1982 “It’s really the relations between government and Indians over the years that resulted in this kind of image.. a stereotype of a savage only worthy of running and dancing around with his tomahawk because he doesn’t know any better."
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| 1982 Brown Indian |
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| 1982 Brown "Squaw" |
1982 June 14 Courier Post
by Phill Marder
by Phill Marder
For the past few years, the sports page, once a haven of escape from the world of reality, has taken on the look of the financial or legal section of the newspaper.
Instead of game results, we've been swamped with contract disputes, strikes, lawsuits - George Steinbrenner.
I don't like it, but I was getting somewhat used to it. Still, every once in a while, an item pops up that is so ridiculous, it makes you wonder if there's no limit to this insanity.
The latest involves a lawsuit filed 10 years ago against the Cleveland Indians. Surely, the city of Cleveland could file suit against the Indians for impersonating a major league team. Then again, the Indians could file suit against Cleveland for impersonating a major league city.
But this suit, believe it or not, concerns the team mascot, “Chief Wahoo,” that loveable brave with the Osmond teeth and a feather sticking out of his head.
It seems the Cleveland Indian Center filed the suit in Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court, asking $9 million damages and seeking injunctive relief to make the team alter “Chief Wahoo” from a “smiling, dumb savage” to a distinguished representation of an Indian.
“No other nationality group of race would tolerate such a caricature of themselves nor should they be expected to. Why does it have to be a clown” Why can’t it be a dignified symbol that shows the heritage and pride of the American Indain?” Terry Gilbert, who represents the Indian center, said.
The Indians, who see nothing wrong with “Chief Wahoo” would like to settle the suit out of court. An annual Indian Day at Municipal Stadium, with the Center receiving a cut of that day’s gates receipts, is one possibility.
“It’s really the relations between government and Indians over the years that resulted in this kind of image.. a stereotype of a savage only worthy of running and dancing around with his tomahawk because he doesn’t know any better.
“Either there will be a change in the portrayal of the mascot or we will be compensated for its use,” Gilbert said. “Our position is that we have no problem with the team being called the Cleveland Indians. It’s Chief Wahoo that is the objection.”
With all due respect to the Indian Center, I don’t think “Chief Wahoo” looks like a savage. On the contrary, he looks like a nice guy, kinda cute in fact. If he was a savage, he wouldn’t have that big grin on his face – especially the way the Indians have played over the years.
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| 1982 June 14 Courier Post |
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| 1982 March 9 The Journal News |
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| 1982 Sep 26, The Salina Journal |
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