A divisive chant that is part of the Arrowhead Chop remains an issue at Chiefs gamesgetty images
The Chiefs for years now have "worked with Native American groups to address concerns about the negative stereotypes that have been on display" at home games, but the continual presence of the Arrowhead Chop is "evidence that the team still has more work to do," according to a K.C. STAR editorial. The team "no longer promotes face paint or headdresses that disrespect the heritage or customs of Native Americans." However, the "divisive chant" that is part of the Arrowhead Chop is "racially insensitive and entirely unnecessary." The Chiefs have "taken steps in the right direction, but their unwavering commitment to the Arrowhead Chop is confounding and disappointing." November is National Native American Heritage Month, and the Chiefs "plan to celebrate the culture" during Raiders-Chiefs on Dec. 1. The organization "could do far more good if it used this month to reevaluate a practice that perpetuates stereotypes and dehumanizes an entire group" (K.C. STAR, 11/1).
CHOP ON, CHOP OFF: In Atlanta, Helena Oliviero notes the Braves' Tomahawk Chop "found itself at the center of controversy" during the Cardinals-Braves NLDS, "reigniting a decades-long debate about sports teams depicting native peoples as mascots or in rituals." The Braves' front office said that it will "hold talks with Native Americans during the offseason as it weighs whether to keep or axe the 28-year-old tradition." Cherokee and Creek tribal chiefs, who represent the two "major tribes that once inhabited Georgia, have criticized the Braves ritual as inappropriate." Meanwhile, Braves fan Kevin Mooneyhan has "started a petition" to keep the Tomahawk Chop that has attracted nearly 60,000 signatures. Braves VP/Corporate Communications Beth Marshall said that the team is "aware of the petition to keep the chop and has spoken to many fans, but declined to comment further" (ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION, 11/1).
