Thread by @VinceSchilling

So the @MLB team Cleveland are changing their name from the @Indians to the #Guardians.

As a Native journalist that has covered sports and Native mascots for years -- I am so glad to say goodbye to the horrendous image of #ChiefWahoo

Here are my thoughts in a #thread

First for historical reference and some history - here is one of my previous stories:

Since 1928 - A Pictorial History of the Cleveland Indians and Chief Wahoo Logos

indiancountrytoday.com/archive/since-…

by @VinceSchilling

And here is one more:

Wahoo was a Yankee? 7 Surprising Facts About the Cleveland Indians and Chief Wahoo

indiancountrytoday.com/archive/wahoo-…

By @VinceSchilling

#ChiefWahoo #thread

As a Native journalist that has covered the issue of Native mascots and caricatures, I am glad Cleveland has taken such a step.

The term Indians, though problematic, in itself is not the most offensive aspect as much as the caricature of Chief Wahoo is.

I found Chief Wahoo, with is horrible stereotypical facial structure, cartoonish grin and face to be the most egregious of all the Native mascots.

Some people will say "I am not offended" and I respect their right to do so. But when I see such things, I feel that such views are incredibly shallow.

Is a sports mascot is the only place that someone is going to be able to get their history lesson? From the MLB, NFL or NBA?

Are people really saying sports teams are our children's educators? A sports game is the only place we can learn about history? Culture? Traditions?

Are you telling me respect is erasure?

To the sports teams getting rid of mascots and Native names, I say thank you.

In my career as a journalist, I will never forget the multitudes of Native young people who look at me with pain in their eyes, that tell me that sports mascots hurt them.

Native youth have the highest rates of suicide in the U.S. I can't help but enthusiastically applaud when such changes take place as Native mascots going away.

I don't speak for all Native people ... but I can say in my direct experience of interviewing and interacting with so many Native people, I am comfortable in saying that a vast majority welcome the change.

I welcome the new team Cleveland Guardians.

I also gladly announced it on my #TikTok about the Cleveland @Indians name change to the #Guardians

Thanks everyone for your support and sharing of my views as a Native journalist

tiktok.com/@vinceschillin…