I'm surprised they've gone this long without being forced to change their name.Does the Washington Redskins football team name represent racism?
Does the Washington Redskins football team name represent racism?
Does the Washington Redskins football team name represent racism?
Ever notice it's always white people bitching about how racist it is? Injuns just want to watch their damned football in peace.
It can be offensive. Native Americans have complained about it.
The Sioux have had a long-heated battle with the University of North Dakota, known as the "fighting Sioux".
Oh the UND thing isn't insulting, I didn't mean to imply that. I'm just saying that Native American tribes can get up in arms (no pun intended) about certain things involving their heritage.
If they can bitch about a school using "fighting Sioux" as a nickname, you can imagine that a historic pejorative like "redskins" may invoke some negative reaction.
They do the same thing with Florida State, as mentioned - just not as vocal. I think for them it's more about the stereotypical Indian that runs out on the field, all decked up in paint and feathers, and throws the ceremonial spear into the ground.
Well, how about if they renamed the team the Washington Niggers? D.C. is 95% black. Nigger has historical meaning as well.
Instead of a chief on the side of helmets, it'd be a noose.
You may scoff, but it's along the same lines. Redskins has a negative connotation to Indians. It's akin to calling Jews "kikes" or Italians "wops".
rocket88 said:Exactly. I wouldn't go so far as to say the Braves or Chiefs needto change, but those aren't derogatory terms.
While I don't have a problem with the name "Braves" I do find the tomahawk chop thing they do in Atlanta disconcerting. Imagine if the team was called the Atlanta Slaves and to cheer them the crowd sang "Swing Low Sweet Chariot" and pantomimed picking cotton...
Interstingly, the Redskins were originally the Boston Braves, and shared a stadium with the baseball team. When they moved over to Fenway Park, they changed to the Boston Redskins to link themselves with the Red Sox.
Well, how about if they renamed the team the Washington Niggers? D.C. is 95% black. Nigger has historical meaning as well.
Instead of a chief on the side of helmets, it'd be a noose.
You may scoff, but it's along the same lines. Redskins has a negative connotation to Indians. It's akin to calling Jews "kikes" or Italians "wops".
I think its more of a tribute really.
Ever notice it's always white people bitching about how racist it is? Injuns just want to watch their damned football in peace.
I'm surprised they've gone this long without being forced to change their name.
How about Washington Native Americans as an alternate name? Or is that still too insulting? It certainly packs zero punch.
Who says I'm white?