Commanders New Logo Faces Backlash from Native American Communities

The Washington Commanders’ recent unveiling of a new alternate logo, featuring a spear intertwined with the team’s ‘W’, has ignited a firestorm of controversy. While the team presents the design as a symbol of strength and a connection to the past, many within Native American communities are voicing strong criticism, arguing it perpetuates harmful stereotypes and disregards their concerns.

A History of Controversy

For decades, the Commanders (formerly the Washington Redskins) faced intense scrutiny over their previous name and mascot, widely considered offensive and disrespectful to Native Americans. The team finally retired the former name and mascot in 2020, rebranding as the Washington Commanders in 2022. This rebranding was seen by many as a positive step towards reconciliation. However, the introduction of the spear logo has reopened old wounds.

Criticism from Native American Organizations

The Association on American Indian Affairs released a statement calling the logo update “disappointing and inappropriate,” urging the team to cease repeating a cycle of disrespect and to genuinely listen to Native voices. “We are not your mascot,” the statement emphasized. Suzan Harjo, a Native American activist instrumental in challenging the team’s previous imagery, believes the new logo is a disingenuous attempt to appease those who yearn for the return of the old mascot.

Other organizations, such as Not In Our Honor, argue the logo represents a “backsliding” from the progress made in ending cultural appropriation. Marcus Briggs-Cloud, an Indigenous scholar, points out that the logo doesn’t align with core Indigenous values like love and humility, instead reinforcing a harmful “noble savage” stereotype. Stephanie Fryberg, a social psychologist, warns that the imagery will cause psychological harm, particularly to Native youth, by perpetuating stereotypes and contributing to erasure.

The Team’s Perspective

The Commanders defend the logo, stating the spear and ‘W’ “interweave at their centers, a powerful joining of past and present.” They claim the spearhead symbolizes leadership and a forward-focused spirit. However, the team declined to comment on whether they consulted with Native American communities during the design process, deferring to the NFL. The NFL itself did not respond to requests for comment.

A Divided Response

Not all Native American voices are critical. Becky Clayton-Anderson, president of the Native American Guardians Association (NAGA), expressed approval, stating it’s “encouraging to have a small piece of Native imagery represented again, honoring the deep connection between Native heritage and America’s sports traditions.”

Looking Ahead

Despite the controversy, the Commanders plan to integrate the logo into alternate uniforms for four games this season and incorporate it into team merchandise. Team president Mark Clouse acknowledged the criticism but stated they “aren’t always going to make everybody happy,” while emphasizing they do listen to fan feedback. However, critics argue that true progress requires moving beyond harmful representations and engaging in meaningful dialogue with Native American communities. As Harvard professor Philip Deloria notes, the team seems intent on resurrecting a history they could have left behind.

You can learn more about the history of Native American representation in sports at The National Congress of American Indians.