Major league baseball has made another name change announcement. At the end of the 2021 season, the Cleveland Indians are changing their name to the Guardians. This is not the first team in professional sports to announce a name change, and it certainly won’t be the last.
Known as the Indians since 1915, the announcement was made earlier this year with sources stating, “We feel like it’s the right thing to do …”. In light of the recent protesting and rioting after the death of George Floyd, many league CEO’s are taking a look at their names, policies, etc. and making changes. These changes are meant to represent conversations that are being had all over the United States in hopes of eliminating racism and everything potentially racist.
I, personally, think there is no reason to change the name after decades of branding and merchandising. While some may find the name offensive, I would argue that less are upset by leaving the name as is. I have seen on occasion that some cultures actually feel respected and noticed when a winning franchise brings light to their background and culture. I would also argue that if feelings are involved in every name and decision ever made literally no person will be happy again. There is no way to eliminate hurt feelings.
Paul Dolan, CEO of the Indians spoke to ESPN magazine saying, “ … We’re not asking anybody to give up their memories or the history of the franchise that will always be there.” I would argue that changing the name because of potential past and future links to racism does not allow lifelong fans a chance to hold onto the memories they have. What fan is going to want to display memorabilia and wear gear when it has been publicly linked to racism? They will be forced to either purchase all new items, or give up a public display of the team they love.
What do you think about professional sports teams changing their names?
Do you think major league teams are responsible for making sure no one gets their feelings hurt?
https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/31868331/cleveland-changing-name-indians-guardians
Replies
I agree that they should always be the Cleveland Indians and should have kept it.
I feel like the name, Indians, helps represent the Native Americans. I think this name change was unnecessary. I understand them changing the Redskins. I could definatly see how some people could find that offensive. I do think it is the responsiblity of the MLB to make sure people aren't offended by something that they can control so I could see why they felt the need to change the name.
I agree that the Indians team name didn't need changed.
I don't think that they should change their name, because it sheds light on their history and it represents them at the same time. I also believe that more team names will begin to change because some people find them as racist and get upset over them. Plus, people won't want to wear or represent their Indian's gear that they've bought in the past because they don't want to be seen as racist.
I agree with you that teams shouldn't change there names because it is history.
I agree that if the name is represented well and recognizes the culture and history of the team accurately, people will not feel offended by the name. If the name isn't represented well then people will get upset, and more and more teams' names will begin to change. It's also a good point that if the team name "Indians" is now seen as racist people won't feel comfortable wearing gear but they will still want to support the team.
I agree that the team has to be represented well.
I thik teams should get to keep there name, it's history. I think that they should have the right to keep there names and people should just understand that they have had there titles for so long and they should keep them. They probaly are in charge of it so no one gets their feelings hurt.
I agree they should keep their name because of the history of it.
I think teams should be able to keep their names it is kind off historic and they had their names for a long time. Those are just opinions and I think sometimes they don't matter, because they kept them for the whole time and it was most the time fine.
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