Why did the Dixie Chicks drop ‘Dixie’ from their name?
THE DIXIE CHICKS decided that after 30 years, it was time for a name change.
The band received a mixed reaction from fans amid the identity change.
Here's more on why they made the decision to re-brand themselves.
When did the Dixie Chicks drop ‘Dixie’ from their name?
The Dixie Chicks, now known as “The Chicks” amid racial concerns.
While they have yet to make a public comment, their official statement on their site said that they “want to meet this moment” in reference to the racial tension and protests all over the country.
"The Chicks" updated their social media handles and also released a new music video for their song, "March," along with their new name.
This marks "The Chicks" first album in almost 14 years and will be available July 17.
The reaction to the name change came with a few mixed opinions from the public.
"Welcome #TheChicks! I hope @dixiechicks are able to phase out the 'Dixie' fully from all their content and handles," wrote a Twitter user.
While another said: "Are they going to return all the money they’ve made touring and recording on the 'Dixie Chicks' name? Otherwise this is really a meaningless gesture — not to mention the fact that 'the Chicks' is itself highly problematic.”
Why is ‘Dixie’ considered to be offensive?
The name “Dixie” refers to a nickname for southern states during the Confederacy.
It harks back to an era that glorified slavery and white supremacy.
The band dropped the name in an effort to promote inclusiveness among races, considering the tense atmosphere surrounding the “Black Lives Matter” movement.
Who else has changed their stage name?
The Chicks are not the only band making strides to change their identity.
Recently, , another country band announced that they would be removing “antebellum” from their name and would be known as “Lady A.”
The term antebellum dates back to slavery and the pre-civil war south.
The band, which formed in 2006, admitted to feeling “regretful and embarrassed” over not changing the name sooner.
Lady A wrote in a statement that they named the band after the southern “antebellum” style home where they took their first band photos 14 years ago.
“Causing pain was never our hearts’ intention, but it doesn’t change the fact that indeed, it did just that,” they added.
