Tradition vs. Politically Correct

January 08, 2013

Recently the Braves, as well as every other MLB team, came out with new batting practice hats. Some have been altered slightly, some more so. Without going through each one, let’s focus on the new Atlanta Braves batting practice hat. The hat portrays a Native American yelling with a feather sticking out of his head. Often times the whole idea of using Native American symbols, logos, phrases, etc… has been seen as racist and derogatory. Teams have changed their names, logos, and uniforms in order to comply with those who see these as misrepresenting their culture. While this may just be a hat, most Americans don’t truly understand the plight of the Native Americans, and don’t see the gravity in the history Americans have had with those who lived on this land before explorers like Columbus came to this world.

Teams like the Fighting Sioux, Washington Redskins, and Atlanta Braves all in some small way portray an ignorant or disrespectful representation of Native Americans. The Redskins recently made the playoffs for the first time in a number of years, while fans in Atlanta and Tallahassee continue to do the “chop” at home games. This hat doesn’t change anything, but it furthers the image these teams feel comfortable portraying. Whether the rest of us feel similarly comfortable is debatable. 

Authentic Store Buzz: Pro League Authentics has just come out with a new exclusive line of apparel. The Legends Line- Wilt Chamberlain. A fan of Wilt the Stilt, The Big Dipper, or maybe you just know him as Mr. 100. Wilt Chamberlain was a basketball legend, considered by many to be the most athletic and talented player to ever strut onto the NBA hardwood. The big man, who wore number 13 and was famous for wearing the sweatband on his head, once dropped 100 points in Hershey, PA. PLA has the exclusive line of shirts of the Wilt Chamberlain line. 

As the NFL season continues, PLA continues to provide a great selection of authentic NIKE NFL jerseys including the newest one, a home blue Andrew Luck jersey. In fact, PLA is now offering 50% off on any NIKE NFL jerseys. All are authentic. Check our selection out on our website, call up the store to inquire, or keep track of our Facebook Page and Twitter feed for daily updates.

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Authentically Speaking Trivia Time: How many Heisman Trophy winners has the University of Alabama had? Answer to come tomorrow.

Last time's answer: In Pittsburgh at Pirates games.

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