Atlanta girl here, and I am highly annoyed that the Atlanta Braves plan to "reduce the Tomahawk Chop" after a complaint from a Cardinals' player that the chop is "disrespectful." The Braves did not even pass out tomahawks at the game on Wednesday, due to the complaint.
Cardinals Rookie Ryan Helsley claims that the finds the Tomahawk Chop to be "disrespectful" to his Cherokee heritage. This complaint came AFTER the first two games of the season at SunTrust Park, last week.
I’m a Cards fan, but come on. This is silly. Everyone is continually offended at everything, even something as harmless as Tomahawk Chop while cheering on your sports team. Just silly. https://t.co/fA0mbVqcE2
— T.J. Moe (@TJMoe28) October 9, 2019
"I think it's a misrepresentation of the Cherokee people or Native Americans in general. Just depicts them in this kind of caveman-type people way who aren't intellectual." Helsley said.
"They are a lot more than that. It's not me being offended by the whole mascot thing. It's not. It's about the misconception of us, the Native Americans, and it devalues us and how we're perceived in that way, or used as mascots. The Redskins and stuff like that," he added, "That's the disappointing part. That stuff like this still goes on. It's just disrespectful, I think."
Conservatives tear into MLB's Atlanta Braves for reducing "tomahawk chop" after Native American pitcher called it "disrespectful" https://t.co/gGwuiU689R pic.twitter.com/xqFznX7XyJ
— The Hill (@thehill) October 10, 2019
The tomahawk chop is not a new tradition by any means. Now some rookie comes up from left field and cries that it's racist and we bow down to him? Heck no. This is beyond ridiculous!
The Braves responded with political correctness (of course) and stated that they would not pass out the foam tomahawks nor would they be "playing the accompanying music or using Chop-related graphics when Mr. Helsley is in the game."
Tell what’s more insulting - a foam tomahawk chop or a presidential candidate who lies that she’s part Indian!? ???
— PupDawg (@pupwalker1) October 10, 2019
"Out of respect for the concerns expressed by Mr. Helsley, we will take several efforts to reduce the Tomahawk Chop during our in-ballpark presentation today. Among other things, these steps include not distributing foam tomahawks to each seat and not playing the accompanying music or using Chop-related graphics when Mr. Helsley is in the game." The Braves' statement read, "As stated earlier, we will continue to evaluate how we activate elements of our brand, as well as the overall in-game experience. We look forward to a continued dialogue with those in the Native American community after the postseason concludes."
I want everyone at the stadium today to watch @Braves to do the tomahawk chop and do the chant anyway! WE CAN'T LET ONE PERSON WHO WAS OFFENDED FROM OUR TEAM'S TRADITION TO RUIN IT FOR US FANS! CHOP ON!!! pic.twitter.com/UtW0IUiPmd
— Skye (@glodeneagleskye) October 9, 2019
Braves fans did not seem to care though, because they chopped right on, even if they didn't have a tomahawk. There's no need to tiptoe around the social justice warriors like Helsley. He just needs to get over it.