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The 180

Why didn't the Blue Jays say something about Chief Wahoo?

Canadian fans, pundits, and even some media have discussed at length the political and cultural implications of the logo of the Cleveland Indians. But Blue Jays fan Ryan McMahon says that for all that talk, some notable voices have been missing.
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Fans hold up Chief Wahoo signs as they celebrate a win for Cleveland in 2002. A Toronto court heard arguments on Oct. 17, 2016 on an attempt to bar the Cleveland Indians from using their team name and "Chief Wahoo" logo in Ontario. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak, File) (The Associated Press)
The 1803:54Why didn't the Blue Jays say something about Chief Wahoo?

Plenty of people have weighed in on Chief Wahoo. 

Fans, pundits, activists, and broadcasters have shared their views about the political and cultural implications on the logo and mascot of the Cleveland Indians. 

But for Ryan McMahon, some notable voices have been missing. 

McMahon, a Jays fan himself, says he didn't expect the Blue Jays organization to come out and make a public statement in support of #NotYourMascot, or even to ask Major League Baseball to take legal action against Cleveland. 

"But I naively thought they'd say...something?" he says. 

McMahon argues the silence of the ball club has significant repercussions. 

"By staying silent, the Jays re-enforce the notion that "Whiteness" holds unchecked power in North America."

He says in a country working on reconciliation, sports teams, like the Blue Jays, need to act in the spirit and intent of reconciliation. 

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