Bad Team Names

[Temo]

Only a really small percentage of the disparaged minority group is actually offended by the name. Most see it as a football team name rather than something related to 'mass genocide.'

They have gotten other team names changed. I doubt that "very small percentage" statistic very much.

The only reason more team names havn't been changed to date is because Native Americans have been killed off to such a degree that not enough of them are around to get the team name changed.

Besides, none of the others are nearly as bad as this one. FSU got their team name OK'd by the tribe itself, and I think the Braves/Indians reached a similar accord.

 

[theogt]

What a manufactured controversy.

Being from Texas, I too am personally offended by the Texans' team name. I demand cash payment.

 

[Eskimo]

Only a really small percentage of the disparaged minority group is actually offended by the name. Most see it as a football team name rather than something related to 'mass genocide.'

In all honesty, it is pretty offensive. I think most non-Commanders fans would agree with this.

 

[Temo]

What a manufactured controversy.

Being from Texas, I too am personally offended by the Texans' team name. I demand cash payment.

It's not a controversy, I doubt it'll ever get changed. Like I said, the Native Americans don't have enough pull anymore to do anything about it anyway. But it won't stop me from saying it should be changed. And pointing out the blatant racism in the name.

 

[Big Dakota]

What a manufactured controversy.

Being from Texas, I too am personally offended by the Texans' team name. I demand cash payment.

as a texwoman, you should demand money for a sex change because we all know ya'll a bunch of girls.

 

[theogt]

It's not a controversy, I doubt it'll ever get changed. Like I said, the Native Americans don't have enough pull anymore to do anything about it anyway. But it won't stop me from saying it should be changed. And pointing out the blatant racism in the name.

And I'll point out that it's ridiculous to be upset over it and think it's racist.

 

[peplaw06]

Good God.

I don't know what's funnier... the Banana Slug as a mascot, or the fact that the Banana Slug is reading Plato. Nothing is more fearsome than a slug with glasses reading about philosophy.

Now, take that book out and put a joint in its hand, then it's still funny... and true to life.

 

[Hypnotoad]

They have gotten other team names changed. I doubt that "very small percentage" statistic very much.

The only reason more team names havn't been changed to date is because Native Americans have been killed off to such a degree that not enough of them are around to get the team name changed.

Besides, none of the others are nearly as bad as this one. FSU got their team name OK'd by the tribe itself, and I think the Braves/Indians reached a similar accord.

I've researched this kind of thing, read opinion pieces and articles, and had first hand conversations with Native Americans. The percentage of Native Americans who are offended is really small and they admit that. A 2002 poll commissioned bhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sports_Illustratedy Sports Illustrated found that 75% of those Native Americans surveyed had no objection to the Commanders name. While I agree it's offensive, the team has facilitated in changing some of the things which make it so, but you cant expect them to bend over backwards for such a small cause. I imagine those offended is much lower now.

The "population is small" argument does not explain the percentage being low. If it offended a larger percentage a name change is understandable, but I have to protest on renaming.

 

[JackMagist]

And I'll point out that it's ridiculous to be upset over it and think it's racist.

It may be Ridiculous "In Your Opinion" which so point out whatever you like...you won't change the FACT that it IS racist. There was a group of Native Americans who sued to have the name changed when Little Danny bought the team but they were unsuccessful since as we all know...Money Talks etc.

As for the name of the school in the first post; I get all the chuckles about it and it is kinda funny if you mispronounce the word. But just remember that the U in that word is a long U not a short U. It refers to the flat top hills that they have in that region (what we call Mesa's in Texas). I know, I know...why let silly little factoids get in the way of a good joke?

 

[theogt]

It may be Ridiculous "In Your Opinion" which so point out whatever you like...you won't change the FACT that it IS racist.

rac·ism (rā'sĭz'əm)
n.

1. The belief that race accounts for differences in human character or ability and that a particular race is superior to others.
2. Discrimination or prejudice based on race.

By definition, it is not racist.

 

[JackMagist]

rac·ism (rā'sĭz'əm)
n.

1. The belief that race accounts for differences in human character or ability and that a particular race is superior to others.
2. Discrimination or prejudice based on race.

By definition, it is not racist.

I stand corrected...the word is not racist...it is a racial slur...if you want to split hairs.

Main Entry: racial slur
Part of Speech: n
Definition: a derogatory or disrespectful nickname for a racial group, used without restraint

I think that this definition will stand the test.

 

[theogt]

I stand corrected...the word is not racist...it is a racial slur...if you want to split hairs.

Main Entry: racial slur
Part of Speech: n
Definition: a derogatory or disrespectful nickname for a racial group, used without restraint

I think that this definition will stand the test.

You've hit the nail on the head. The question becomes, is it rational to feel disrespected by a football team mascot?

 

[JackMagist]

You've hit the nail on the head. The question becomes, is it rational to feel disrespected by a football team mascot?

I can certainly see where they would feel disrespected...Can you imagine that the black people of this country would stand still for a team called the N...'s. I don't think so and it is exactly the same thing.

 

[theogt]

I can certainly see where they would feel disrespected...Can you imagine that the black people of this country would stand still for a team called the N...'s. I don't think so and it is exactly the same thing.

I think an overwhelming majority of people would disagree with you there. And that's why it'll never change.

But let's think of the contradiction here. You say American Indians are rightfully upset with being called "redskins," but you just referred to African Americans as "black people."

 

[JackMagist]

I think an overwhelming majority of people would disagree with you there. And that's why it'll never change.

But let's think of the contradiction here. You say American Indians are rightfully upset with being called "redskins," but you just referred to African Americans as "black people."

Not having seen any scientific poll as to the opinion of the "overwhelming majority" I won't respond to that. But the reason that it will never change is (as I said before) MONEY

As for the use of color in reference to a race the term "black people" was chosen as an acceptable appellation by the African Americans themselves. Nowhere have I heard any Native Americans declare "Commanders" as acceptable.

Oh and by the way…the term “American Indians” is not particularly PC these days either since it is a total misnomer dating back to Columbus and his mistaken impression that he had reached India. However, it is not considered a racial slur per se.

I suspect that we will have to agree to disagree on this topic since it is late and I have to get up early and have no more time for such a discussion.

 

[Hypnotoad]

You've hit the nail on the head. The question becomes, is it rational to feel disrespected by a football team mascot?

They either feel disrespected or they don't. There is no telling someone how to feel, or they are wrong for feeling disrespected.

The words root is not clear. I believe that is why when the case went to court, the team was allowed to keep the name. While some people argue it was used by Native Americans to differentiate themselves from those with white skins. Others argue this way:

Trappers and hunters began using the term "Commander"...they would tell the owner that they had bearskin, deer skins....and "red skin."

Quote from Proclamation issued in 1755:

For every scalp of a male Indian brought in as evidence of their being killed as aforesaid, forty pounds.



For every scalp of such female Indian or male Indian under the age of twelve years that shall be killed and brought in as evidence of their being killed as aforesaid, twenty pounds.

 

[theogt]

Not having seen any scientific poll as to the opinion of the "overwhelming majority" I won't respond to that. But the reason that it will never change is (as I said before) MONEY

As for the use of color in reference to a race the term "black people" was chosen as an acceptable appellation by the African Americans themselves. Nowhere have I heard any Native Americans declare "Commanders" as acceptable.

Oh and by the way…the term “American Indians” is not particularly PC these days either since it is a total misnomer dating back to Columbus and his mistaken impression that he had reached India. However, it is not considered a racial slur per se.

I suspect that we will have to agree to disagree on this topic since it is late and I have to get up early and have no more time for such a discussion.

And now we get into how ridiculous this whole issue is.

*yawn*

 

[theogt]

They either feel disrespected or they don't. There is no telling someone how to feel, or they are wrong for feeling disrespected.

When the question is whether someone's "feelings" affect public policy, yes, we question whether they're "right" or "wrong" to feel how they do.

 

[jbsg02]

banana slugs, haha thats awesome

 

[Kevinicus]

Myself, I refuse to use the term African American when referring to race. Only use the term Commander to refer to the team, and don't even think or care of what meaning it used to have. If the only people who think of the word in it's past derogatory nature are those that are offended by it, then it's their own fault for being offended by something so silly as the name of a football team. People have a choice as to whether or not they allow themselves to be bothered by the words, or heaven forbid a team name, that others use. If they choose to be offended instead of just living their lives, then they have issues.

The only thing that offends me is people who find something offensive in everything. Life is too short to be bothered by so much of this stupid, asinine crap.

At least they're not being called Tight End for the Butte Pirates.