9 in 10 Native Americans aren’t offended by Redskins name

[DrDawkinstein]

Folks, there's hundreds of Native American high schools and middle schools that use implied derogatory names for their teams. The media completely ignores this and continues on the path of trying to make a villain out of the Washington Redskins. I'm about 12.5% Five Nations-Seneca Tribe-Waterson Clan and just don't see it. It comes down to context for me, and if you're going to make the Redskins team name a bad thing, then we need to make every rapper using the "N-word" a bad thing as well. Now I don't believe that necessarily either, as again, I think you have to put it everything in context. Redskins, Yankees, Indians, Patriots, Browns, and many other team names can offend someone that puts the name in their own context. Does that mean we should abandon all of sports history in the name of being politically correct for the minority? Sounds pretty stupid to me all around.

 

You obviously dont live in or near Lancaster, NY.

 

Luckily, common sense and decency prevailed over ignorance entrenched in some sort of fantasy history: http://www.buffalonews.com/city-region/schools/the-votes-are-in-and-pro-redskins-candidates-are-out-in-lancaster-20160517

 

Driving around this burb, every time I see a stupid "Once a Redskin, Always a Redskin" sticker on a car, it is driven by some over-entitled, under-educated, middle-aged white person and never a true "redskin". Pathetic.

Edited May 20, 2016 by DrDareustein

[B-Man]

Maybe they should have polled white, urban SJWs to get the 'correct' answer.

 

Palefaces whitesplains to child-like Native Americans who are incapable of understanding what is so clear to them.

[Luxy312]

 

If the "media completely ignores this," did you find out for yourself by driving around the country checking for mascot names? Or did you learn it in the media?

 

I respect your point of view. While we can argue numbers, certainly a substantial percentage of Native Americans do not consider the word offensive.

 

So do we just say FU to the ones that do? Or can we respect their point of view, too?

 

Mainstream media does completely ignore it. Google and Bing searches and a bit of research and you can learn the truth about pretty much anything. In terms of who finds what offensive, where do you draw the line? THAT is my point. Should we protest every African American rapper that uses the N-word in their "music"? Some will obviously be offended, so where's the group lining up to take offense? Are you going to join the protest to remove "In God We Trust" from our currency because it offends Muslims? While we're at it, I don't like the Padres name because it's Spanish for priest. Religion has no place in professional sports. Let's also protest the Milwaukee Brewers for those that don't imbibe alcohol. My point is pretty clear here. When American Indians themselves stop using derogatory terms for their sports teams, then maybe there will be something to talk about in terms of professional sports. Until that point in time comes, this is just another media ax to grind.

[metzelaars_lives]

The thing that I would say is that I'm sure as generations go by, new generations probably don't care as much. I have spent lots of time on probably the most prominent reservation in the country (Pine Ridge, SD) and I can tell you that all the kids all listen to hip hop and love basketball and football. Sadly, very few are concerned with preserving their culture and traditions. I'm sure if you asked most 17-year old kids on the rez, they are way more interested in the NFL than reading or caring about the history of Geronimo. Conversely, I'm sure if you polled tribal leaders who oversee sweat lodges every week, that percentage would me much, much higher. It would shock me if it wasn't over 50%.

 

That being said, no one is saying it's the equivalent of the n-word or anything like that (probably more the equivalent of "negroes"- imagine that for a team name). It's just like, "hey guys, we were here for 70,000 years and within a century you pretty much wiped us off the planet with genocidal warfare and lies, etc. Though some of us remain proud, we have been reduced to a rather pathetic lot. Do you really have to use our likeness for your silly game? And if you are, that is not what we call or ever called ourselves."

 

This is a complicated one guys. As a liberal, I can even see the argument to keep it. When the team was named, it was a very different time and I am positive the intent was a good one. But the folks who oversimplify this matter with the "PC police" stuff- even it IS only 10% (which it isn't), that's still a lot of people. Think of how much of a jerk you would sound to them. I'm sure if you sat with an elder or two who did disapprove of the name for a night, they might be able to help you see their side of the argument.

Edited May 20, 2016 by metzelaars_lives

[JP's Voice]

So because "9 out of 10" are not offended, we should keep offending the other 10% and continue using a derogatory racial slur? Got it

[Jauronimo]

 

 

 

 

Its a derogatory term used by trolls to refer to normal people that bother to argue with trolls on the internet. Sort of like a millennial version of the term, "libtard." Accordingly, the vast majority of the people wielding the cudgel are less intelligent and less reasonable than the vast majority of the people it is wielded against.

Found the SJW. Are you outraged??? Please tell me you're outraged.

 

There is certainly a new breed of Social justice Warrior with incredibly warped views about the role of government and what constitutes injustice. Check out what was happening at Yale over Halloween costumes or why Jerry Seinfeld won't perform at college campuses anymore. There's a growing movement of kids who think its their right to go through life having never experienced words or ideas that cause discomfort. They measure their morality by their capacity for outrage and offense. They have no concept of, or respect for, freedom of speech.

[klos63]

Wouldnt the Cleveland "Indians" be offensive? And someone named Bill might take offense to the Buffalo Bills so let's change that too

The logo of Chief Wahoo is offensive for the Cleveland Indians . The Bill/Bills comment is just plain stupid so we'll just ignore that one.

[Dopey]

Wouldnt the Cleveland "Indians" be offensive? And someone named Bill might take offense to the Buffalo Bills so let's change that too

I think in the Cleveland Indians scenario, it's the red faced Indian as the mascot/character on their uniforms that may be found as offensive more than anything. In this case, I don't see how the Indians can find a mascot that will satisfy everyone. Would it be ok if he was a little more brown skinned than red? In any event, I don't think any of these mascots were ever intended to offend. Side note: I have season tickets to FSU football. They are the FSU Seminoles and I join in on the tomahawk chop as a way to cheer our guys on. Never have I felt that I was doing it to offend anyone and still don't. The Seminole name is never used in that manner from what I can tell. It shows that as a unified team, they are strong just like the Seminole Tribe and kick ass! Any other assertion, I just don't see it and I've been going to games here since '93. What ever happened to being able to dress as a Mexican or "Indian" for Halloween?!? Now it's offensive but people dress as cowboys and it's ok. True story, my daughter dressed as Pocahontas for Halloween because she thought she was beautiful and some kids mother gave me a snide comment in front of her. I told her that it was because she saw her as beautiful and you just hurt her feelings. She saw her error and apologized. People are too PC today and fighting too many battles, imo.

[3rdand12]

as long as the Patriots are renamed " White Devils" i am fine with it

[klos63]

The thing that I would say is that I'm sure as generations go by, new generations probably don't care as much. I have spent lots of time on probably the most prominent reservation in the country (Pine Ridge, SD) and I can tell you that all the kids all listen to hip hop and love basketball and football. Sadly, very few are concerned with preserving their culture and traditions. I'm sure if you asked most 17-year old kids on the rez, they are way more interested in the NFL than reading or caring about the history of Geronimo. Conversely, I'm sure if you polled tribal leaders who oversee sweat lodges every week, that percentage would me much, much higher. It would shock me if it wasn't over 50%.

 

That being said, no one is saying it's the equivalent of the n-word or anything like that. It's just like, "hey guys, we were here for 70,000 years and within a century you pretty much wiped us off the planet with genocidal warfare and lies, etc. Though some of us remain proud, we have been reduced to a rather pathetic lot. Do you really have to use our likeness for your silly game? And if you are, that is not what we call or ever called ourselves."

 

This is a complicated one guys. As a liberal, I can even see the argument to keep it. When the team was named, it was a very different time and I am positive the intent was a good one. But the folks who oversimplify this matter with the "PC police" stuff- even it IS only 10% (which it isn't), that's still a lot of people. Think of how much of a jerk you would sound to them. I'm sure if you sat with an elder or two who did disapprove of the name for a night, they might be able to help you see their side of the argument.

Well done. The problem is that most people don't care if they offend any group of people, and many seem to enjoy offending others(Trump).

[3rdand12]

So because "9 out of 10" are not offended, we should keep offending the other 10% and continue using a derogatory racial slur? Got it

Democracy in action

[metzelaars_lives]

So because "9 out of 10" are not offended, we should keep offending the other 10% and continue using a derogatory racial slur? Got it

GREAT name by the way.

[Jauronimo]

So because "9 out of 10" are not offended, we should keep offending the other 10% and continue using a derogatory racial slur? Got it

If it was 9 out of 10 dentists, you'd be changing your brand of toothpaste. How about a little perspective?

[klos63]

I think in the Cleveland Indians scenario, it's the red faced Indian as the mascot/character on their uniforms that may be found as offensive more than anything. In this case, I don't see how the Indians can find a mascot that will satisfy everyone. Would it be ok if he was a little more brown skinned than red? In any event, I don't think any of these mascots were ever intended to offend. Side note: I have season tickets to FSU football. They are the FSU Seminoles and I join in on the tomahawk chop as a way to cheer our guys on. Never have I felt that I was doing it to offend anyone and still don't. The Seminole name is never used in that manner from what I can tell. It shows that as a unified team, they are strong just like the Seminole Tribe and kick ass! Any other assertion, I just don't see it and I've been going to games here since '93. What ever happened to being able to dress as a Mexican or "Indian" for Halloween?!? Now it's offensive but people dress as cowboys and it's ok. True story, my daughter dressed as Pocahontas for Halloween because she thought she was beautiful and some kids mother gave me a snide comment in front of her. I told her that it was because she saw her as beautiful and you just hurt her feelings. She saw her error and apologized. People are too PC today and fighting too many battles, imo.

When I attended St Bonaventure in the 80's, the team mascot had full headdress, the usual indian look that we saw on mascots. Eventually, the got rid of the mascot, and made the logo a more traditional looking Native American. All done with respect and no fanfare. It can be done.

[DC Tom]

 

?

 

Social Justice Warrior. Anyone who holds the shallow and childish view of being grievously offended, and loudly proclaims their offense, on behalf of a third party who they believe isn't aware of and needs to be taught how offended they should be by said offense.

 

For example: rich, white busy-bodies who act like Native Americans' biggest problem is "Washington Redskins," while ignoring the rampant alcoholism and grinding poverty that oppresses Native Americans.

[Dorkington]

21% finding the term disrespectful is enough to change the name, imo.

 

But I'm also kinda of tired of the debate.

[Mr. WEO]

I have spent lots of time on probably the most prominent reservation in the country (Pine Ridge, SD) and I can tell you that all the kids all listen to hip hop and love basketball and football. Sadly, very few are concerned with preserving their culture and traditions. I'm sure if you asked most 17-year old kids on the rez, they are way more interested in the NFL than reading or caring about the history of Geronimo. Conversely, I'm sure if you polled tribal leaders who oversee sweat lodges every week, that percentage would me much, much higher. It would shock me if it wasn't over 50%.

 

 

 

 

Did you ever ask them, "why are you still living on a reservation?".

[metzelaars_lives]

 

Social Justice Warrior. Anyone who holds the shallow and childish view of being grievously offended, and loudly proclaims their offense, on behalf of a third party who they believe isn't aware of and needs to be taught how offended they should be by said offense.

 

For example: rich, white busy-bodies who act like Native Americans' biggest problem is "Washington Redskins," while ignoring the rampant alcoholism and grinding poverty that oppresses Native Americans.

No one on planet Earth- Native Americans or otherwise- thinks that the name 'Washington Redskins' is a greater problem in the Native American community than poverty and alcoholism. Like zero people.

[Jauronimo]

 

 

Did you ever ask them, "why are you still living on a reservation?".

I've been axing all the people in the projects why they still live there. If its so bad and bleak there, why not go live in the Hamptons where opportunity and success are just handed to you? Seems like common sense to me.

[Luxy312]

 

Social Justice Warrior. Anyone who holds the shallow and childish view of being grievously offended, and loudly proclaims their offense, on behalf of a third party who they believe isn't aware of and needs to be taught how offended they should be by said offense.

 

For example: rich, white busy-bodies who act like Native Americans' biggest problem is "Washington Redskins," while ignoring the rampant alcoholism and grinding poverty that oppresses Native Americans.

 

Well said/written!