Social media was made for announcements such as this! The response has been hilarious!

If trophies were won on social media buzzwords, cliches and talking yourself up, Bris would be perennial winners.

Just announced on Points West; effective from June 1st

Lets not get too cocky, we will probably be next.

As the Bath Mats, Matt??

Bath Bombs isn't it?

Quote:

Mike the Taxi
As the Bath Mats, Matt??

I like it Mike!

Rumours are that Gloucester are also renaming to Gloucester Lions.

This would leave us as the only ones in the Prem without a nickname / characterisation.

Bath
Bears
Chiefs
Falcons
Harlequins
Lions
Saints
Saracens
Sharks
Tigers
Wasps
Warriors

Lions...Tigers...and Bears?! Lions...Tigers...and Bears? Oh My!

Someone posted this before (apologies I can't remember who), but it has to be Bath Knights.

Bath Badgers?

Quote:

BathBurger
Someone posted this before (apologies I can't remember who), but it has to be Bath Knights.

Sorry only just saw it. ( Feel free to delete admins )

Careful. You might end up as the Bath Centurions.

Apparently having a new training base up the road at Leigh Woods - cos we all know what bears do in the woods!

Yes, I have to say that I just googled Bristol Bears and came up with the Bristol Bears Bar which seems like a good friendly place to go for a pre-match drink...

How about Bath Shoguns?.....

Bath Beavers

Bristol didn't make the right signings last time out. If they do this time, then we should be worried. It might be us doing the bearing (sic).

They already have made them, both on and off the field. Now they just need a few to pad out the squad - if they do that they will be top 6 next year IMO.

Quote:

BathMatt53
They already have made them, both on and off the field. Now they just need a few to pad out the squad - if they do that they will be top 6 next year IMO.

Personally I think that because they have the right coaches and have recruited well they will challenge for top 4 next season. We will certainly be the 4th best team in the West.

---

Jack Wilson - Adopted player 2017/18

http://www.bristolbears.co.uk/

They are missing a letter - looking at most teams these days they should be the Bristol Beards.

Quote:

spongey
http://www.bristolbears.co.uk/

Thanks - now that's going to be on my internet banners and I am going to have to explain that one to the missus!

Do bears...?




Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 16/04/2018 17:07 by Mike the Taxi.

[www.somersetlive.co.uk] Fans react

Bath.... Tubs 😂😉

Bath Imploders?

Sorry I'm still bitter

Quote:

dannyf2
Bath Imploders?
Sorry I'm still bitter

Bitter... Bath... bath bitter?

Bath Bitter! Good idea! I'll have two.

Bristol

Trains to Bristol

When Bath are playing The Bears next season , let’s hope we beat them because as things stand our great club are relegation candidates.

You're taking this thread too seriously, BP!

Briss fan here ... DONT change your name please ... wtf has happened to our great game !

Surely if you’re going to come up with a cartoon name for your club on the basis that your supporters are so thick that it’s the only way they can recognise and identify with your brand, then at least you select a name with two syllables. If we decide we need to compete for the intellectually challenged that we go for the Bath Badgers. Can be chanted posh or with a Somerset brogue and has a friendly vibe. Go Badgers !

Never mind Bris, over on the Reservation Chiefs are worried about losing their name!

Most people think of soft toys, not an apex predator.

Not only that, googling "bristol bears" can easily send you to plenty of gay meetup web pages.

Should have went with Buccaneers given the city's heritage.

Wouldn't mind Bath Gladiators, though I'd rather just stick with Bath.

Quote:

by
Should have went with Buccaneers given the city's heritage.

Bristol’s maritime heritage, especially around the West Indies in the 17th and 18th centuries was rightly avoided I would say.

Quote:

by
Most people think of soft toys, not an apex predator.
Not only that, googling "bristol bears" can easily send you to plenty of gay meetup web pages.

Should have went with Buccaneers given the city's heritage.

Wouldn't mind Bath Gladiators, though I'd rather just stick with Bath.

"ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED?". I can foresee some teething troubles with that one...although it does give us the Bruce Craig Amphitheatre (we all know it'll end up being the Rec) and the Legion for the fans (my name is legion for we are many). So many inconsistent cultural references. It should go down a storm with our new insurance-based overlords.

---

... IMHO, of course.

Now in Honolulu



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 17/04/2018 03:02 by joethefanatic.

Quote:

Boldangrey
Never mind Bris, over on the Reservation Chiefs are worried about losing their name!

So they should. Nothing to do with Exeter and the chanting is totally insulting to the American indigenous people for whom it actually means something.

Quote:

TG Kesmo

Quote:

Boldangrey
Never mind Bris, over on the Reservation Chiefs are worried about losing their name!

So they should. Nothing to do with Exeter and the chanting is totally insulting to the American indigenous people for whom it actually means something.

Can you find a single source of a Native American expressing offence over Exeter Chiefs? Why does everything have to be offensive now? it's tiring.

RugbyInsideLine now reporting we are resisting serious pressure to rebrand ourselves as well - Pressure all coming from the new American sponsors.

Yesterday was fun, today not so much! Ha.

Suppose if we have to then it will need to be Roman themed - Bath... Romans, Centurions, Gladiators, Legion?...

Quote:

StGonne

Quote:

TG Kesmo

Quote:

Boldangrey
Never mind Bris, over on the Reservation Chiefs are worried about losing their name!

So they should. Nothing to do with Exeter and the chanting is totally insulting to the American indigenous people for whom it actually means something.

Can you find a single source of a Native American expressing offence over Exeter Chiefs? Why does everything have to be offensive now? it's tiring.

We discussed this subject to death on this board fairly recently, but Dr Stephanie Pratt, who lives near Exeter is a member of the Crow Creek Dakota (Sioux) tribe and a former Cultural Ambassador for her Tribal Council and spoke out a couple of years ago with Rachel Herrmann. So, to answer your question, Dr Stephanie Pratt is a single source of a Native American expressing offence over Exeter Chiefs.

Quote:

StGonne

Quote:

TG Kesmo

Quote:

Boldangrey
Never mind Bris, over on the Reservation Chiefs are worried about losing their name!

So they should. Nothing to do with Exeter and the chanting is totally insulting to the American indigenous people for whom it actually means something.

Can you find a single source of a Native American expressing offence over Exeter Chiefs? Why does everything have to be offensive now? it's tiring.

Maybe not specifically for Exeter but lots for US teams the major ones have dropped the braves chiefs logos and branding in favour of something more appropriate. Personally I find the dressing up as “Indians” juvenile and the chant tiresome. It has no history with Exeter and they should rebrand.

What about 'Come on you Bath Dysons'. It has a certain 'je ne sais quoi' about it n'est-ce pas?

[quote BathSalmon]Rumours are that Gloucester are also renaming to Gloucester Lions.

Surely there is only one Gloucester name possible?

"Old Spots".


PG

---

P G Tips



Paul Grant: my adopted Player, 2017-18.

Carrying on the Dyson theme, how about suckers

It's got a ring to it....Bath Suckers

Merc

Quote:

bathwickboy
What about 'Come on you Bath Dysons'. It has a certain 'je ne sais quoi' about it n'est-ce pas?

That's a vacuous idea.

Prem (current & promoted next season) monikers, as rated for plausibility by me

Top tier
Leicester Tigers - that has been their nickname since Moses was a lad. Sighting os actual tigers in Charnwood Forest so far unconfirmed.
Northampton Saints - founded by a Reverend
Newcastle Falcons - nailed-on certainty that a falcon of some variety is smashing a dozy pigeon in the Toon as we speak

Middle Tier
Worcester Warriors - alliterative, eminently chant-able but nothing ties the concept of a Warrior to Worcester. (Worcester Porcelains might have been more geographically appropriate but less fitting for rugby.)
Sale Sharks no evidence of sharks making it up[ the Manchester Ship Canal. Plus points for the kit they had yonks back with the pattern of shark gill slits.
Bristol Bears I kinda assumed it was a heraldic thing, but the coat of arms has unicorns. Oddly Bath coat of arms has a bear. Bears of course associated with the county of Warwickshire. Better: Bristol Brunels, excellent branding opportunities for makers of stovepipe hats.

Bottom Tier
Exeter Chiefs - hahahahaha, are you kidding me? Are they Choctaw? Shawnee? Cree? Better: literally anything.

(Other clubs not rated as they do not fit the place name + suffix template.)

---

_____________________________________________________

I like turtles.

Quote:

StGonne

Quote:

TG Kesmo

Quote:

Boldangrey
Never mind Bris, over on the Reservation Chiefs are worried about losing their name!

So they should. Nothing to do with Exeter and the chanting is totally insulting to the American indigenous people for whom it actually means something.

Can you find a single source of a Native American expressing offence over Exeter Chiefs? Why does everything have to be offensive now? it's tiring.

Yes, we clearly can. Perhaps the Exeter Ostriches is more appropriate?

Quote:

BBandW

Quote:

bathwickboy
What about 'Come on you Bath Dysons'. It has a certain 'je ne sais quoi' about it n'est-ce pas?

That's a vacuous idea.

'That sucks'shirley?

[quote Armchair Fan][u]


[b]Leicester Tigers - that has been their nickname since Moses was a lad. Sighting os actual tigers in Charnwood Forest so far unconfirmed.

It stems from the cap badge of the Leicestershire Regiment (nicknamed "The Tigers") as seen here:

[en.wikipedia.org]

PG

---

P G Tips



Paul Grant: my adopted Player, 2017-18.

Quote:

StGonne
Can you find a single source of a Native American expressing offence over Exeter Chiefs? Why does everything have to be offensive now? it's tiring.

1. Yes, several. It gets discussed most years.
2. Because people insist on being offensive. It's far more than "tiring"

---

A man who cannot change his mind, cannot change anything

RAEBURN SHIELD

Should Saracens change their name too then? After all it’s an outdated term for a Muslim? Surely that’s just as offensive as Chiefs?

For me it’s not the name it’s the misappropriation of traditional dress and song. If the Saracens drop the fez wearing and the chiefs the clothes and chanting then chiefs becomes those in charge and Saracens an historical term. Much as Romans.. Bath Romans if we must but PLEASE no togas.

Quote:

StGonne
Should Saracens change their name too then? After all it’s an outdated term for a Muslim? Surely that’s just as offensive as Chiefs?

Ah, the classic deflection technique! Coupled with a ‘PC gone mad’ and ‘I don’t see what the problem is’ stance = you are a gammon. StGoAway!

Quote:

Rawce

Quote:

StGonne
Should Saracens change their name too then? After all it’s an outdated term for a Muslim? Surely that’s just as offensive as Chiefs?

Ah, the classic deflection technique! Coupled with a ‘PC gone mad’ and ‘I don’t see what the problem is’ stance = you are a gammon. StGoAway!

The classic deflection technique being pointing out that Saracens are called Saracens and wear the fez and Chiefs are called Chiefs and wear tribal headgear.

You can tell me to go away for having a different viewpoint to you but I was just debating that if we get rid of Chiefs and the headgear, then we must get rid of Saracens and the headgear as TG Kesmo has said above.

Chief in peace

While there is very little Native American link to Devon I would add that it is a very long running tradition in Devon among the Rugby Clubs to name the senior adult teams with a nickname (As is common at all Rugby clubs across the country) However in Devon all the First XV teams all nicknamed "Chiefs" and while the 2nd and 3rd XVs differ from club to club every first XV is always nicknamed Chiefs. This goes back long before re-branding from Exeter Rugby Club to Exeter Chiefs.

So to suggest there is no History or Tradition there isn't quite true.

Furthermore as I have said on our own forum there is somethings at Sandy Park that could do with going away and never coming back, Exeter could likely keep the branding if these thing went away and there likely would not be much of an issue as it would have taken away their ammo. Dr Pratt never objected to the use of the name itself and only the cultural appropriation in which I do in part agree with her. Lose the headdresses and the mascot and there is very little left to object to. As those in the Indian community don't really care too much about the Chiefs name, Its the Redskins name they care about.

Whenever I hear the name Stephanie Pratt all I can think of is a story told by the producer of Father Ted. In which he went on a TV show to defend the show not being a fair representation of Ireland and Irish people and the person claiming this had a thick Mancunian accent and had never even been to Ireland.

Quote:

StGonne
The classic deflection technique being pointing out that Saracens are called Saracens and wear the fez and Chiefs are called Chiefs and wear tribal headgear.
You can tell me to go away for having a different viewpoint to you but I was just debating that if we get rid of Chiefs and the headgear, then we must get rid of Saracens and the headgear as TG Kesmo has said above.

You’ve not attempted to answer any of the valid concerns raised, just deflect. Get your own house in order then you can go pointing the finger elsewhere.

Quote:

Tom A Hawk
Whenever I hear the name Stephanie Pratt all I can think of is a story told by the producer of Father Ted. In which he went on a TV show to defend the show not being a fair representation of Ireland and Irish people and the person claiming this had a thick Mancunian accent and had never even been to Ireland.

All reasonable thoughts, thanks. Until this bit. Calling into question Dr Pratt’s heritage is a bit of a low blow imo.

Quote:

Rawce

Quote:

StGonne
The classic deflection technique being pointing out that Saracens are called Saracens and wear the fez and Chiefs are called Chiefs and wear tribal headgear.
You can tell me to go away for having a different viewpoint to you but I was just debating that if we get rid of Chiefs and the headgear, then we must get rid of Saracens and the headgear as TG Kesmo has said above.

You’ve not attempted to answer any of the valid concerns raised, just deflect. Get your own house in order then you can go pointing the finger elsewhere.

not really sure what you mean re my house not being in order but i am trying to answer the 'points' so that you can answer mine. 'Redskins' is an offensive term as it literally refers to the colour of native American's skin and so I can understand it. It just annoys me that people pretend to be experts on Native Americans. If a group of native Americans (i.e more than one) comes out and argues that the headgear or the chanting is specifically causing offence then i'd be willing to change my opinion. Until then all we have is one academic from Southampton and some people on the internet who tell me i'm deflecting when i point out that their criticism applies to more than one premiership club.

Quote:

StGonne
Why does everything have to be offensive now? it's tiring.

Agreed. Offense and outrage culture is ridiculous these days.

Quote:

ballsout

Quote:

StGonne
Why does everything have to be offensive now? it's tiring.

Agreed. Offense and outrage culture is ridiculous these days.

It would be absolutely wonderful to go through life never having anything offensive said to you and to be so insular that you never feel the need to speak up in support for others.
Or maybe your just outraged about outrage otherwise you would just ignore it.

Quote:

TG Kesmo

Quote:

ballsout

Quote:

StGonne
Why does everything have to be offensive now? it's tiring.

Agreed. Offense and outrage culture is ridiculous these days.

It would be absolutely wonderful to go through life never having anything offensive said to you and to be so insular that you never feel the need to speak up in support for others.
Or maybe your just outraged about outrage otherwise you would just ignore it.

So arguing that Exeter Chiefs is not offensive now means that I have never been offended and I have never spoken up in support of others. I really do struggle with the mental gymnastics sometimes.

Quote:

StGonne

Quote:

TG Kesmo

Quote:

ballsout

Quote:

StGonne
Why does everything have to be offensive now? it's tiring.

Agreed. Offense and outrage culture is ridiculous these days.

It would be absolutely wonderful to go through life never having anything offensive said to you and to be so insular that you never feel the need to speak up in support for others.
Or maybe your just outraged about outrage otherwise you would just ignore it.

So arguing that Exeter Chiefs is not offensive now means that I have never been offended and I have never spoken up in support of others. I really do struggle with the mental gymnastics sometimes.

Just saying that you can’t group all items together and call it a culture personally I am not offended by Many things others get worked up about. It is an individuals right to choose. If you don’t agree it is your right to say so or just ignore. I think it’s called freedom of speech.

'Chiefs' is not offensive. Wearing war bonnets and (particularly) having caricature mascots is.

As I recall, all Dr Pratt asked was for Exeter to actually speak to some native Americans about the issue. Seems like a pretty reasonable, non-outraged request. The bigger outrage seems to be coming from a bunch of privileged people who resent being asked to consider that playing dress-up could be offensive to the people you're dressing up as.

And, 'Sir! Sir! But they're doing it too Sir!' is not a compelling rejoinder.

Quote:

StGonne

Quote:

TG Kesmo

Quote:

ballsout

Quote:

StGonne
Why does everything have to be offensive now? it's tiring.

Agreed. Offense and outrage culture is ridiculous these days.

It would be absolutely wonderful to go through life never having anything offensive said to you and to be so insular that you never feel the need to speak up in support for others.
Or maybe your just outraged about outrage otherwise you would just ignore it.

So arguing that Exeter Chiefs is not offensive now means that I have never been offended and I have never spoken up in support of others. I really do struggle with the mental gymnastics sometimes.

Can I clarify if you have native american heritage? I think that would put your point in context:

- If you you have native american heritage but are not offended by the war paint, head-dress and tomahawk waving side of things then you are making a very interesting point about your not feeling culturally appropriated;
- if you don't have native american heritage but just don't feel offended by it, it clearly isn't so relevant to your cultural history that you would be*.

(*Of course it is fairly typical human behaviour to feel uncomfortable if you are involved in something which makes others uncomfortable or offends them).

We could come up with plenty of extreme examples of names that a club could use and how people could dress up in support of that which I'm sure that you would agree are offensive - a rugby forum isn't really the place for that obviously but I'm sure you can think of a few.

If the Exeter Chiefs still have the same branding and the supporters are still wearing war paint, head-dress and waving tomahawks in 5-10 years I will be astounded...

Quote:

hasta
'Chiefs' is not offensive. Wearing war bonnets and (particularly) having caricature mascots is.
As I recall, all Dr Pratt asked was for Exeter to actually speak to some native Americans about the issue. Seems like a pretty reasonable, non-outraged request. The bigger outrage seems to be coming from a bunch of privileged people who resent being asked to consider that playing dress-up could be offensive to the people you're dressing up as.

And, 'Sir! Sir! But they're doing it too Sir!' is not a compelling rejoinder.

I clearly stated above that should a group of Native Americans actually break down what is and isn't offensive about Exeter Chiefs I would be more than willing to reconsider. I'm not an Exeter Chiefs fan so i'm not pointing the finger, just pointing out that in the interest of consistency, criticism levelled at Exeter must be directed towards Saracens too.

Alternatively, we could all just leave this here and accept that the right to offend comes hand in hand with the right to be offended.

Here you go

I feel that too much is made of this. I can't quite place my finger on what is actually offensive and I've have only heard from one person claiming to be actually offended by Exeter specifically and she seems to end at "it just is". So what do they do that's so bad?

Calling themselves Chiefs seems broadly agreed, in itself, to be acceptable. After all the name Chiefs can equally be applied to any number of cultures and I guess is Latin in origin.

Clearly Exeter use Native American imagery, but it feels to me that had they done so in a respectful way I can't really see the offence?

So how are they being disrespectful? A child friendly mascot? All teams do this and I genuinely can see no intended mocking or disrespect in the Exeter use of one. Do you feel disrespected by this guy?

[photosportnz.photoshelter.com]

He's representative of a fair abhorrent period of history, the repercussions of which are still being felt.

The general Exeter logo seems pretty respectful.

The headdresses? Ok they are cheap replicas, but not inherently mocking. It doesn't strike me as that offensive. I don't think anyone wearing one has the intention to make a comment on a native american. Or are we saying that just wearing another cultures clothes is offensive? Where does that end?

The drums? Intended to excite the crowd and enthuse their team. Disrespectful? Seems a respectful use if anything. Hardly unique in any case.

The hollering? I can see that there might be implications associated with this, but are you really saying this is all they'd need to stop and it would be fine?

What else is there? it feels like a bit of education and sensitivity, which I don't think Exeter particularly lack, and there really isn't a problem here. Either that or no one can use aspects any other culture for the risk of offence and given the multicultural world we live in that just does hold water. You're probably doing something now that leans on some other culture.

Read the link above. You might think it's done in a respectful way, but it's not really your right to say that as it's not your culture.

I think that the issue was that it (i.e. the tomahawk waving etc.) plays on the outdated racial / cultural stereotype. 21st century Native Americans don't go around scalping people.

If I were Exeter I would welcome the feedback from the Native American organisation who offered it - the outcome would be:

1) they say, 'we don't really care' and the issue goes to bed;
2) they say, 'happy with the name as its really cool, but leave out the caricature mascot please' and its easily sorted and with their blessing;
3) they say 'its really offensive' in which case I'm sure the Club would want to change it anyway.

Perhaps we need to suggest alternative names for Exeter now then (oh no I hear you say).

Exeter Chefs
Exeter Sandy Toes
Exeter Services

Or just Exeter Champions.

"You might think it's done in a respectful way, but it's not really your right to say that as it's not your culture."

Why not? I think it is my right to decide whether I find someone else's actions offensive. I literally can't sanction all the ideas that someone finds offensive because I'd quickly find myself contradicting myself.

In this case, I find myself thinking that freedom of expression trumps some people a long way away (possibly) being offended by Exeter's actions because I can't see where the offence comes from and I don't see the harm.

Well, aren't you just just a pretty picture of privilege.

Thanks to BathMatt and Hasta for having the energy I couldn’t bother to muster. I owe you both a pint.

DW when it would be so easy to clarify the ‘possibly’ bit - with a phone call, email or meeting it just seems silly that they haven’t. As for freedom of expression (and choice) well that covers a lot of extremely offensive things that nobody on this board would condone I’m sure.

(P.s. make mine a pint of 40 year old single malt mate please)



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 18/04/2018 18:17 by BathMatt53.

Sorry but Bath Dysons sucks!!!

"Well, aren't you just just a pretty picture of privilege."

Well, as a white make aged 20-40 yes, but I don't see the point you are making? It seems a very poor arguement.

"DW when it would be so easy to clarify the ‘possibly’ bit - with a phone call, email or meeting it just seems silly that they haven’t."

Maybe they have. The article hasta cites quotes a source saying if done respectfully they don't have a problem with this.

Quote:

3 wheels on my wagon
Sorry but Bath Dysons sucks!!!

But if only they could clean up the Premiership!

One thing I love about PC gone mad is the fact that white blokes with dreadlocks are now racist - good serves them right