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Any thought of changing the Indian motorcycle name with all that is happening?

81K views 386 replies 152 participants last post by  HINK  
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
Just wondering with the emphasis on changing names of sports teams that reflect anything to do with Indian is there
discussion of changing the Indian name? My hope is not as I am part Indian and I see the representation of the Indian heritage
and culture as being positive.
 
#3 ·
Was just last week when I was thinking, what if Hendee went with the name American instead.
I wondered if that would be better.

Then I tried thinking of what would the motorcycle model names be. Bad idea.

President, not Chief.

Although maybe there still could’ve been a Scout.
 
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#4 ·
Just wondering with the emphasis on changing names of sports teams that reflect anything to do with Indian is there
discussion of changing the Indian name. My hope is not as I am part Indian and I see the representation of the Indian heritage
and culture as being positive.
If you are asking if "anyone out there" is promoting this idea, then, "Yes", I've seen a Facebook post circulating calling for this end to caucasian-founded and/or run companies not being allowed to continue making $ off the use of minority images, etc.... I guess we'll have to wait and see if this gains any traction with Polaris. I sure hope the Native American community weighs in about it as supportively as they have apparently done in the past.
 
#12 ·
I have had nothing but positive comments from First Nations people, I have ridden through reservation, gassing up at FN gas stations, with no issues or negative comments. FN Vets I served with always like my photos and believe me if they didn't they would not hesitate to tell me they are offended. 3 are or were Chiefs of there Tribes. So I think if it is an issue or becomes one it will be from the Social Justice Warriors. That said the kids love the Head badge on the front. So if it does become a big issue, do we remove the logos,badges and head badges?. If so does Polaris supply us with an alternative?
 
#16 ·
I don't care what the SJW's want. I'm not removing anything from my bike as that is a violation of my rights of free expression. I bought it, it's mine and it is staying as is and in my mind, there is no alternative. The country has gone plumb crazy.
 
#297 ·
They are talking about banning the "tomahawk chop" that fans do. What a bunch of BS. Did you ever watch a Florida State Seminole pre-game ceremony where the warrior rides out on a horse and slams a spear into the ground? It's the display of POWER and PRIDE, not anything remotely degrading to Indians. You would think Indians would take it as a compliment.

Just end all this crap and start naming teams derivations of ****** cause we won't get offended. Hell, call it the National Crackers ... who cares. Just play the damn sport and leave politics and all this BS political correctness home.

Oh, and for me, I say F### the NFL. I'll never watch another game. I can't be a political activist on my boss's dime so why are these rich pompous asses allowed too?
 
#19 ·
The county that I live in has two Indian reservations. The native Americans have been nothing but positive about our Indian motorcycles.

As long as the name is respectful and not derogatory or racist there is no issue.
 
#20 ·
You never know... UND (University of North Dakota) moved up to DIV 1 and they were called the Fighting Sioux... some of the tribes said OK and some said no... the ones that said no were mostly not from around there... anyway the NCAA wouldn't let them move up if they didn't change their mascot... hello... Fighting Hawks... if Indian takes a knee and capitulates... my bike goes up for sale
 
#22 ·
Think all it takes is one company/organization with a spine to stand up and start the pendulum swinging away from all of this asshattery. Most of the people that would complain wouldn't even ride a motorcycle so who really cares. This whole thing is stupid. IMHO...
 
#65 ·
Of all the products/uses discussed, the vast majority of them were not meant to be derogatory. It doesn't matter. If you don't bend the knee, the cancel culture will come knocking and the twitter mob will be unleashed upon you. So it is just a matter of time before Polaris finds themselves in their sights. Then we'll see what kind of stones they have.





BD
 
#29 · (Edited by Moderator)
The Native Americans got screwed big time in so may ways by the Europeans and other immigrants/peoples that came to this country. But in my 69 years here on earth I've not seen or heard any news reports or stories about Indians striving to be victims, as do so many other groups and organizations in this country. That said, I don't think Indians would complain or at least I'm not aware of complaints about the brand name of the bikes we ride. If they (Indians, not their self appointed "representatives") did or do complain, I think it might be or would be a valid complaint.

Name a bike or bike model after one of the victim groups out there today and see how that goes over.
 
#30 · (Edited)
I have a great idea that should make everyone Happy ! Let’s eliminate teaching History in school’s to our up and coming young children. Being as everyone’s trying to turn their head on this as if our History is going away some time soon . Im done with this whole Fu*kin thing. I’m just amazed at the ignorance that exists in going along with this BS. Lol how in the hell do you just erase our History it is what it is. And how in the hell does the Indian logo on our motorcycles put the American Indian in a bad light ? If nothing else I think it represents them in a better light more then anyone else has. Strong Good lookin American Iron ! ;)
 
#32 · (Edited)
So, it's Hearseguy vs PaddyWagon. I know who gets the last laugh in this fight. :)

 
#33 ·
I've stated this before. The Indian name was chosen to pay homage to the native American people. And it was done very carefully. Remember Indian motocycle company was formed just a few years after the end of the American Indian wars.

The headdress itself is intended to represent freedom and the ability roam. That is why he looks off in the sky. It is both freedom to ride your pony and looking up to the sky for spiritual awareness that makes it symbolic, significant, and respectful.

And Chief is a generic term. And Scout is actually a French word.

The laughing Indian is the only image that is considered offensive in modern terms. And yes, I know it was racing f... off to Harley riders, but Indian of the 1930's did use it on speedos and a few other things. However, Polaris Indian knows this and now owns that trademark and it will remain in a drawer forever at this point.

What I have mixed emotions about are the headdress logos that are being created depicting a woman on the tank in a headdress. That was never allowed in native culture. Headdress were for great Warriors, Chiefs, and Medicine men of the tribes. But personally, I just don't like it, but that is the riders choice. You will never see Polaris Indian use that type of logo.

Of course, I do enjoy a sexy gal in a headdress on the Babes with Indians links, so I guess I am not 100% pc. But I do think the famous photo of one of the Gilroy era guys wife in a headdress is tastefully done and works as art. So there that....

:)
 
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#46 ·
I've stated this before. The Indian name was chosen to pay homage to the native American people. And it was done very carefully. Remember Indian motocycle company was formed just a few years after the end of the American Indian wars.

The headdress itself is intended to represent freedom and the ability roam. That is why he looks off in the sky. It is both freedom to ride your pony and looking up to the sky for spiritual awareness that makes it symbolic, significant, and respectful.

And Chief is a generic term. And Scout is actually a French word.

The laughing Indian is the only image that is considered offensive in modern terms. And yes, I know it was racing f... off to Harley riders, but Indian of the 1930's did use it on speedos and a few other things. However, Polaris Indian knows this and now owns that trademark and it will remain in a drawer forever at this point.

What I have mixed emotions about are the headdress logos that are being created depicting a woman on the tank in a headdress. That was never allowed in native culture. Headdress were for great Warriors, Chiefs, and Medicine men of the tribes. But personally, I just don't like it, but that is the riders choice. You will never see Polaris Indian use that type of logo.

Of course, I do enjoy a sexy gal in a headdress on the Babes with Indians links, so I guess I am not 100% pc. But I do think the famous photo of one of the Gilroy era guys wife in a headdress is tastefully done and works as art. So there that....

:)
There were Many Women Chiefs & Warriors Back in the Day and Many Women Chiefs to this Day !!

Sent from my SM-G930P using Tapatalk
 
#35 ·
I remember reading back in "the good old days -say 2012 or so" , when Polaris bought the rights to the Indian name, they called on several of the major "First American" tribes and asked their opinion on the use of the name Indian and the use of the headdress as the company logo. All agreed that it was fine as long it was done respectfully. Polaris wasn't going to spend big money without doing some politically correct research.
But then, that was the "good old days".
 
#36 ·
For those here old enough to remember "Firesign Theater" this thread brings to mind one sketch (can't recall the exact context) where the guy said "What's America?" and then said "Why it's....and followed with a list of un PC nicknames for a bunch of various ethnicities. Of course in those days there was no such term "PC".

This country needs to start breeding people with much thicker skins and a lot less sensitivity. I tell people, just because you got pissed off at what I said/did, doesn't mean I did it to piss you off. If I'm going to insult you personally, there will be no doubt of my intentions when I do it.
 
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