In another crazy development, the Exeter Chiefs have announced something that has not happened in the past.
A campaign, which accuses the club of ‘cultural appropriation’ for their use of Native American logos and mascots, has been getting a lot of press.
Therefore, the clubs directors will no discuss the issue for the first time at the end of this month after 1,900 people signed a petition asking the club to drop the imagery.
Good to see this is getting some traction. English rugby's Exeter Chiefs has a lot of racism in their self-image.
— Patrick Johnston (@risingaction) July 7, 2020
Time to find a new brand https://t.co/aSLebnTzyM
A source in the Chiefs hierarchy told RUCK: “It’s important that we take all supporters concerns very seriously, and we think it’s appropriate that we review our official branding,”
Campaigner Ash Green spoke to The Sun earlier this week about the campaign.
“Exeter Chiefs is a fantastic club that has seen a huge amount of success on the pitch and done a lot of good off it for decades,” said Green.
“It’s one of Exeter’s most well known brands and has put the city firmly on the sporting map. The club MUST address its use of racist imagery and branding.
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“There is no place in a predominantly white British environment for appropriation of Indigenous Peoples‘ imagery that has no relation whatsoever to the history of the club, or the city.
“The ‘Chiefs’ brand dates back to 1999, a decision that was not taken with racism in mind, but one that is now sat increasingly awkwardly at the pinnacle of English rugby.
“The stylised Chief on the club’s crest, the ‘Big Chief’ mascot, the headdresses and tomahawks adorning the supporters, and the ‘Tomahawk Chop’ chant are all examples of cultural appropriation of the Indigenous Peoples who were all but wiped out by white European settlers and who still suffer extreme examples of racial prejudice today, across the world.”
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LIST | 5 awesome pubs owned by rugby players
1. Gavin Henson
The former Wales star settled into his new life as the pub landlord of The Fox in St Brides Major, in Wales earlier this year. He explained the change had fallen into place well as his vision of running a pub had coincided with the end of him playing rugby.
It is 15 years since Gavin Henson turned his life (and Mathew Tait) upside down. These days he is back home… playing Sunday league football and running The Fox pub.
— Daniel Matthews (@_DanMatthews_) March 4, 2020
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