FEATURE
THE NAME OF THE GAME
Three perspectives regarding the ongoing debate over the role of cultural appropriation in the Chiefs football team, and whether or not the name should be changed. By Caroline Clarke
Chiefs 101
the story behind the team’s name, mascot and recent changes in the status quo. The Name:
According to an article by Native journalist Vincent Shilling, the Chiefs’ name comes from Harold Roe Bartle, former mayor of Kansas City, Missouri, for two terms from 1956 to 1963. He claimed “Chief ” or “Chief Lone Bear” as his nickname, a reference to the Tribe of Mic-O-Say honor society that he founded in affiliation with the Boy Scouts of America, Heart of America organization. The Tribe of MicO-Say organization was a predominantly White group that was known to imitate Native culture, including a ceremony where new members would have an eagle claw placed around their neck and would be given a “Native name” by Bartle. During his time as mayor, Bartle convinced Lamar Hunt to move his AFL team, the Dallas Texans, to Kansas City in 1963. Hunt renamed the team as the Chiefs as a tribute to Bartle’s influence on the move.
The Mascot:
The original mascot of the Chiefs football team was a man dressed in stereotypical Native clothing, jewelry and a headdress, riding a horse named “Warpaint.” In 1989, this mascot was changed to the KC Wolf, in light of claims that the original mascot was offensive and appropriated Native culture. Warpaint was originally discontinued, but returned to Arrowhead stadium in 2009 and is accompanied by a new rider, Susie.
The Status Quo:
Recently, the Chiefs have been making some changes to traditions within the crowd. According to an article by ESPN, the Chiefs opted to ban headdresses and face paint that imitates Native culture in August 2020. This came after much scrutiny about blatant displays of racism and stereotyping of Native culture by fans. There have been ongoing efforts to adapt the “Tomahawk Chop,” a hand motion used by fans and cheerleaders during the games. However, it remains prevalent among the crowds, including the team’s appearance in the 2020 and 2021 Super Bowl games.
22 | The North Star | april 2021
Angelica Henson: Senior, Member of the Comanche nation Q: Do you find the Chiefs’ name offensive? A: “I personally do find it offensive, but whenever I talk
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about this with other people I like non-Natives to keep in mind that not every Native American will find it offensive. I know people that don’t find it a very big deal, while there are other very strong-minded Native activists that are completely against the Chiefs, the Redskins, any sort of imagery or symbolism that kind of alludes to Native American stuff, because not only is the history behind it not okay, but also the intentions. Because whenever there are names like the Chiefs or the Redskins and such, it gives people the idea that those are OK words to refer to these people, and it really draws back the humanity of Native Americans and pushes forward that they’re more of a caricature rather than actual people, you know? That’s just my stance on it, though. My stance doesn’t speak on every Native American.” Do you think they should change the name? I do think that they should change it... Personally, I’m just not really into football...I’m glad that they stopped permitting Native American headdresses... I’m gonna be honest, I really don’t care more or less. Just as long as people aren’t so racist.” How does the prevalence of Chiefs branding in the Kansas City area affect you and your family? “We notice that, at least whenever it comes to the Super Bowl season, that Chiefs fans can be very aggressive, and we see that very often in sports areas... so we kind of avoid it because people will wear the bright red attire and then headdresses, or do the whole Tomahawk Chop thing. Seeing racism has a really big effect on Native Americans’ mental health, because it’s really harmful. It’s just always been tolerated, even since my mom was a kid, and she grew up in the ’80s, it just hasn’t ever changed. So, it is really harmful, and I think people can do more to just really not do that kind of stuff.” Disclaimer: Angelica Henson is a member of The North Star Staff
