With the Washington Redskins of the NFL and the Cleveland Indians of MLB having pressure put on both organizations to change their name, it’s only fitting now to add the Atlanta Braves to the mix? Or is it? I have always thought the naming of an organization was out of respect, but in today’s society, I guess it is not.
I have been reading some stories today that have focused on the Braves, and now they are on the clock to make a decision about their name. And from what I have heard, the decision is going to keep the name Braves, but redirect the focus on the tomahawk chop. Last year during the NLDS, Cardinals pitcher Ryan Helsley called out the Braves organization for the use of the tomahawk chop. It offended him. This got myself and a lot of Braves fans fired up. But the Braves organization listened and banned the chop during that game. Braves went on to lose that game 13-1 to end their playoff run.
As many know, the tomahawk chop was brought to the Braves by Deion Sanders when Sanders played football at Florida State Seminoles, who also do the chop. So does the Kansas City Chiefs at their home games. To me, the name Braves is an Native American term to honor a warrior out to battle. It’s out of respect. But as mentioned, people do not see it that way, and everyone is entitled to their opinions.
But if something has to change and there is a backlash of negativity, then it will get changed. Here is my idea and I agree with this idea that I have been hearing floating around. Just take away the tomahawk and the word Braves can mean so many different things. The (S) in Braves can be taken away as well and the team can be called the Atlanta Brave. Have the word Braves mean to represent and honor all the brave men and women of our Armed Forces. This name can also honor our law enforcement, firefighters, and our Brave medical workers, especially during this time.
I really want to get the word out about this if the Braves name will stay the same, but the tomahawk will be a thing of the past. Who’s with me?
Photo Courtesy of Clayton News Daily
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