Poll: Should the "Redskins" name be changed?

[NoSaint]

While the word Redskins can be meant in it's negative context, one can't argue that it can also be seen in it's positive form. In the context of this thread most people choose to see the negative in it. I assume most of the US population does.

 

As stated numerous times the N-word is also often used in a positive context. Usually, but not always, within a specific race.

 

Who knows what they were thinking when they chose the name? It may be correctly documented somewhere. However I do not think that when the name was chosen it was meant in a negative context. Most sports teams choose a name that depicts strength and they would like their team to be percived from this standpoint.

 

If one chooses to place a derogatory meaning to the name that was their choice, not the intended vision. Almost anything can appear to be inflammatory in some sense if you allow yourself to go there.

 

I do not think that was the intended vision of the team when the name was chosen and I think it should be taken as it was intended. Even if you do not agree you must be able to see where it could be taken as a positive image of the American Indian.

 

 

To turn that into a negative is the personal choice of those who percive it that way. I think Washington's logo is professional and I do not believe I have seen the team show it in the negative way it has been portrayed here.

 

It was chosen by an incredibly racist man who made his coach dress as a warrior for home games... I think it was more sideshow than honor, but I wasn't there so maybe I'm off.

[SRQ_BillsFan]

Bullcrap. They don't need to change the name of the team. They just need to change the logo.

 

They don't even need to do that, throw some feathers in, a turkey on the table for thanksgiving dinner and we are good.

 

 

 

Edited May 30, 2013 by SRQ_BillsFan

[SRQ_BillsFan]

The team moved to Fenway Park (home of the Boston Red Sox) the next year, and Marshall changed the name to the "Redskins" apparently in honor of then-coach Lone Star Dietz, a Native American (he claimed to be part Sioux, but his actual ancestry has been challenged. The original name was Boston Braves.

 

 

Quite a jump from Braves to Redskins, obviously it was meant to offend.

 

Doesn't sound to me like they chose the name to mock or make fun of Indians. I highly doubt they were concerned about large amounts of drunken Indians fighting Cowboys fans in the crowd while shooting at the Buffalo players with arrows and aligning with the Chiefs and other Indian sports fans. Why would anyone choose to alianate a portion of potential paying fans. The name has been taken out of context, others have tried to get their name in the paper and then we have the political PC people jumping onto the band wagon as well as anyone who was ever bullied as a kid. Actually even the different Indian tribes fought each other for land and I am sure they had derogatory names for each other as well as complimentary names. Maybe they were even the same name depending on the context?

 

Everyone has paid far too much attention putting their own spin on a name that was meant as a compliment. There is no logical reason for it to have been meant as anything else.

 

Why don't we simply remove every derogatory word from the English language? Changing the name does nothing to limit the use of the word. Hell I don't even like the word blender because it sounds like bender and that's not fair to the alcoholics. We can go back to finger painting on walls, wait we can't do that either cause the cave men might have been Indians.

Edited May 30, 2013 by SRQ_BillsFan

[DC Tom]

I am, but I chose to do it my way....I'm sure you're okay with that....If not...WGAS?

 

Well...okay, then. Yeah, I'm fine with it.

 

As long as you understand that it makes you more part of the problem than the solution.

[26CornerBlitz]

Well...okay, then. Yeah, I'm fine with it.

 

As long as you understand that it makes you more part of the problem than the solution.

 

Understand. Get over yourself. Your opinion is not fact. No sale here.

[DC Tom]

Understand. Get over yourself. Your opinion is not fact. No sale here.

 

While it may be opinion...it's also a straight-line rational analysis that is far, far more intelligent and informed than a knee-jerk "Oooh! Bad word!" blanket redaction. IF you want to have a serious discussion about race and racism in America, you can't push it into the shadows and pretend it doesn't exist, simply because it offends your delicate sensibilities. You can't have a discussion about racism without discussing the manner in which it's expressed. If you can't say the word "wetback," and can't distinguish between the context of calling someone a "wetback" and using it within a conversation about racism against Mexicans, you are hindering the free discussion of the very issue you're concerned about. Hence, you are part of the problem.

[26CornerBlitz]

While it may be opinion...it's also a straight-line rational analysis that is far, far more intelligent and informed than a knee-jerk "Oooh! Bad word!" blanket redaction. IF you want to have a serious discussion about race and racism in America, you can't push it into the shadows and pretend it doesn't exist, simply because it offends your delicate sensibilities. You can't have a discussion about racism without discussing the manner in which it's expressed. If you can't say the word "wetback," and can't distinguish between the context of calling someone a "wetback" and using it within a conversation about racism against Mexicans, you are hindering the free discussion of the very issue you're concerned about. Hence, you are part of the problem.

 

Okay Thanks.

 

Here's proof positive that you have no idea what you're talking about: http://forums.twobillsdrive.com/topic/154949-poll-should-the-redskins-name-be-changed/page__st__300#entry2809083

 

As I said earlier, this particular time, I chose to say it the way I wanted because I wanted to, but thanks for your needless lecture.

Edited May 30, 2013 by 26CornerBlitz

[xsoldier54]

The very fact that Congress is involved is reason enough to keep the name. Congress has way bigger problems to solve than the name of a sports team. If the Skins want to voluntarily change the name, then great, but not because Congress is bullying them into it.

[The Big Cat]

The very fact that Congress is involved is reason enough to keep the name. Congress has way bigger problems to solve than the name of a sports team. If the Skins want to voluntarily change the name, then great, but not because Congress is bullying them into it.

 

Agreed that it's political chicanery, same old same old. But to be fair to them, the team is in their backyard (assuming they're in session).

[EasternOHBillsFan]

Understand. Get over yourself. Your opinion is not fact. No sale here.

 

Neither is yours... your righteous indignation doesn't fool me, that's for sure. It is a FACT that at least one Native American is offended by the use of "Redskins", but it is an OPINION to state that a majority are offended by it, and an OPINION that anyone non-Native American who is not involved in polling the whole of the race states it as such.

Edited May 30, 2013 by BmoreBills

[26CornerBlitz]

Neither is yours... your righteous indignation doesn't fool me, that's for sure. It is a FACT that at least one Native American is offended by the use of "Redskins", but it is an OPINION to state that a majority are offended by it, and an OPINION that anyone non-Native American who is not involved in polling the whole of the race states it as such.

 

All of us are obviously entitled to our opinions. I'm not trying to convince you or anyone else. Frankly, I don't care whether I'm "fooling" you or not. I'll keep on expressing my strong opinions and if you don't agree with me, so be it.

 

As if I'm seeking your approval.

Edited May 30, 2013 by 26CornerBlitz

[The Big Cat]

I'm still waiting for someone to tell me why Redskins is offensive and the Betheny College Swedes are not.

 

Or why Redskins is offensive and the Yeshiva Maccabees are not.

[EasternOHBillsFan]

All of us are obviously entitled to our opinions. I'm not trying to convince you or anyone else. Frankly, I don't care whether I'm "fooling" you or not. I'll keep on expressing my strong opinions and if you don't agree with me, so be it.

 

As if I'm seeking your approval.

 

That sounds fine by me... I'm glad you can be honest about it unlike others who seek to defend their position by masking opinion as fact. Standing down... LOL

[KD in CA]

I'm still waiting for someone to tell me why Redskins is offensive and the Betheny College Swedes are not.

 

Or why Redskins is offensive and the Yeshiva Maccabees are not.

 

I think it's because white people with the sensitively level of your average 12 year old girl didn't tell us those are 'offensive'.

[Drewgetz]

I think it's because white people with the sensitively level of your average 12 year old girl didn't tell us those are 'offensive'.

 

Personally I think the world is too big now for anything to be offensive. Granted it's really hard to offend me but with so many people in the world we need to just let things go and not take everything so damn personal. I'm curious how many Native Americans who have nothing to gain by the name change find it offensive. (that's rhetorical btw)

 

Also agree with the ridiculousness of Congress getting involved and that the name change, if there is one, should be up to the team.

 

Perhaps one day the federal gov't will copyright "dollar bill" and the Bills will be forced to change their name too. Just as ridiculous in my opinion.

[KD in CA]

Personally I think the world is too big now for anything to be offensive. Granted it's really hard to offend me but with so many people in the world we need to just let things go and not take everything so damn personal. I'm curious how many Native Americans who have nothing to gain by the name change find it offensive. (that's rhetorical btw)

 

Also agree with the ridiculousness of Congress getting involved and that the name change, if there is one, should be up to the team.

 

Perhaps one day the federal gov't will copyright "dollar bill" and the Bills will be forced to change their name too. Just as ridiculous in my opinion.

 

No need to go that far. What happens when PETA realizes that 'Buffalo Bill' Cody hunted bison? Doesn't get much more offensive than the murder of innocent beasts.

[DC Tom]

No need to go that far. What happens when PETA realizes that 'Buffalo Bill' Cody hunted bison? Doesn't get much more offensive than the murder of innocent beasts.

 

He also won a Congressional Medal of Honor in the Plains Wars (i.e. for killing Native Americans).

 

But "Redskins" is more offensive. Go figure.

[The Big Cat]

No need to go that far. What happens when PETA realizes that 'Buffalo Bill' Cody hunted bison? Doesn't get much more offensive than the murder of innocent beasts.

He also won a Congressional Medal of Honor in the Plains Wars (i.e. for killing Native Americans).

 

But "Redskins" is more offensive. Go figure.

 

If we're going after plunderers, then the Buccaneers, Raiders and Vikings are all screwed.

 

Somebody out there is no doubt related to a woman who was (long ago) raped by a Viking. Just sayin'

Edited May 30, 2013 by taC giB ehT

[FireChan]

If we're going after plunderers, then the Buccaneers, Raiders and Vikings are all screwed.

 

Somebody out there is no doubt related to a woman who was (long ago) raped by a Viking. Just sayin'

 

Somebody was probably killed and mutilated by a dolphin as well.

 

Let's face it, the NA racism is so less prevalent than black racism, it's not even close. Obviously discrimination happens, but equating Redskins and "Coons" is not a fair assessment.

[Like A Mofo]

I am a St.John's University Alum, and back in 1994 St. John's changed their nickname from the Redmen to the Red Storm. While I don't like the Red Storm name, I understand the change now as I have gotten older. Siena changed their name, and I recall Syracuse changing a mascot back in 1978, 1979 or so from a Saltine Warrior. UMASS was also the Redmen too, they changed to the Minutemen.

 

So there is some precedent, especially at the college level.

 

I understand Dan Synder to a point here, the Redskins have a long standing tradition in Washington, that encompasses the city and its fans for many decades. And while most do not find the name offensive in any way, I bet most of those people that do not find it offensive, do not truly know what the term Redskins means. But I can sympathize with Native American culture if they do find this name offensive. And like someone posted earlier, many are not offended unless it goes after their culture.

 

I predict the Redskins will evantually change the name.