Now that the Cleveland Indians have opted to drop their “Chief Wahoo” logo, an ESPN host is now demanding that Notre Dame remove their “offensive” Fighting Irish mascot.
“First Take” host Max Kellerman argued Tuesday that all offensive mascots should change, regardless of whether or not a majority of people are offended by it. Indeed, a Washington Post survey revealed that a nine out 10 Native-Americans were not offended by team names like the Washington Redskins.
“When I go to Native-American reservations around the country to call fights, I am approached — I’ve received feathers in honor and letters saying, ‘Thank you for your stance,'” Kellerman said. “Do I believe that’s a representative survey of the way Native-Americans actually feel about this? No, I do not.”
In Kellerman’s mind, all ethnic mascots need to be changed even if a tiny minority find it offensive, such as the Notre Dame Fighting Irish mascot.
“Many Irish-Americans are not offended, but many are. And should that also change? The answer is yes, unequivocally yes,” Kellerman said.
“Pernicious, negative stereotypes of marginalized people that offend even some among them should be changed. It’s not that hard,” Kellerman concluded.