Atlanta Braves Tomahawk Chop

For years, the Atlanta Braves "tomahawk chop" -- the rhythmic arm-pumping chant at Atlanta Braves games--was commonplace at Marysville-Pilchuck, WA, high school. These days, students are allowed to chop but not chant at sporting events and pep rallies. Problem is, they sometimes do both, and that violates the school's human dignity policy concerning Native American peoples. "The students have determined what they found offensive was the chant," said Ken Tallquist, a vice principal at the school. "The chopping motion was not the issue." Recently, a diverse group of 14 students visited school classrooms to discuss and gather opinions on the issue. Student body president Laura Baird said the strongest argument in favor of the traditional chop and chant was fear of a domino effect of political correctness. "It was a really enlightening experience," Baird said. You really can't stand up for something until you know how others feel." Kyle Williams, president of the school's Native American Club, said the chant and the arguments in favor of it anger him. For more information you can go to: http://www.nativevillage.org/Archives/2004/FEB%2018%20NEWS/Feb%2018%20%20200,%20I128%204.htm .