Nallelie Vega
For 75 years Washington D.C.’s National Football League team has been known as the Redskins. What many in the sports world don’t realize or choose to ignore is that the term redskin is a derogatory nickname for Native Americans Indians.
In the past decade, many high schools, colleges and pro teams have gotten rid of mascots and team names that are considered racial slurs, such as redskins. But Washington is standing by its 75-year history, refusing to make any changes.
The unwillingness for change has caused an uproar in the Native American community. Earlier this month at the Smithsonian Symposium of American Indians in Washington D.C., the nations capital football team became a hot topic. According to some Native Americans, regardless of franchise history, Washington’s nickname is racist and it needs to be changed.
And considering that George Preston Marshall, the founder of the Redskins, was openly known to be racist, the mascot controversy has been taken to a whole different level, at least in the minds of American Indians.
But the Redskins current ownership does not feel the same way. And NFL Commissioner, Roger Goodell, is reluctant to do anything. According to Goodell, he sees both sides of the situation, but ultimately the franchise has the last say.
Many are probably wondering how it even became a hot topic and my guess is all the attention paid towards Washington’s rising star Robert Griffin III. Before Griffin, the Redskins were an after thought, now they’re the fifth most valuable sports franchise in the world.
Worldwide name recognition is probably one of the reasons the Redskins don’t want to change any aspect of the franchise. Many might argue though, that names and mascots aren’t the only forms of franchise recognition. Take the Golden State Warriors, for example. Golden State changed its derogatory logo decades ago because of a similar controversy and today many don’t even remember the Warriors had such a logo.
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I think that they should have to change it. I also think that they ( the Natives and the NFL commissioner roger goodell)could compramise on the issue.
ReplyDeleteMatthew Hodek
Per. 3
I think that the Washington Redskins should change there name because it is racist.It is racist against Native Americans. It makes the Native Americans upset and angry for using a name to make fun of them.
ReplyDeleteAshleyotto p2
The reason they're refusing to change it is because of money, not because they're racist. If the team has had the name for 75 years and it is only now that the Native American community is complaining about it, I think it's just because of the popularity of all these other names having to change. It's costing a lot of money. Though I can see the Native American's point of view, I don't agree that they should have to change their name. There are many team names that could be considered offensive to anybody for just about any reason. The Yankees, for example. The Yankees were people that were from the north in the Civil War. Some might take that offensively, but you don't hear anybody threatening to change their name. I think it's just chaos to spread.
ReplyDeleteI think after 75 years with the name Redskins, Washington D.C. should be able to keep the name. Why do the people now start to complain about it? The way I see it, is like the name is just a name! I don't think it is ment to offened anybody or make anybody mad. There are other teams with names that probably would be considered offensive. Why now do they have to pick on the Redskins? It is kind of annoying. Suzie Dalen p2
ReplyDeleteI think that Washington's local natives should be the deciding factor on wether or not the Redskins' name should be changed. This mascot directly reflects on them and they should have the most say on this issue. The University of North Dakota's mascot was challenged by its natives because that's what they wanted, so that's what I think should happen in this case, too.
ReplyDeleteBridget Erickson hour 7
i think its ok to use the name as long the native americans are not complaning about it.
ReplyDeletehaley armstrong
per.3
I think it's just stupid how they want to change names of the sports team. I mean come on stop being little brats and let them keep their names and enjoy the game. People need to stop complaining just because it's an Indian name like why complain now?
ReplyDeleteDavid Hoang Per. 3
I agree it's just a name for a sport's team. Why is everyone freaking out about it now?
DeleteMatthew Hodek
Per. 3
I think haley armstrong doesn't know what she is taliking about.I think they should do whatever is best,even though I am mot a fan of football.They shouldn't change their sports name because that will mess everything up.This is stupid,why are they doing this?They should have more respect for the teams like that.If I was in a situation like that I would just quit or not even show up to practice because I tink it is dumb/stupid.
ReplyDeletechelsey jensen p.7
Even though I dont agree on them changing their name because they have had it so long, I think that it is the right thing to do. If mostly everyone else had to change their name if it was considered racial to the native americans they should to. I also think it is unfair to Washington because they have had the name for so long you wouldn't think it would be a problem.
ReplyDeleteKobe Roth
p.3
Its the onwers decisons too change their nicknames. Why is our government getting into this? It's not hurting them.
ReplyDeleteTappe p7th
I don't think they should have to change their name. I don't think that any team should have to change their name because of people taking offense to it. People take offense to a lot of things; and race, according to a mascot should just be overlooked. Redskins is a racial term, but the team was created 75 years ago when people didn't really think about offending other people because of their race. The logo is a legacy and any legacy should last. People take too much offense to athletic mascots like The Fighting Sioux, Cleveland Indians, and the Chicago Blackhawks to name a few. It seems like most of the racial slurs are considered more toward Native Americans, but shouldn't they feel neutral about the subject? Some of the actual mascots are portrayed in a dysfunctional way, but Native Americans were fierce warriors; that's how sports teams should enter into every game. Warriors come ready to win and fight until the end. I don't think people should fight to change the mascot; it will save a lot of time and money if people just drop the subject.
ReplyDeleteMolly M.
Per.3
i believe that if the native americans are not complaining about the nickname of that team that they shouldn't have to change it. The whole reason they would have to change it is because people think its "racist", but it is not racist unless the native americans do not like it.
ReplyDeleteGarrett R. p7
I feel like the Red Skins should be able to keep the nickname. I believe the the name shows honor to the natives, even though some believe its a racial slur.
ReplyDeleteLuke Jaycox p2
I agree with Luke. It shouldn't matter how professional team, or any teams use there mascot. They have a choice on the mascot. It shows honor to the natives
ReplyDeleteMason M. p3
LAST COMMENT!
ReplyDelete