The Saints Need To Change Their Logo
March 6, 2019
Teams with Native American names and logos have been the subject of public scrutiny as early as the 1960’s. In more recent years, the scrutiny and public push for change have come in waves- intensifying then fading from our collective conscience without much changing. Last year, however, the Cleveland Indians finally retired their offensive “Chief Wahoo” logo.
But there is one logo in sports that somehow eludes any criticism despite having a history deeply rooted in racism. The New Orleans Saints logo, the fleur-de-lis, is a symbol of slavery around the world and should be removed from their uniforms.
The fleur-de-lis is a Catholic symbol the French, a historically Catholic nation, adopted as a large part of their national motif and identity. The fleur-de-lis made its way to Louisiana when the French colonized the region in the early 1700’s. From Mardi Gras, the food, the architecture, and of course, the fleur-de-lis, the French influence is still deeply ingrained in Louisiana’s culture.
The fleur-de-lis had many uses, but the most sinister was in the slave trade. The fleur-de-lis was used to brand slaves, like cattle, as discipline for attempting to escape. The practice took place not just in Louisiana, but French settlements around the world. The symbol was branded on slaves so if they did escape, there would be no mistaking to whom they belonged.
That same symbol now adorns the uniforms of predominately black men who sacrifice their bodies for a sport that makes their ultra-wealthy, elite “owners” a fortune. Oh, and 30 of those 32 team owners are white. And there are no black team owners.
The symbolism is eerie and almost too on-the-nose to believe it is an accident.
The fleur-de-lis is no different than the other historically racist symbols that are still used today to intimidate and promote hate, such as the swastika or the Confederate flag. These symbols have become monuments to the racist, hateful heyday of yesteryear.
People opposed to the calls for the change of the team’s logo, often lament the “PC culture” of today. They often cite the history of the team, saying that the logo has been there for decades and no one has had a problem with it until today. The problem with that logic is that, first of all, it is wrong. Native Americans have been criticizing the misappropriation of their culture for sports team’s names and logos for decades.
Secondly, these logos and names did not become offensive overnight. They have always been offensive, it is just that minority groups have never had a voice to tell the majority group that is the case. But, as we move toward a more inclusive, socially-just society, these minority groups have been trying to educate us and tell us what is offensive to them. It is time we listen.
There is nothing wrong with making changes that are meant to create a more inclusive and empathetic society. The loss of a team nickname that is a racial slur, or a logo that was once branded on the bodies of slaves is a small price to pay to avoid offending historically marginalized groups of people.
I agree and wish that the who dat nation could as well.Last year I used the comparison used in the article to enlighten family and friends about the symbol Nobody got it…says how much we care about those who dedicated there lives for us.
Words & symbols evolve & change over time. After Hurricane Katrina the fleur de lis became a symbol of survival & pride, one New Orleans family, no matter where we were displaced. Today, the Fleur de lis symbolizes to the people of New Orleans &/or The “Who Dat Nation” PRIDE. WE decide who we are, our symbols & logo.
https://gambinos.com/history/fleur-de-lis-france-florence-catholicism/
It’s also used in the scouts Canada symbol
WHo gives a crap? Always something negative for everything. And that didn’t happen in the US so get over it. Tired of this stupid bs. Americans are so dumb
I believe that so many do not know the history because, I just found out myself. It is so horrible that so many truly don’t know what happened to God’s beautiful people. Just like any other sinister symbol I believe it should be removed, but it is everywhere. Unknown to so many of the pain and suffering that God’s children had to endure. It’s sad because before this it was used for God’s purpose, and then turned into a symbol of slavery unknown to so many because possibly some chose to hide that horrible pain of God’s children, and just reveal what they felt was good for their own purpose.
um it represents cajun culture now. that’s it. nothing bad. you need to let whatever bs in the past be in the past.
that symbol is not going any where. it’s louisiana. period. cut the crap.
How about… No.
The Fleur De Lis predates slavery in French America, and had its start as a Catholic symbol, symbolizing Mary and Joseph.
Wow! I find some of the comments really interesting. The swastika pre dates Nazi Germany, but I don’t hear anyone eager to put that on a football helmet. And yes Lousiana, it is part of Your history to brand that symbol on runaway black slaves. So excuse some of us who continue to be insulted and offended by that same symbol branded on the uniforms and helmets of black athletes. Or should I say excuse you! And NO we won’t get over it! Ever!
Its the symbol of French culture. Its on the Flag of the Quebec and many other places. Its like a Maple Leaf in Canada or White star to the United States. It adds a connection to a shared French heritage.
It is the symbol of French Royalty. If its offensive then tell that to the French crown, and all who are from french heritage.
Go hug a tree……!!