Have We Reached a Tipping Point in the Chief Wahoo Argument

Credit: @ClevelandFrowns

Opening Day Photo Takes Logo Argument to Ridiculous Levels

It’s a yearly tradition. Every year on Opening Day, a group of anti-Chief Wahoo protesters stand guard outside of Progressive Field, pushing forward their ever continuing mission to get the Cleveland Indians to abolish their racist caricature of a logo.

Because of the steam such movements have gained over the course of the last year, the media is jumping all over this protest, as if this is something new and overly anarchic. It’s not though. Anti-Chief Wahoo groups use Opening Day as a platform for their agenda. It’s understandable. Opening Day is the most highly attended event involving the Indians and garners the most media attention. It makes no sense to protest in August when Progressive Field is 1/3 full.

While I have no issues with Chief Wahoo on a personal level, I understand why those who are against Chief Wahoo feel the way they feel. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see that the logo is racist. Perhaps not intentionally, but in the pro-P.C. world of 2014, a lack of intention is not a free pass. With all of the fervor surrounding the anti-Native American imagery campaign thanks to the Washington Redskins, Cleveland Indians, and a litany of other college and professional sports teams, it only seems natural that the entire argument might reach an inevitable tipping point.

We have reached that tipping point.

Yesterday, prior to the start of the game, this pictures was taken, posted to Twitter, and started making it’s way around the internet.

Credit: @ClevelandFrowns

There is so much wrong with this picture I don’t know where to begin. Maybe let’s get the obvious joke out of the way…

An airbrushed shirt… really? We we magically transported back to the year 1993? Who though that was a good idea? Apparently that guy. But, one could say he was just absolutely chock full of good ideas Friday afternoon. Ok, now back to the serious tone of this article.

Here’s the thing about this photo and the Chief Wahoo argument. While the end goal is either the ending of the use of Chief Wahoo or continuing his usage for the next generation of Indians fans, one thing should be abundantly clear to everyone involved. Don’t embarrass the city. Well, 1993 airbrushed sweatshirt guy… you failed. Miserably.

This photo is embarrassing.

At what point did you think that wearing red-face paint and staring down a native American was a good idea? Are you trying to be a rebel, Billy Bad Ass? Because you’re not. You didn’t help your cause to keep Chief Wahoo alive and kicking. All you’ve done is give the anti-Wahoo crowd more fuel for their ever increasing fire.

You’ve also given the national media something to latch onto. When all of the talking head shows get a hold of this photo, they’re going to have a field day. “Look at those idiots in Cleveland,” they’ll say. And you know what. They’ll be right. They will take this to irrational levels. Every pro-Wahoo person will be viewed as a red-face paint wearing bully that is insensitive to race and other cultural issues. Putting a giant kick me sign on the backs of everyone in Cleveland and a fan of the Indians wasn’t enough?

Well played, sir. Well played.

The bottom line here is that Chief Wahoo is going away one day. Maybe not this year or next, but it is an inevitable conclusion to this ever continuing saga. But, even once that happens, this picture will continue to live on as a sad reminder of a time we would all probably rather forget.

What do you think of this photo and the Chief Wahoo argument? What side are you one? What is your take on this photo? Let us know in the comments below.