Oscar Nominee Lily Gladstone Criticizes Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers over Nicknames and Tomahawk Chop
Lily Gladstone, who is nominated for Best Actress for her role in 'Killers of the Flower Moon', expressed her concerns in a recent podcast interview.
Gladstone's Criticisms
Lily Gladstone, a Native American film star who was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in 'Killers of the Flower Moon,' took issue with the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers in a recent podcast interview.
Gladstone, who was born in Montana and is of Piegan Blackfeet, appeared on the 'Variety Awards Circuit' podcast and expressed her concerns regarding the team nicknames and the tomahawk chop gesture performed by fans.
She stated, 'Honestly, you could hold both teams accountable. The 49ers are based on the California Gold Rush, which was an incredibly brutal time for California Indians. And then the Chiefs. There are many ways that you could interpret the name 'chief.' It's not just the name that bothers me. It's hearing that damn tomahawk chop. Every time, it's a stark reminder of what Hollywood has done to us because the tomahawk chop directly ties to the sounds of old Westerns where we were not playing ourselves, or if we were, we were merely backdrop actors.'
Concerns about the Tomahawk Chop
Specifically, Gladstone suggested that it is a farce to claim that the tomahawk chop is an 'honor' to Native Americans. She highlighted the negative associations it has with Hollywood and how it reduces Native American culture to stereotypes.
Native Americans have been protesting against the Chiefs' name in the past, especially during Super Bowl events. The team has made some changes, such as banning fans from wearing Native American headdresses and face paint, but they have not indicated any plans to change their nickname.
This issue is not exclusive to the Chiefs, as other sports teams have faced similar criticism regarding their use of Native American imagery and gestures.
Impact on Native American Representation
Gladstone's criticisms shed light on the larger issue of Native American representation in popular culture. The use of Native American imagery and stereotypes perpetuates misconceptions and disregards the rich diversity and history of Native American tribes.
As the first Native American woman to be nominated for Best Actress, Gladstone's voice brings attention to the need for more authentic representation and respectful portrayal of Native American cultures in the film industry and beyond.
It is important for teams and organizations to listen to and address the concerns of Native American communities to promote understanding and inclusivity.
