Foul Ball! - Beekman Studios

Introduc)on : Anne Beekman, Assistant Prof Graphic Design at The University of Findlay. Background: I’m white. I have never faced discrimina)on. Cannot begin to understand the impact racism has on an individual or people. My interest: Admira)on for culture and art of many ethnic groups: Amish quilts, Na)ve baskets, African kente cloth, Cop)c paJerns Food! Moved to mel)ng pot of east coast and became a Yankees fan – next 20 years. Moved back to Ohio – every where I looked saw Cleveland Indians, shirts, hats, signs… Working in adver)sing made great effort at inclusion of diversity in designs. 1 Defini)on of Caricature: Comically distorted drawing or likeness intended to sa)rize or ridicule its subject. The word, derived from the Italian caricare (“to load or charge”). WWII Nazi Propaganda caricature of Jew WWII American Propaganda caricature of Japanese No)ce the exaggerated hook nose, large toothy grin, and devious turn of eyes. 2 American adver)sing 1890s-­‐ 1950s Common to show derisive images of Negros in ads. 3 Packaging for Nigger Head Stove polish with CARICATURE logo 1912. “My black will not burn off” While even then it was racist, this design was a product of it’s )me. Today this image is clearly offensive and not acceptable. 4 So why is this acceptable? Cleveland Indians logo – Caricature of Chief Wahoo 2013 No)ce the exaggerated hook nose, large toothy grin, and devious turn of eyes. 5 Caucasian actors made-­‐up in blackface for a minstrel show, 1960s. At 1993 Friars Club Roast of Whoopie Goldberg, actor Ted Danson’s appearance in blackface was heavily cri)cized. Again, clearly unacceptable today. 6 So why can you see this 4-­‐days a week during the summer in Cleveland? Cleveland Indians baseball fans in “Red-­‐Face” Not in any way implying that African-­‐Americans no longer face discrimina)on, racism, etc., simply making a comparison to what we do not tolerate and what we find not only acceptable, but is encouraged in society. 7 RACISM in Professional Sports Branding Teams using Na)ve American names and Iconography which ridicule, stereotype or appropriate sacred cultural ar)facts for commercial gain: Atlanta Braves: Baseball Chicago Blackhawks: Ice Hockey Cleveland Indians: Baseball Kansas City Chiefs: American Football Washington Redskins: American Football. Many will agree that the Chief Wahoo mascot and the Redskins name are offensive. But most feel these other teams are not only innocuous, but honorific. They are far from it. The feather and face paint, as well as the peace pipe, are an important part of na)ve spiritual prac)ces. Use of these items in a logo is Cultural Appropria)on of sacred objects. How would you feel if a team used the face of Jesus as a logo? What if the mascot had a bindi and was wearing a turban. What if a man ran out onto the field at half )me wearing a keffiyeh, or a yarmulka? The tomahawk and arrowhead are representa)ve of war, and imply that American Indians are violent savages. 8 Na)ve American Stereotypes in Branding Land O Lakes Umpqua Ice Cream Sue Bee Honey Tuscarora Yarns Mutual of Omaha While brands such as Aunt Jemima and Uncle Bens, which previously depicted demeaning stereotypes of African Americans, have revise their logos to show a natural, posi)ve figure, the use of caricatures of Na)ve Americans is rampant. These images reduce Indian to a stereotype so pervasive that we don’t see them for what they are – Racial Caricatures. A 2006 Department of Na've American Studies at Montana State University has shown that viewing CARICATURES shows to trigger feelings of shame, inferiority and depressed self-­‐esteem in American Indian high school students. “There is no such thing as a good stereotype, no mater how well inten)oned, not maJer how good people feel about it. It s)ll has nega)ve ramifica)ons for our people.” Susan Show Harjo, advocate for American Indian rights. 9 The Noble Savage. Most Americans were educated about the Na)ve American culture through an informal and inaccurate means of educa)on – the media. Many Americans have been exposed to Western television programs depic)ng cowboys and Indians Caucasian actors portraying Indians Chuck Conners as Geronimo 1962 Burt Lancaster in Apache 1954 Johnny Depp as Tonto 2013 There is a tendency to idealize the na)ve lifestyle by non-­‐Indians, showing them as a Noble Savage. While we may admire the simple lifestyle of the past, the harsh reality is that American Indians have the highest rate of poverty, substance abuse and illiteracy of all minority groups in the US. Directors con)nue to cast Caucasian actors to in roles, pain)ng their skin rather than use people of that race. The same study previously men)oned from Montana State University showed that viewing CARICATURES ac)vated nega)ve stereotypes and prejudicial ac)ons in Euro-­‐
American students. 10 Na)ve American Athletes Louis Sockalexis first non-­‐white to play in professional baseball, 50 years before Jackie Robinson. He was insulted and jeered, spat upon, subject to war whoops and being called an “Injun” and worse. He only played 3 years (1897-­‐99) as his poten)al as a great ball player ended tragically due to injuries and alcoholism. Charles Bender was one of the greatest pitchers in the early 20th century, playing for a remarkable 20 years. He was called Chief by his teammates and the press, a moniker he disliked. Many books s)ll refer to him this way, rather than by his given name. Jim Thorpe was an All-­‐American, Olympian winning gold in pentathlon and decathlon, played pro football, baseball, AND basketball, and coached pro football. He was of mixed race, and was forced to aJend Indian boarding school. These three remarkable athletes proudly represent their people and culture, yet they are liJle known. None of these athletes looked like…. 11 Cleveland “Indians” Stereotype Cleveland team names: Blues / Broncos / Spiders / Naps (aoer manager Napoleon LaJolie) / Became Indians in 1916 "It was the last thing on my mind that I would offend someone… I had a hard 'me figuring out how to make an Indian look like a cartoon. People nowadays are a li@le too thin-­‐skinned. This goes for just about everything in society. They get offended too easily...” Walter Goldbach, 2008 Goldbach is a Jewish name, and one must wonder how thick Walter’s skin is should someone make light of the Holocaust. Would he be offended? Team considered replacing the logo in 1993, but it was retained. 12 Ohio Erie Iroquois Patriarchs "He’s not a chief, he’s a brave. He only has one feather. Chiefs have full headdresses.” Walter Goldbach, 2008 Goldbach is quick to point out that his caricature is not a chief because he only has one feather, further reducing na)ve Americans to insignificance. History books have not include any informa)on about na)ve life before 1492. Stereotypes show the ignorance of indigenous culture. 13 Chief Wahoo – truth behind the name. The Cleveland Marke)ng dept claims that name was in honor of Sockalexis – Historians have repeatedly proven this to be untrue. The name was taken to hop on the success of the Boston Braves, pennant winners in 1915. “The logo is a caricature that has enjoyed many decades of fan appeal for Cleveland baseball fans and its popularity is world-­‐wide. Once one has an understanding of the historical significance as to how and why the Cleveland baseball team became the ‘Indians,’ and the organiza'on’s sensi've approach to the reali'es of the situa'on – we believe this issue becomes one of individual percep'on.” Cleveland Indians Official Statement When Bill Clinton threw out first pitch on 1994– he wore cap with Block C. It was speculated that he did so to avoid controversy in wearing wahoo. Cap with stars over logo face was rejected as being especially offensive. Wahoo is NOT on display to new training facility in Arizona where there is a significant popula)on of indigenous Americans. 14 Sta)s)cs Regions which are home to teams which use Indian monikers have lest than ½ of 1% na)ve persons. Compare percentage of Na)ve persons in areas with teams to general popula)on, and states such as Arizona, New Mexico and Oklahoma which have up to 14% iden)fying as American Indian. Polls have shown that only 3% are in favor of changing team names. However, many of these polls, such as one conducted by Sports Illustrated, have a vested interest in the financial future of these teams. 15 Does Intent MaJer? We at the Redskins respect everyone… We love our team and its name…we do not intend to disparage or disrespect a racial or ethnic group. The name is 80-­‐years old–it’s our history and legacy and tradi'on. Dan Snyder, Washington Redskins Owner Broken Cross (Swas)ka) had long symbolized Good Luck before the Nazi’s adopted, twisted, and corrupted the icon. If a swas)ka in any form were used on a team jersey, there would be tremendous and righteous indigna)on. As a visual communicator, the RECEPTION is what maJers. 16 These names DO have nega)ve impact – they foster apathy. ”I hate the redskins, but I hope they don’t change their name. Racial slur? Sorry. Not buying it. To allow oneself to be offended by something is a choice. Because someone can always choose to be not offended.” Can you choose not to be offended? 17 And Incite Racism ”…The people who protest this are just bi@er because they lost their land 200 years ago. Let it go. The Chief stays." ”Last I checked Whites defeated Indians for various territories in America. Therefore we will use any name we damn well please." 18 One online ar)cle had over 900 responses, many which I could not include. "History doesn’t care, and I don’t care. … Why people care about what the Na've Americans say is beyond me. .... I really wish college students, suburbanites, and the soccer moms would just keep their mouths shut about nonsense like this because it’s leading to the wussifica'on of America." Reporter Robert Winter from Cleveland Plain Dealer told me he received death threats following a publica)on of ar)cle denouncing Chief Wahoo. Accusa)ons of being “Poli)cally Correct” – if being PC means concern for equality and acceptance, then YES. 19 In 2009 and again in 2012, I gave an assignment to students in my Graphic Design class. Corporate Rebranding Create a new name and new logo for a professional sports team which uses Na)ve American name and/or iconography. This new design should give recogni)on to the culture or history of the city or region. Select one of the following teams: Atlanta Braves: Baseball Chicago Blackhawks: Ice Hockey Cleveland Indians: Baseball Kansas City Chiefs: American Football Washington Redskins: American Football. 20 21 Iron Titans for the steel industy Commodores for Commodore Perry of the BaJle of Lake Erie Burners – was to represent the burning of gasses which can be seen when driving over The Flats, but for a city which has become the buJ of jokes when Cuyahoga River burned for 3-­‐days, may be too sensi)ve. 22 Scorch – done by 2 students who came up with these ideas simultaneously For the Great Chicago Fire. No-­‐one alive who live during that )me, considered to be acceptable part of the city’s history. 23 Tornados & Cyclones destroy the homes and take lives in this regions of the country every year. These names would likely not be well received. 24 Cleveland Rockers for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (my favorite) 25 Atlanta Bees– team name from 1936-­‐1940 Retains the Script A from current logo Chicago Black Hawks Same name – but s)ll has a logo inspired by na)ve artwork Fans may like this, but would a clean split be beJer? 26 2013 Design compe))on on 99designs.com HUNDREDS of entries 3 different poten)al names: Warriors, Renegades, and Griffins. Winners selected shown 27 Sa)re To make the point, a comparison has been made between Cleveland Indians and other racial or ethnic groups. These are not real hats and not for sale! Ques)on about appropriateness of Notre Dame Figh)ng Irish: Team was named by 3rd President of the University who served as Chaplin for the Irish Brigade in Civil War Founded by, and s)ll serving Irish-­‐Americans NO Indians in ownership or management of PRO teams 28 Advocates for Change 1960s Na)onal Congress of American Indians Protests the use of Na)ve American names, portraits and iconography by sports teams at the high school, college and professional levels. 2001 The Commission on Civil Rights Calls for schools to end the use of names and mascots that stereotype minority groups. 2005 The Na)onal College Athle)c Associa)on (NCAA) Adopts a policy that prohibits the display of racially offensive team names at NCAA sanc)oned events. Many Lawsuits & Civil Rights complaints – Libel and Civil Liber)es. Courts have thrown out cases on grounds of TIME passed between names ins)lled and filing of complaint– (legal term?) Support from: NAACP 29 Opening Day protests at Progressive Field, home of Cleveland Baseball team People -­‐ not mascots! “You will here people say, ‘ This is not an important issue.’ And you will hear na've people concur. I will say it’s not as big and issue as a mother feeding her child… health care…employment. But does this image and the culture that surrounds this image have an effect on these things? It certainly does. For us to be able to achieve, and by achieve I mean not being the least educated and the poorest people in the country, we need to deal with this.” Sundance, Cleveland American Indian Movement 30 31 Na)onal Coali)on on Racism in Sports & Media website Money is behind con)nued use of logos. Na)ve groups do not have the resources, in terms of popula)on or money, to make themselves heard. Documentary “WaHoo? Nothing is Sacred.” 32 Cost of Rebranding? If the primary concern is money, how much more money would be made if fans were to purchase new merchandise. Teams have changed names: Tampa Bay Devil Rays became the Rays. In 1995, the Washington Bullets basketball team was rechristened the Wizards due to the violence associated with the “Bullets” moniker. If “it is only a name” – then why not change it to another “name.” 33 BREAKING NEWS: SURVEY October 25, 2013 Only sent to those who had purchased )ckets online using email. Of course, the issue here isn’t whether Chief Wahoo is popular. He is. The issue is that, popularity be damned, he’s offensive, so I would hope that the Indians would make a decision to eliminate the logo out of simple decency, not because of some poll results. Not that the poll results will inspire them to do it, I’ll bet. Aoer all, the Wahoo logo’s popularity comes by virtue of fans who are aJached to it out of nostalgia and team dedica)on. Thus, by sampling opinion of people who seek out Indians )ckets and/or merchandise in the first place, it’ll probably skew towards favoring the ugly thing.” Craig Calcaterra Oct 23, 2013, 11:03 AM EDT 34 What can I do? Silence sends the message that you are in agreement. • 
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Talk to others about the topic of racism in sports Do not refer to teams by racist names “The Cleveland Baseball team” Do not buy or wear merchandise with racist team names or logos Write leJers to team owners, mayors, congressmen and your president Join Opening Day Protests 35 Why do I care? My stance on this issue has not been easy. Family members and many friends are avid Cleveland Baseball fans – the implica)on that their loyalty supports racism makes them very defensive and even hos)le. I cannot/will not go to a baseball game in my home town. Everywhere I go I now see these logos. My husband con)nues to watch the team, but has come to agree with my point-­‐of-­‐view and as such will not wear anything with the Chief Wahoo logo. I ooen bite my tongue rather than start a discussion that will fall on deaf ears. Some)mes I just want to throw my hands up and say “I don’t care – it’s not my fight.” These are comments from my students -­‐ "This sense of pride in the mascots that some teams cling to is understandable, but is insensi've to the groups they offend. Sports teams are supposed to represent the community they are in with respect and dignity.” "… my eyes have been opened to how derogatory or degrading the terms used in sports can be.” "…there are some posi'ves in this situa'on. First and foremost, the recogni'on that these are people that actually existed – and s'll exist.” Designers have POWER! It was a designer who created these logos and designers can help change these logos. Be a voice of respect for all persons. If I keep talking, and if everyone I talk to talks to 36