Post: #51

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/native-amer...--nfl.html

Washington (AFP) - Battle lines were drawn Monday over the name of Washington's beloved American football team, after President Barack Obama indicated he'd favor something less racially charged than Redskins.

The casino-rich Oneida tribe in New York state is spearheading a campaign to get the National Football League franchise to rebrand itself, just as NFL owners hold their fall meeting in the US capital.

"It's a dictionary-defined offensive term," said Ray Halbritter, a prominent leader of the Oneida Indian Nation, at a symposium in Washington in the same hotel where NFL owners will be meeting this week.

"Washington's team name is a painful epitaph that was used against my people, Indian people, when we were held at gunpoint and thrown off our lands," Halbritter said.

"It is a word that few would use in casual conversation when talking to a Native American," he added.

"When marketed by a professional sports team, it is a word that tells Native American children that they are to be denigrated -- that they are second class citizens."

Whether the Redskins should retain a name deemed "usually offensive" by the Merriam-Webster dictionary and "dated offensive" by the Oxford dictionary has been a festering issue in Washington for years.

But it reached a new level when Obama, otherwise preoccupied with the US government shutdown, said in an interview published Saturday that "I'd think about changing" the name if he was the Redskins' owner.

Dan Snyder, the marketing mogul who bought the Redskins in 1999, has insisted that he will never change the name.

On Monday he got his lawyer to say it again.

"We at the Redskins respect everyone," said the attorney, Lanny Davis, in a statement.

"But like devoted fans of the Atlanta Braves, the Cleveland Indians and the Chicago Blackhawks (from President Obama's hometown), we love our team and its name and, like those fans, we do not intend to disparage or disrespect a racial or ethnic group."

Davis recalled a national survey in April this year in which, he said, eight out of 10 Americans didn't think the Washington Redskins name ought to be changed.

Last month, NFL supremo Roger Goodell seemed to signal a possible change of heart when, in a sports radio interview, he said "we have to listen" if anyone feels offended by the Redskins name.

He stressed, however, that a name change was ultimately a decision for Snyder to make.

Since the start of this year's NFL season, the Oneida Indian Nation -- descended from the Iroquois confederacy that dominated much of New York state and parts of Canada when Europeans first arrived -- has aired radio commercials nationwide to protest the Redskins' name.

It also launched a website, changethemascot.org, urging Americans to send letters of protest to Goodell.

Lending her support was Washington's longtime member of the US House of Representatives, Eleanor Holmes Norton, who likened the furor over the Redskins name to the 1960s civil rights struggle in which she participated.

"This is a team that had to be forced into racial integration," she said, recalling how in 1962 the Redskins were the last professional US football team to put African-Americans on its roster.

Michael Friedman, a clinical psychologist who studies the effects of stigma and discrimination, said a word like "redskin" was a "stresser" that weighed heavily on the mental health of a community already hard hit by poverty, alcoholism, domestic violence and other social issues.

"The effects on Native Americans is overwhelming," he said.

Kevin Grover, a Pawnee from the Great Plains who is director of the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian, said he personally hasn't been called a "redskin" for years.

But he added: "We've noticed other racial slurs are out of bounds... We wonder why the word that refers to us is not similarly off-limits."

By one estimate, it would cost the Redskins and the NFL more than $20 million to change the name, but activist Suzan Harjo, a Cheyenne who has spent a lifetime battling derogatory Indian names, said Snyder could "make a fortune" from the sale of rebranded merchandise.

"There have been so many milestones" in the fight to end the use of pejorative Indian names in American sports at all levels, but a breakthrough in the Redskins' case "would be a big one," she told AFP.

The Redskins' heritage dates to the team's 1932 birth in Boston, where they were first nicknamed Braves because they played in the home ballpark of baseball's then-Boston Braves.

When they relocated in 1933 to Fenway Park, home of the rival Red Sox, the name was changed to Redskins and it was retained when the club moved to the US capital in 1937.

Six months after the move, a volunteer marching band was formed and the Redskins Band's trademark song was created -- "Hail to the Redskins", with such lyrics as "Braves on the warpath, fight for old DC" still sung today, but references to "scalp 'em" and "we want heap more" having been removed more than 30 years ago.

Last May, US House of Representatives delegate Eni Faleomavaega of American Samoa introduced legislation that would strip the team of the trademark rights to the Redskins name.

Post: #52

I think they should.

I come from a school where they had to change the name and the mascot and its still up for debate here (University of Illinois) the mascot used to be the Indian chief but they banned the mascot. Now were just the Fighting Illini.

I get their argument. Having a chief or Indian mascot is highly offensive and no different than a Mexican sombrero mascot with a mustache or an Asian mascot or a rabbi Jewish mascot.


As for the Redskins logo name, if it's offensive to the Native American community then its offensive. Its easy to sit and say "well its tradition" when you're not part of that culture. I hope they do change it.

Heres the chief's last dance at the University of Illinois:

Post: #53

http://nypost.com/2013/10/08/nfl-wants-t...rotesters/

WASHINGTON — The NFL is now so willing to meet with a Native American group protesting the Redskins nickname that the league is trying to push up a scheduled get-together by more than a month and is open to traveling to the Oneida Indian Nation’s New York reservation instead, sources told The Post on Tuesday.

A group of league officials had planned to meet with the group Nov. 22 at the NFL’s Manhattan headquarters, but the issue of the Redskins’ name has picked up so much steam in recent weeks that the league has said it wants to meet before the end of the month.
A source also said it’s likely the meeting will take place at the Oneida Nation reservation in Central New York.

The NFL owners are meeting here Tuesday, but don’t plan to press Redskins owner Dan Snyder about his team’s name. However, commissioner Roger Goodell — after strongly defending the name earlier this year — now says the league is willing to listen to the protesters’ concerns.

That’s probably because the protesters are starting to pick up some powerful friends. President Obama weighed in on the issue last week, telling an interviewer he would consider changing the name if he owned the Redskins.

A group called “Change The Name,” which is running a national radio advertising campaign to build support, met here Monday at a hotel close to where the owners are gathering to plot strategy and call for the owners and the league to act.

The group was not much of a presence at the owners meeting, though. Just one protester showed up and was escorted out while tossing documents about the oppression of Indians.

Post: #54

Change the name and stop this pink shit.

   

http://www.hawaiianlibertarian.blogspot....again.html

Post: #55

Here's my suggestions:

DC Deficits

Washington Waivers

By the fucking way...since we don't want to offend anyone how do you atheists feel about the New Orleans SAINTS? I guess we better change that name too.

USA is clearly headed down the rabbit hole.

Post: #56

The short answer here is: no.

There are no major Native American protests over this issue. It's mostly white liberals and Black mouthpieces decrying racism any time the can. I shake my head. The name itself is not specifically racist, nor is the imagery on the helmet, which I would characterize as reverential. The fans have no desire to change the name, therefore it will probably stick for the time being.

Post: #57

"Check out some possible new designs for the possibly renamed Washington Redskins"
http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nfl-shutdo...--nfl.html

       

Post: #58

^^^^Are those socks pink??

Oh hell no!

Post: #59

My suggestions:

The Washington Wops
The Georgetown Jiggaboos
The DC Dot Heads
The Mid-Atlantic Mics
The L-Street Limeys
The K-Street Krauts
The Beltway Bitches

If there's a nationality or gender I left out, feel free to add.

Post: #60

There was discussion about this happening with the Cleveland Indians and Atlanta Braves before too, both having Native American references.

I can also see the native American point of view, but they don't seem to care, it's some PC whites making a big deal out of it to feign they actually care and self-aggrandize in the process.

Post: #61

Big News:

Washington Redskins Change Their Name To The D.C. Redskins

Quote:WASHINGTON—Following an outpouring of criticism from across the country, the Washington Redskins announced Wednesday that they are officially changing the team’s name to the D.C. Redskins. “We’ve heard the concerns of many people who have been hurt or offended by the team’s previous name, and I’m happy to say we’ve now rectified the situation once and for all,” said franchise owner Dan Snyder, adding that “Washington Redskins” will be replaced with “D.C. Redskins” on all team logos, uniforms, and apparel. “It was a difficult decision—and one that, frankly, I’m a little embarrassed took me so long to make. So hopefully we can now put this issue to bed and start cheering on our D.C. Redskins.” In light of Snyder’s decision, Cleveland Indians owner Larry Dolan told reporters he will change the feather in Chief Wahoo’s headdress from red to a “more appropriate” shade of red.

Post: #62

   

Post: #63

Stolen from somewhere...

Quote:The Washington Redskins are changing their name because of all the hatred, violence, and hostility associated with their name.

From now on they will be known simply as the Redskins.

Post: #64

Since it's San Francisco, the new term is....Foreskins.

"SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The San Francisco Chronicle has joined a growing list of publications that will no longer use the term "Redskins" when referring to Washington's NFL team."

http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl...t/3320657/

Post: #65

The Washington Sentinels

http://www.google.com/search?q=sentinels...088%3B1656

Post: #66

Boycott the NFL and their sponsors. Because nobody will buy those tickets and trucks if you don't

Post: #67

So now that we got Donald Sterling for life over racism, does that open the door to go after people like Snyder who some people argue has a team name that is racist and offensive??

Post: #68

(09-13-2013 04:37 PM)Tuthmosis Wrote:  Relevant:

Can I buy one of those hats somewhere?

Post: #69

This stuff has been going on for years. I remember going to the 1991 world series with my dad in minn. Twins vs braves and you had people protesting the braves name. On an i teresting side note in pecan illinois a small town nesr peoria they were called the pecsn chinks up until just a few years ago maybe 94. Shocked that name stuck around as long as it did. They had hoodies with the mascot as well. I believe they changed it to pekin dragons.

Post: #70

http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Latest-News...ity-leader

Redskins name should be changed, according to Senate majority leader

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid says it's time for the NFL's Washington Redskins to change their name, linking the issue to racist comments by a professional basketball team owner.

Hail to the Redskins: How much do you know about Washington, D.C.'s NFL franchise?

In a Senate speech Wednesday, the Nevada Democrat said Redskins owner Daniel Snyder is hiding behind tradition in retaining his team's name, which critics call racially offensive.

Reid called on Snyder "to do what is morally right" by changing the name. Reid has criticized the name before, telling The Washington Post in March that he thinks it will be changed within three years.

Reid said his state has 22 tribes and that the only tradition behind the Redskins' name was one of racism.

Reid congratulated the NBA for banning Los Angeles Clippers' owner Donald Sterling for life. Sterling was caught in an audio recording making racist comments about blacks.

Reid said it's time for NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell to follow the NBA's lead and rid his league of bigotry and racism.

Other prominent politicians have criticized or questioned the Redskins' name. President Barack Obama told The Associated Press in October: "If I were the owner of the team and I knew that the name of my team — even if they've had a storied history — was offending a sizable group of people, I'd think about changing it."

Several members of Congress, including Republicans and Democrats, have urged Snyder to change the team's name.

Post: #71

(05-01-2014 09:43 AM)JayMillz Wrote:  http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Latest-News...ity-leader

Redskins name should be changed, according to Senate majority leader

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid says it's time for the NFL's Washington Redskins to change their name, linking the issue to racist comments by a professional basketball team owner.

Hail to the Redskins: How much do you know about Washington, D.C.'s NFL franchise?

In a Senate speech Wednesday, the Nevada Democrat said Redskins owner Daniel Snyder is hiding behind tradition in retaining his team's name, which critics call racially offensive.

Reid called on Snyder "to do what is morally right" by changing the name. Reid has criticized the name before, telling The Washington Post in March that he thinks it will be changed within three years.

Reid said his state has 22 tribes and that the only tradition behind the Redskins' name was one of racism.

Reid congratulated the NBA for banning Los Angeles Clippers' owner Donald Sterling for life. Sterling was caught in an audio recording making racist comments about blacks.

Reid said it's time for NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell to follow the NBA's lead and rid his league of bigotry and racism.

Other prominent politicians have criticized or questioned the Redskins' name. President Barack Obama told The Associated Press in October: "If I were the owner of the team and I knew that the name of my team — even if they've had a storied history — was offending a sizable group of people, I'd think about changing it."

Several members of Congress, including Republicans and Democrats, have urged Snyder to change the team's name.

Come on the name isn't racist it just isn't. Reid is opportunistically demagoguing here.

If you look at the history the owner changed the name to represent the fighting spirit of the indians and their bravery (look at the lyrics to the Redskins song). Sure it's a bit controversial but nobody is looking at the Redskins helmets and making fun of Indians in the USA - nobody. If anything it's seen as a proud reminder of how warrior-like, brave and vicious many Indian tribes were in battle. Football is a fairly violent game in the US so it fits the dynamic.

The joke of this whole thing is that only whites and a few small opportunistic Indian tribes are making a big issue about it. And the mainstream media jump all over it in their usual "OMG" ridiculous fashion. So here we are.

Frankly, having lived all up and down the East Coast including the deep south during my childhood I'd say that nobody in my generation ever even used the name 'redskin' anyway..I literally have NEVER heard it used in a derogative manner in all my years in the US - only time I ever have used it is in describing the Washington football team (constantly hear 'redneck' as a derogatory term for lower-class whites though!).

But I guess if you are the slightest bit butthurt in American some d-bag politician like Harry Reid will jump at the chance to white knight and look like the 'good guy'. And some obscure Indian tribe sees $$$s and will push hard to claim victimhood.

I'm glad Harry's so worried about this obvious calamity bc it's just so damn important and I fully understand why he's wiling to put the declining economy, schools, social order etc. in the US on the backburner (and is ok with sending SWAT teams to arrest ranchers with cattle on 'federal land') so that he can focus on issues like this and gay marriage. Thanks US Congress.

PS: I guess the "Fighting Irish" are next?

Post: #72

Redskins tell fans to tweet senator who's calling for name change

In what seems like a wildly questionable public relations move, the Washington Redskins organization told their Twitter followers on Thursday to tweet Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, who last week signed a letter calling on the NFL to pressure owner Dan Snyder to change the team's name.

http://news.yahoo.com/redskins-pride-twi...09602.html

Post: #73

(04-30-2014 09:24 AM)jamaicabound Wrote:  This stuff has been going on for years. I remember going to the 1991 world series with my dad in minn. Twins vs braves and you had people protesting the braves name. On an i teresting side note in pecan illinois a small town nesr peoria they were called the pecsn chinks up until just a few years ago maybe 94. Shocked that name stuck around as long as it did. They had hoodies with the mascot as well. I believe they changed it to pekin dragons.

My parents have told me about the Pekin Chinks. They both grew up next door in East Peoria. Supposedly the reason for the name was because Peking China was on the opposite side of the earth (it's really not), but it's certainly surprising they got away with it for so long.

Post: #74

If someone from an ethnic group would not call themselves by a term, it's probably pejorative.

"Redskins" seems to be a pejorative historical term from the time when whiteskins were killing the "redskins" and taking their land.

It's a bit different from "Warriors," "Braves," or "Indians" in that you might not be able to find examples of Indians/Native Americans saying "I'm a redskin," unless they're being ironic.

"Fighting Irish" was embraced by Irish-Americans. "Redskins" is not embraced by Indians/Native Americans.

You don't have to be for something just because you think progressives or feminists are against it.

Post: #75

Chris Rock made a pretty funny argument in favor of changing the name in his stand-up.





I'm somewhat over 1/4 Indian and it doesn't really offend me, but then I don't identify as an Indian culturally. The people who are being called redskins think it's offensive though so I'd say change the name and end the butt hurt.