
Proponents of the Redskins name fear that changing it will be the first step in an effort to change all other team names based on Native Americans and, ultimately, any other humans or animals or plants. Or minerals.
That process hasn’t begun yet, but the Cleveland Indians have addressed concerns regarding the cartoonish “Chief Wahoo” logo by seeking input from fans as part of a broader online survey.
According to CrainsCleveland.com (via SportsBusiness Daily), the survey asks whether fans agree or disagree with the following statements: “This logo reflects the heritage of the Indians”; “I feel a strong positive emotional connection to this logo”; “This logo makes me proud of the Indians”; “This logo represents more than the team — it represents the city of Cleveland”; “This logo is an important part of my support for the Indians.”
While the option to disagree exists for each statement, each statement is crafted in a way that paints the logo in a positive way. The logo wasn’t painted in a positive way during the playoffs, when a handful of fans painted their faces red.
No one has suggested that the name “Indians” should be changed. Some have argued that the logo is potentially offensive to Native Americans.