Lily Gladstone‘s not pleased with the Super Bowl champs’ identify … and he or she says the NFL runner-ups’ mascot ain’t a lot better.
The actress and activist spoke throughout a Santa Barbara International Film Festival panel final weekend, earlier than the Chiefs defeated the 49ers … and ripped Chiefs followers’ use of the tomahawk chop — a hand gesture and chant utilized by followers of groups with Native American mascots.
LG mentioned the gesture is a reminder of what Hollywood has executed to Native Americans … declaring the mantra was utilized in outdated Westerns earlier than indigenous actors got the chance to play main roles within the film.
Gladstone mentioned she will get upset when individuals say the mantra is supposed as an indication of “honor” … calling it the “commodification” of her individuals as properly.
These arguments are fairly frequent amongst activists and teams … however, Lily additionally talked about the San Francisco 49ers as one other instance of an offensive mascot.
Lily identified settlers — referred to as 49ers — who went West searching for gold harkened “an extremely brutal time for California Indians” … so an NFL group utilizing that moniker’s not completely innocent both.
BTW … protests towards the Chiefs’ identify happen now and again — with one kicking off earlier than their Super Bowl LVII victory final 12 months over the Philadelphia Eagles.
Other professional sports activities franchises — just like the Cleveland Guardians in MLB and Washington Commanders — have already modified their names within the face of criticism … although their authentic names had been fairly clear crimson flags for activists.
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Bottom line … Lily’s saying it isn’t at all times essentially the most instantly linked identify with offensive roots.