I don't think anyone is asking white people that they need to feel guilty about Wahoo, or slavery, or anything, but hiding behind things like "I never owned slaves" "I never killed Native Americans" is missing the point.
Structural racism is real in America, though it can be very hard to see for a white suburbanite, who thinks that everyone has the same opportunity. But, like the woman in my office who is afraid to ride the bus because there are black people on it, she fails to understand that that bus ride for her is what minorities can feel everywhere in America. The structural racism exists, maybe not intentionally, but you can feel it and see it. Whether it's Chief Wahoo, or calling black males "thugs" or casting whites to play parts written for Asian-Americans....it may seem like minor stuff to a white person, a harmless thing, but when it's consistently in the media, in the high school locker room, movies, job interview, or the racist insult from a drunken mob of white bros... you may start to believe you are inferior. (you are not). White people are terrifying in a large group, especially if you are a minority.
And that is the issue with Wahoo. Was it created specifically to be hurtful? Probably not. Are you wearing it because you find Native Americans inferior? Probably not. (I hope not) But by continuing to use a funny looking mascot of a minority race of people, who, let's be honest, have not been treated well by European-American's....you are contributing to the structural racism, contributing to the ridiculous idea that someone is inferior because of the melanin level in their skin. You may not think that way (and I certainly hope not) but subconsciously it has an effect. So why would you continue to support this? Why be the mob of white bros hurling an insult at a passerby? What are you trying to prove? What is more important, your fellow man, or your grandfather's history with a ball cap? Be bold my RCF friends. Stand up.
If you don't understand that today, it's ok. One day it may click for you. It did for me a few years back. I never understood it... it was a cartoon, what 's the big deal? But suddenly I realized it wasn't just about a cartoon. It's just another example of systematic oppression, the majority making a minority feel inferior, intentional or not. And by not changing it, it's more about power and stubbornness, and not being told what to do by the minority. Not relinquishing that power over the brown people. Well it's 2017, it's time to let go.
I feel great pride that the Indians are moving on from the Chief. With time, I think we all will.
