President Joe Biden has expressed the need for a dialogue regarding the name of the Atlanta Braves and the contentious tomahawk-chop chant, according to his spokesperson.
Karine Jean-Pierre, the White House Press Secretary, conveyed on Monday that Biden consistently underscores the importance of treating all individuals with dignity and respect. During a gathering at the White House to honor the World Series-winning Braves, she asserted that listening to the perspectives of Native American and indigenous communities, who are most affected by these symbols, is crucial.
Although President Biden did not publicly address the team’s name or chant during his interactions with Braves players and staff, including notable figures like Max Fried, Dansby Swanson, and Austin Riley, he commended the team for its playoff success. Additionally, he lauded the late Braves slugger Hank Aaron for his dignified approach in confronting racism.
Several professional sports teams, such as MLB’s Cleveland Guardians and the NFL’s Washington Commanders, have recently undergone name changes to eliminate references to Native Americans.
However, the Atlanta Braves have resisted such alterations, with MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred defending the team’s stance during their World Series triumph last year. Manfred argued that the Native American community in Atlanta supported the team and the tomahawk chop.
Nevertheless, the National Congress of American Indians criticized both Manfred and the team’s use of native imagery in a subsequent statement.
NCAI President Fawn Sharp contended that terms like “Braves,” the tomahawk on the team’s uniform, and the associated chop gesture are not limited to representing one tribal community but are interpreted by fans and Native people as caricaturing all Native communities.
The controversy gained further attention when former President Donald Trump attended a World Series game at Atlanta’s stadium and was observed participating in the chop gesture.
The ongoing debate highlights the complex intersection of sports, cultural sensitivity, and the broader discourse on Indigenous representation in professional athletics.
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