Savage Arms Logo

[JDGray]

In todays world of political correctness, how can Savage Arms, still have an Indian for there Logo? A local High School had to change their mascot, name, whatever you call it from "Red Skins" because it insulted somebody down the line. In this world of rediculess political correctness, how can anyone not offend someone, somewhere, without getting sued?

 

[w_houle]

Glad they haven't, and anything I can say about those who would bring such a suit just wouldn't be high road... so,

 

[Sam1911]

A little history for ya:

Savage Arms History
A Century of Quality Firearms Development

The Savage Arms Company was organized in 1894 by Arthur Savage in Utica, New York. A native of Jamaica, Arthur led a romantic life, having been schooled in England and the United States. In his thirties, he explored the interior of Australia and was held captive for a year by Aborigines. Later, he became the owner of the largest cattle ranch in Australia.

After moving to Utica, New York, he developed the Savage Halpine torpedo, became the Superintendent of the Utica Belt Line Railroad, and invented the first "hammerless" lever action rifle with the entire mechanism enclosed in a steel receiver. This remarkable rifle featured a rotary magazine with a unique counter that visually displayed the number of bullets remaining in the receiver. The Model 99, as it became known, advanced firearm technology, offered the average person an affordable rifle, and started a business that has stood the test of time. In 1919, Chief Lame Bear (above) approached Arthur to purchase lever-action rifles for the Indian reservation and the two men struck a deal. The tribe would get discounted rifles and Savage would get their support and endorsement. It was at this time in the company's history, that Arthur Savage added the Indian head logo--a direct gift from the Chief--to the company name. By 1919, Savage Arms was manufacturing high power rifles, 22 caliber rifles, pistols and ammunition.

So, the name "Savage" doesn't denote the Native Americans, it was the founder's NAME. Second, the use of the Chief's head for the logo was in honor of, with respect for, and with the blessing of the Native Americans in question.

Another major thing to consider, a public high school is a functionary of the state government. As such it is held to a high standard of "sensitivity" and must conduct itself in such a way as to follow the wishes of the public (or the most vocal of them, anyway). The government can be held to violate people's civil rights by insensitive speach, writing, images, whatever.

Savage Arms is a private company. They can do pretty much what they please, having to answer to their bottom line and modifying their public image only in response to threats against profits. Obviously, having an honorable, proud, strong Native American leader's face as their trademark, next to the name of their founder, has not negatively affected their bottom line.

--Sam

P.S. -- I think there's even a professional sports team that uses "Red Skins" in their name, and as far as I know, they've not bowed to any pressure to change.
P.P.S. -- Even Savage Arms themselves can't quite get nomenclature correct: "... a rotary magazine with a unique counter that visually displayed the number of bullets remaining in the receiver." Yikes.

 

[HunterBear71]

Actually, the Savage company made a deal with an actual Indian tribe to secure the use of that logo. It is interesting history and I wish I could remember the dates and actual name of the tribe. The logo depicts the chief who entered into the contract with Savage. Part of the deal was that Savage provided rifles to the tribe. I imagine the reason no one is complaining is because the logo was obtained by legitimate means and the tribe depicted was compensated fairly.

 

[HunterBear71]

Sam posted while I was typing. His history is accurate and explains the cool Savage logo.

 

[Texas Gun Person]

Well... look the the school Ole Miss. Very big school, and their mascot is the rebel.


Mississippi still has the confederate flag in their state flag.


They just have not gotten around to everyone yet.

 

[Joist]

The PC types got it wrong: I wouldn't identify my company or product with anything I held in contempt or wanted to 'insult.' That's why you (probably) hear anybody say "I just bought a DoggyDoo in .308."

In todays world of political correctness, how can Savage Arms, still have an Indian for there Logo?

Because high-intensity PC types are MORE offended by the product, in this case.

Because Savage Arms Co. customers, being discerning folk, give them money for appliances that move small lumps of metal accurately at high speed.

Even if Savage were to change their logo today, some shooters would STILL buy Marlin, Remington, Winchester, Weatherby. The PC types are just as offended by their products.

 

[JDGray]

Sam1911, Thanks for all that!

Logos from long ago, didn't seem to offend people. However, todays candy a$$e$, get offended about nothing, and 1 pissed off Indian with enough money, could probably go after Savage for their Logo.

Another major thing to consider, a public high school is a functionary of the state government. As such it is held to a high standard of "sensitivity" and must conduct itself in such a way as to follow the wishes of the public (or the most vocal of them, anyway).

This School system has used "Red Skins" for eons, its too bad they had to change it to apease a certain group. They did win a State Football Championship in their division, in 09', but as "Red Hawks"

 

[Tinpig]

Very interesting history of a great logo.

One of my favorite pistols:


Tinpig

 

[Boba Fett]

*edit*

You're right Matthew (see below). My memory was off on that and it was the NCAA that was trying to get the Indian mascots removed from the sports teams, not the ACLU.

Thanks for the correction there Matthew.

 

[MatthewVanitas]

SHHHHH! Don't give the ACLU ideas!

Ummm, the ACLU is the one that defends people from being forced by the government to say or not say things.

They're the ones who defended the rights of Nazis to march in Skokie, Illinois, since it's unconstitutional to prohibit their right to peaceful assembly. Defending Nazis isn't exactly a fringe left-wing hobby. They may be wishy-washy on the 2A, but they're the first to go to bat on a lot of 1A cases.

 

[soupsandwich]

Hate to revive a dated thread, but has anyone read the new history section of the Savage Arms website lately? It refers to the Chief whose personage was given to the logo as 'Lame Deer,' but for the life of me, I've always known him as Lame Bear. Has anyone called Savage on this, I mean, is it just a typo, or what?