Should the Washington Redskins change their name?

[woodyk1]

Rick Reilly on the issue. One of the best defenses of the name that I've ever read.

Redskins name change not as easy as it sounds - ESPN

Here's a response to this article (not saying I agree).

Amateur Canadian team ditches “Redskins†name | ProFootballTalk

The move comes a day after Rick Reilly’s intellectually dishonest (and incredibly late to the party) parade of horribles regarding other potentially offensive nicknames, like Saints, Angels, and Wizards. Reilly also harvests quotes from a couple of Native Americans who aren’t offended by the term, presumes that only white people are, and completely ignores the increasing efforts of Native American groups like the Oneida Nation to fight the name.

Here's the article about the Oneida Nation ...

Oneida Nation Sets Up Radio Campaign Against Team’s Trademark

The Oneida Nation, a federally recognized tribe of the Oneida people, is running a series of radio ads to play on stations in cities where Washington’s National Football League team is scheduled to play this season.

The ads are part of the Oneida Nation’s campaign to change the team’s name from Redskins, which they say is racist and offensive.

The nation has also set up a website focused on the issue, Change The Mascot - Launched By The Oneida Indian NationChangeTheMascot.org. In a statement, the nation called the name “the R-word,†and a “hurtful epithet relegating indigenous peoples to second-class status.â€

Proceedings seeking the cancellation of the mark are pending at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, according to the patent office database.

Christine Brennan, a sportswriter for USA Today, said Sept. 12 that she will no longer use the term when referring to the team. She said it was a personal decision and it’s “no longer right†to use the term. According to her story, Peter King of Sports Illustrated also has said he will no longer use the name.

Daniel Snyder, owner of the team, said in May that he will never change the name and that his decision is supported by the fans.

A bill was introduced in the U.S. Congress that would amend the Trademark Act of 1946 to bar registration of terms that disparage Native Americans. H.R. 1278, which has been referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary, lists “redskin†as a term that is offensive.

 

[trj]

The last 2 post in this thread have really gotten to the heart of this issue, instead of just falling in line as being offensive or not being offensive it has force me to re-think some things, to actually do a little bit of homework, a little bit of research.

 

[docholihawk]

I could see where the name Redskin could be considered offensive but I think the logo is anything but offensive. The logo to me shows a proud native American warrior. Just my 2 cents.

 

[sportstalent]

complete fabrication and garbage.

Actually, enmaster is correct, I took a Native American Indian Studies class in college and the only sports nickname the professor ever ripped was the Redskins because of the origin of the term. So if it is garbage then the professor didn't know his own heritage I guess.