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TOPLINE
When a limited number of Kansas City Chiefs fans make their way to Arrowhead Stadium for next month’s NFL season opener, they won’t be able to bring in Native American-style headdresses or wear Native-themed face paint, ending a common sight that’s been present in the stadium’s stands over the years, as criticism has ramped up that the fan displays were insensitive to Native American culture.
KANSAS CITY, MO – DECEMBER 15: A fan in a head Dress and facepaint cheers the team during the game … [+]
Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
KEY FACTS
In a statement Thursday, the Chiefs announced that headdresses and Native American-themed face paint are banned effective immediately, an enforcement step that goes beyond the team simply discouraging fans from wearing the attire for the past several years.
The Chiefs said they are also reviewing several other aspects of the team’s culture, including the “Arrowhead Chop,” a hand gesture also known as the tomahawk chop, that features a coordinated “chop” motion while fans yell a Native American-themed cheer.
The tomahawk chop is popular among fans of teams with Native American nicknames, like the Atlanta Braves baseball team, which is reviewing whether to continue allowing the practice in the stands.
The Chiefs are the reigning Super Bowl champions, and will host the Houston Texans in the first game of the 2020 NFL season on Sept. 10.
Fans will be allowed to attend the game, as the Chiefs have announced Arrowhead Stadium will be opened at 22% of normal capacity, allowing for up to 16,812 fans.
CRITICAL QUOTE
“We are grateful for the meaningful conversations we have had with all of these American Indian leaders,” the Chiefs said of discussions with local Native American leaders the organization started in 2014. “It is important that we continue the dialogue on these significant topics, and we look forward to continuing to work together in the future.”
WHAT TO WATCH FOR
The Chiefs team name has come under some criticism, but it seems unlikely to change. Though the team has adopted Native American symbolism, the name is actually derived from the nickname of former Kansas City Mayor H. Roe Bartle, who helped bring the team to Kansas City in the 1960s.
KEY BACKGROUND
Increased scrutiny has come about regarding sports teams incorporating Native American images and traditions into team culture. The most egregious example was the Washington Redskins, where the official team nickname was based on a racial slur. The team recently dropped its official nickname, and will go by the Washington Football Team until a new name is adopted. Outcry has been building for years, though, and some changes had already been made, like when the Cleveland Indians dropped the racist “Chief Wahoo” caricature that appeared on team apparel up until 2018.
FURTHER READING
Atlanta Braves will keep their name but review the ‘Tomahawk Chop’ (CNN)
2020 NFL opener: Chiefs reveal just how small the crowd will be for 2020 NFL season opener (CBS Sports)
Name Scrutiny Extends From Redskins To Chiefs, But Kansas City’s Mascot Has A Different Origin Story (Forbes)
Washington Redskins Officially Announce They Will Change Team Name (Forbes)
Cleveland Indians Are Removing Chief Wahoo From Field But Have Incentive To Keep Him On Shelves (Forbes)
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