Momentum builds for a Redskins name change, and one man can make it happen - Dallas Cowboys Forum

joseephuss · 02-11-2013

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com...ake-it-happen/

Momentum builds for a Redskins name change, and one man can make it happen

It was mentioned in today’s one-liners, but the topic demands an article of its own.

The NFL franchise assigned to Washington, D.C., has a name that is both racist and offensive. Most Americans have become desensitized to that fact. But it is a fact.

And the time has come for the name to change.

Last Friday, Mike Wise of the Washington Post pressed Commissioner Roger Goodell on the topic, during Goodell’s annual pre-Super Bowl press conference. (It’s often called the “State of the League” press conference, but at any given moment the “State of the League” can be summarized thusly: (1) we’re really rich; (2) we’re really popular; and (3) we do what we want.)

Goodell provided a non-answer that produced the faint sound of tap shoes. “I don’t think anybody wants to offend anybody,” Goodell ultimately said.

Nobody may want to offend anybody, but the name offends plenty. Even if few notice.

“I think when people say Redskins we hear cup or bedspread,” Wise said at a Thursday symposium conducted by the National Museum of the American Indian, via WUSA9.com. “The sound is the same, but when you go to the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota that name is equivalent to the ‘N’ word.”

Wise, with whom we’ve disagreed a time or two in the past, is right on this one. It’s an offensive name. And we’re all numb to it.

Sonny#9 · 02-11-2013

Quote:

Originally Posted by joseephuss

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com...ake-it-happen/

Momentum builds for a Redskins name change, and one man can make it happen

It was mentioned in today’s one-liners, but the topic demands an article of its own.

Can we just repost all of the arguments that have been posted about this topic over and over and over again and save a lot of people a lot of time?

This is a tired topic that comes up every offseason and every offseason the name stays. Some people find it offensive, some don't. It doesn't change the fact that it isn't going anywhere.

burmafrd · 02-11-2013

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sonny#9

Can we just repost all of the arguments that have been posted about this topic over and over and over again and save a lot of people a lot of time?

This is a tired topic that comes up every offseason and every offseason the name stays. Some people find it offensive, some don't. It doesn't change the fact that it isn't going anywhere.

frankly we need a bounty on the politically correct.

**justbob** · 02-11-2013

Quote:

Originally Posted by burmafrd

frankly we need a bounty on the politically correct.

Before I say be careful and don't get political ----from a saints football point of view ,I agree with Burm.

Rack Bauer · 02-11-2013

The name doesn't offense me personally, but I can sure as hell see how it would offend a native American in a HUGE way.

It really should be changed tbh. If they can change the "Washington Bullets" they can sure as hell change the Redskins.

They can keep it within the theme but under a new name. Washington Tribe or something similar.

In the end, I'm gonna hate them either way so I guess it doesn't matter (from my point of view anyway).

1fisher · 02-11-2013

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sonny#9

Can we just repost all of the arguments that have been posted about this topic over and over and over again and save a lot of people a lot of time?

This is a tired topic that comes up every offseason and every offseason the name stays. Some people find it offensive, some don't. It doesn't change the fact that it isn't going anywhere.

.......How much time did you waste stopping by to post a thought? Not too tired, huh?

**ABQCOWBOY** · 02-11-2013

It's interesting. Over the years, I have asked a lot of Native American Indians local to this part of the country about this. Lot's of Native Americans are Redskin fans and I've had conversations with them on this. I've found very few, at least around here, who were offended. Maybe it is offensive but I, personally, have not seen a great deal of support to that point.

IDK

BringBackThatOleTimeBoys · 02-11-2013

I'd like to know the percentage of Native Americans that take offence...if most do, change it. Still it's going to be hard to stop referring to an NFL classic rivalry as "Cowboys and Indians."

Kind of seems like asking for permission: ethnic mascots like the Fighting Irish or Vikings are OK with those groups.

Sonny#9 · 02-11-2013

Quote:

Originally Posted by ABQCOWBOY

It's interesting. Over the years, I have asked a lot of Native American Indians local to this part of the country about this. Lot's of Native Americans are Redskin fans and I've had conversations with them on this. I've found very few, at least around here, who were offended. Maybe it is offensive but I, personally, have not seen a great deal of support to that point.

IDK

The etymology of the word "Redskin" starts in the 1800's -- and it was a term of honor and distinction. Sometime in the 1970's it was deemed offensive.

There are definitely some who find it offensive -- however, there is a HS in Red Mesa, AZ that changed their name to Redskins b/c they found it honoring. It's not a cut and dry case.

The reason I believe that it isn't going anywhere is the plaintiffs have to establish how it is injurious. That will be really difficult to prove.

SkinsandTerps · 02-11-2013

Quote:

Originally Posted by BringBackThatOleTimeBoys

I'd like to know the percentage of Native Americans that take offence...if most do, change it. Still it's going to be hard to stop referring to an NFL classic rivalry as "Cowboys and Indians."

Kind of seems like asking for permission: ethnic mascots like the Fighting Irish or Vikings are OK with those groups.

I recall a survey among Native Americans done rather recently where it was 90% or so that were not offended.

jnday · 02-11-2013

The RG3 worship has risen to new levels of stupidity. One man can change the name? It sure as hell isn't RG3. Danny boy is the man. Next week, there will be reports of RG3 walking on water and healing the sick with his touch. I am sick of this guy already. Dumb article by a dumb writer.

SkinsandTerps · 02-11-2013

Quote:

Originally Posted by jnday

The RG3 worship has risen to new levels of stupidity. One man can change the name? It sure as hell isn't RG3. Danny boy is the man. Next week, there will be reports of RG3 walking on water and healing the sick with his touch. I am sick of this guy already. Dumb article by a dumb writer.

The one man is RG. Roger Goodell.

Phoenix · 02-11-2013

I didn't see anything wrong with the Bullets, and I don't see anything really wrong with Redskins, frankly. But since they ARE Washington teams, then by all means, make 'em change

DFWJC · 02-11-2013

How about the Taxmen. Nothing is scarier than that.

SkinsandTerps · 02-11-2013

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phoenix

I didn't see anything wrong with the Bullets, and I don't see anything really wrong with Redskins, frankly. But since they ARE Washington teams, then by all means, make 'em change

I do agree about the Bullets. I still call them that from time to time.

Quote:

Originally Posted by DFWJC

How about the Taxmen. Nothing is scarier than that.

I think they should go with Red Tape.
Said it for years on forums like this.