While there are good intentions behind it, using the name of our people doesn't honor them, says Chuck Hoskin Jr., head of the Cherokee Nation.
He is about to end up run over, his mother saves himWhile there are good intentions behind it, using the name of our people doesn't honor them, says Chuck Hoskin Jr., head of the Cherokee Nation.
Since 1974 Jeep has used the name Cherokee for some of its vehicles, referring to the Native American people. After recent statements by Chuck Hoskin Jr., head of the Cherokee Nation, a nation recognized by the US government, in which he asks the Jeep automaker to stop using the name of his tribe to name their off-road vehicles, such as "Jeep Grand Cherokee" or “Jeepokee”, this situation could (and should) change.
©Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr./Facebook
In an interview conducted by CNN, the tribe leader explained that, although "there are good intentions behind this action," the Cherokee people are not honored to have their name "attached to the head of a car".
"I believe we have come to a time in this country where both companies and sports teams need to withdraw the use of Native American names, images and spirits from their products, team jerseys and sports in general," he said. declared the head of the Cherokee Nation.
For its part, Jeep underlined its commitment to start a respectful and open dialogue with the head of the Cherokee nation to come to an agreement.
“Our vehicle names have been carefully chosen and cultivated over the years to honor and celebrate Native Americans for their nobility, skill and pride,” the automaker said in a statement.
For Professor Amanda Cobb-Greetham, director of the Native Nations Center school and a member of the Chickasaw Nation, the Cherokee Nation has the sovereignty to choose how to respond to the use of its name.
“If you're going to honor someone, give them a prize. If you name a product after him, you are selling it, ”said Cobb-Greetham.
The best way to honor a people is by knowing their history, culture and their role in society, avoiding exploiting a name for commercial reasons, regardless of good intentions. What do you think?
Fonte: CNN | Car and driver
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