Lily Gladstone Criticizes Chiefs And 49ers Mascots As Hurtful

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Lily Gladstone, an actress and activist, expressed her dissatisfaction with the names and mascots of the Super Bowl champions and runners-up. She spoke at a panel during the Santa Barbara International Film Festival prior to the Chiefs defeating the 49ers, addressing the use of the tomahawk chop by Chiefs fans, a hand gesture and chant associated with teams having Native American mascots.

Chiefs’ Tomahawk Chop

Gladstone criticized the tomahawk chop, stating that it serves as a reminder of the misrepresentation of Native Americans in Hollywood. She highlighted that the chant was used in old Western movies before indigenous actors were given significant roles, and expressed her dismay when people claim the chant is a form of “honor,” referring to it as the “commodification” of her people.

49ers’ Name

Additionally, Gladstone pointed out the San Francisco 49ers as another example of an offensive mascot. She mentioned that the term “49ers” refers to settlers who went West in search of gold, a period that she described as “an incredibly brutal time for California Indians.” She suggested that the use of such a moniker by an NFL team is not without fault.