Chief Wahoo hits the showers
Major League Baseball’s Cleveland Indians have at long last decided to sideline “Chief Wahoo”, their oft-criticized, cringe-inducing mascot. After dubiously gracing the caps of the ball team for more than 60 years, the absurd caricature is finally being phased out in favour of a stylized “C” logo.Although protests against the use of Native caricatures in team sport logos this past year have mostly centred on the Washington Redskins of the National Football League, Wahoo’s grinning scarlet face has been denounced by Natives and non-Natives alike for years. The team will continue to use the image as a secondary logo, but its prominence has been dialed back on the Indians’ official website and in squad promotions.
Loyal Wahoo fans allege that the smiling character is an essential part of local history as he is the only individual (real or fictional) to ever appear happy about working for a Cleveland-based sports franchise.
While some applauded the move, criticism will likely continue until the name “Indians” is changed and the infamous image of Wahoo is permanently retired.