Native Names in Sports: Stereotyping or Showing Support? Opinion Piece

By Shreya Rohatgi

In early February, football fans witnessed the Kansas City Chiefs triumphantly win the fifty-fourth Super Bowl. While the San Francisco 49ers gave it their all, the Chiefs pulled ahead in the third quarter and managed to repeat history after their first Super Bowl win in 1970. Cheering through television screens and in the raging stands, Chiefs fans certainly voiced their pride. Fans expressed their happiness by practicing traditional moves like the Tomahawk Chop and even dressing up in Native American attire, and it’s clear to see these Kansas City fans’ fanatical joy seemed to be contagious. 

Due to their recent win, more attention is being cast on the Chiefs and an important question has been posed that can affect Native American inspired teams across the country - Is the usage of Native American names, mascots, and gestures offensive? 

Take for example the Tomahawk Chop, a motion that, as the name suggests, involves moving one’s forearm up and down to mimic chopping. Seemingly harmless, the origin of such a movement is claimed to be “invented” by the Florida State University Marching Chiefs during the 1980s as an addition to their war chants. This gesture would later be added to many kinds of teams ranging from the Kansas City Chiefs to the Atlanta Braves baseball team. While some say that the gesture is a simple move added to the cheering atmosphere, others have stronger opinions toward the subject.

Many people have voiced that even naming an action after the tomahawk is offensive. Historically, the tomahawk is simply a single-handed ax with a Powhatan name but paired with the chop, the term represents a false view toward indigenous peoples, distorting and pairing aggressive tendencies to Native Americans. Some believe that this is just one example of how modern day gestures minimize the importance of the culture, especially through more drastic actions like dressing in Native American “costumes”, donning headdresses and war paint. Instead of a show of good faith, others perceive this message as coming across as offensive and only attributing surface level aspects of Native American culture, failing to recognize the deeper values that stretch beyond a physical presence.

While it’s important to respect the line between culture and misappropriation, others believe that this ideology raises concerns that are unnecessary. A motion as simple as the Tomahawk Chop is meant to celebrate the performance of their beloved sports teams. Practiced in unison along with the team’s fight songs, fans can participate in the excitement on a broader scale, hoping to honor this culture rather than disregard it.

Whether you’re for or against the integration of Native American names in sports, it’s important to be cognizant of the many cultures that exist today. If you’re a die-hard Kansas City Chiefs fan or still on the fence about this issue, just remember that an understanding of cultural competency can play a vital role in whatever you believe. If you’re a San Fransico 49ners fan, all I can say is better luck next year.