A MISSED CONVERSION...

I suppose it simply reflects on the times in which we live, but even by today`s standards the fuss going on in Devon about the Exeter Chiefs really does take some beating.   The Chiefs are a hugely successful rugby union club, having been formed over 100 years ago, being known as the Chiefs for all that time and achieving great success. 

But recently, in keeping with the diktats of the Woke movement, a fans organisation known as Exeter Chiefs for Change demanded an end to the club`s use of "harmful imagery and branding" which included a Native American headdress, saying there was no place for it in a predominantly British environment - or words to that effect.

Another supporters group launched a counter petition saying that the use by the club of a Native North American in its logo was actually a mark of respect and honour.   Given the conflicting points of view about the club`s branding, the management board voted against the removal of its traditional branding but agreed to `retire` the club`s mascot, Big Chief.  An old fashioned compromise that may not suit anyone and so we have probably not heard the end if it just yet.

Now perhaps unsurprisingly I am with those who suggest that a logo depicting an indigenous Native American by a rugby club 4,000 miles away from Omaha, Nebraska was in no way intended to be `harmful,` but is instead an innocent, respectful representation of the figurehead to which the club looks up with pride and admiration.

Seems to me that these days there are people who are looking at everywhere and everything which might be construed as offensive and this episode might be a good example.   If it was - like so many  others - a veiled attempt to convert me to the ways of wokedom, then it has not succeeded.   Nice try, but a missed conversion.  And why are the group who are so opposed to the club`s traditional logo still  calling themselves Exeter Chiefs for Change?