Another great step for the People Not Mascots movement.
Thank you Cleveland Baseball Team for taking these steps.
By banning headdresses and “Native American face paint”, the Cleveland baseball team has taken another important step towards the de-normalization of using indigenous peoples as mascots.
“Cleveland (Baseball Team) fans will not be able to paint their faces in Native American fashion or wear headdresses to games at Progressive Field this season, according to a new team policy. The no-tolerance policy also involves abusive or inappropriate language or conduct deemed disorderly or disruptive, and that includes “inappropriate dress.” The team says fans could be ejected or refused admission.”
While the team works on re-branding to something that is not racist like its historical name (my vote, for what it’s worth is Cleveland Municipals), it’ important to take concrete steps like this to work towards eliminating racism as a fundamental cornerstone of pro sports.
The Chicago hockey team and Kansas City football team have also instituted bands on headdresses and indigenous face paint, but they are stubbornly holding on to their indigenous identities for the time being because of, well, nothing more than tradition for the sake of tradition.
Positive change is coming — it would be nice if these organizations would do it proactively instead of reactively, but change is coming.
