Red Sox INF and Native American Michael Chavis Weighs in on Braves’ Use of ‘Tomahawk Chop’
By Michael Luciano
The Atlanta Braves have long wrestled with the identity of their Native American name, logos, and culture, with the "Tomahawk Chop" chant standing out as one of the more controversial parts of that fanbase's regular activities.
Boston Red Sox infielder Michael Chavis, who is the son of a full-blood member of the Cherokee Nation, claims that the chop is not offensive and actually came out in favor of it, as he believes that getting rid of it would be akin to "removing significant traces" of Native American culture.
I’m Native American. It’s not an issue. Trying to diminish the cultural popularity and relevance is the issue. Let’s appreciate the culture instead of removing significant traces left of Native Americans and protecting the feelings of the sensitive. https://t.co/36ifTb8P7m
— Chief Chavis™ (@MichaelChavis11) February 19, 2020
Baseball has made some major steps towards marketing in a more sensitive manner towards Native Americans, as the Cleveland Indians, who have a name many Native Americans want changed, have largely stopped using the controversial "Chief Wahoo" logo as their main insignia.
However, Chavis is not the only Native American that shares this viewpoint, and it certainly sounds like a legitimate counterpoint.
As someone with Native American grandparents I fully support this viewpoint. https://t.co/N6x2AcfX7t
— CURSE OF THE TOMAHAWK CHOP (@djhrr) February 19, 2020
The Chop is poised to stay a very polarized issue, as both sides have legitimate arguments. Chavis doesn't want his culture to fade away, while some believe that the chant is appropriating his culture and making a mockery of it. This doesn't seem like it's going to change any time soon.