Hindu and Jewish religious leaders have welcomed reports of name change of MLB franchise Cleveland Indians, saying it was long overdue.
Hindu statesman Rajan Zed and well-known Jewish Rabbi ElizaBeth Webb Beyer, in a joint statement in Nevada today, said that it was morally wrong to continue with such a name which many considered inappropriate and perpetuating stereotyping, prejudice and misunderstanding.
Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism; and Rabbi Beyer point out that use of stereotypes and caricatures keeps us away from the reality and harmony of one human family. Instead, we need to work towards creating goodwill among all the sections of society. Indeed, God is in each human being.
Baseball franchises should not be in the business of disrespecting entire communities and society should not be publicly celebrating a name considered systematic disrespect by many. We should be more sensitive to the feelings of others and no community should be dehumanized; Rabbi Beyer and Rajan Zed indicated.
It was the long-awaited moment for an otherwise great franchise to return the affection it had received from the fans over the years, who deserved a name that was reflective of that love and pride, Zed and Rabbi Beyer noted.
Rajan Zed and Rabbi Beyer also urged MLB’s Atlanta Braves, NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs and NHL’s Chicago Blackhawks to seriously and urgently re-examine their names.