind many teams. I understand that many people’s identities are largely based on their sports teams. I’m more than willing to engage in an intelligent conversation about the topic at hand. I simply think that in today’s society it’s become an all about “me” scenario and what might be disappointing to an individual fan of a sports team, rather than the good of an entire group of people.
Seems a bit petty when put that way, doesn’t it?
Image: Chicago Blackhawks logo from NHL.com.
Honestly, Chief Wahoo needs to go waaaaaaaaaaaaaay before the Blackhawks logo. And how about the Redskins? To me, that is much more offensive than what the Hawks have. How about the tomahawk chops for the Braves? Or even the Braves name in itself? This is an endless topic that raises more controversy than answers.
You bring up a lot of really interesting points that I’d never considered. Really good, interesting post!
Great post! I feel that if any Native groups find it offensive the logo needs to be changed. My personal opinion is that it does not seem to be as offensive as the Redskins or the Cleveland Indians logos. Easy for me to say, as I am not Native. I’m sure I’d be singing a different tune if we were talking about the Average White Guy team logo.
I posted this article link on my Facebook page and my Dad (who is Métis/Cree) wrote:
“It’s not a racist logo. It was picked to honor the determination and comitment of the mighty Sioux Nations that ruled the USA and Canadian Midwest. Nothing more feared than A Sioux Warrior. If you don’t believe me just ask Chris Pronger.”
I have no idea if he is correct. (Well…except for the Chris Pronger part)
Before I say anything to criticize this logo, I think it’s historic, artistic, and well done. That being said it’s blatantly racist. It’s just as bad as naming a team the Mississippi “Ns”, or Austin “Spics.” You can say it’s a positive representation of Native Americans, but it’s a representation coming from a white perspective. The history of Native-European relations in North America is one of cultural genocide. Native culture is marginalized within society and used soley for meaningless entertainment purposes. But to prove that I’m not too sensitive I hope Wirtz is getting his head shoved up Hitler’s ass in hell for driving Chicago in to the ground and its good to finally see some signs of life out of this classic franchise.
I just found this post, and am glad to see another hockey fan willing to engage with the issue beyond “I love the Blackhawks, and they rule! How dare you suggest they’re offensive!” Most of the “debate” I saw on the issue amounted to “love my team, love my team’s logo.”
Also, you talk much sense. I agree, and find it awful that we as a society prioritize things like tradition and business over what is the most sensitive and helpful to a large number of people (especially a people so historically trodden-upon as Native Americans!).
I think I’ll start watching your blog, no following it!
More pressing issues to first nation’s people? Yeah, like why the chiefs of your stupid little tribes make more money than half the players on Chicago?
500 years of whatever just shut up already. Fact is, you natives get all the benefits you could imagine because of things that have had no direct affect on you whatsoever.
So sit behind your bongs, enjoy not paying taxes while having equal rights, and shut the **** up.
Fact: Taxation Government in Ottawa is a working field dominated by Natives. Hired straight from the governments that are supposedly racist towards you. So shut your goddamn mouths. You are given every opportunity to succeed in life. You deserve NO special treatment AT ALL!
Not really on-topic, but I have to say your comment is well…intriguing to say the least! However, you might find that a political board or perhaps writing to your local representatives might be a more appropriate venue to express your concerns. Or, if you really like our blog, by all means post to your hearts content! I’m sure there are many people here that will be equally as intrigued by this somewhat pointless comment :)
“The Chicago Blackhawks team logo was created by Irene Castle, wife of team founder and coffee tycoon Major Frederic McLaughlin, in 1926 at the team’s inception into the NHL. McLaughlin chose the ‘Blackhawks’ nickname in recognition of his time as commander with the 333rd Machine Gun Battalion of the 86th Infantry Division during World War I. His Division was nicknamed “Blackhawk Division” after a Native American of the Sauk nation, Chief Black Hawk, who was a prominent figure in the history of Illinois. Throughout the franchise’s history, the logo has undergone minor changes but still closely resembles its original presentation.”