Posted on 10/19/2013 5:45:55 AM PDT by LD Jackson
Let me clarify something as I begin this post. I grew up as a huge fan of the Dallas Cowboys. (My apologies to my brother for writing this, as he is still a huge fan of the Cowboys.) In those days, one of their biggest rivalries was with the Washington Redskins. It was always the Cowboys and the Redskins. Almost never was the phrasing "Dallas and Washington" used. That's just how everyone referred to the two teams and the rivalry that drove the competition in the NFC East. No negative connotations were implied by using the name Redskins. Of course, that was long before the liberals in America decided to start policing our language and removing any and all words that could possible have negative meanings.
We are now living in 2013 and the language police and political correctness minions are out in full force. Their latest target is the Redskins. Bob Costas has even joined the fray, declaring the Redskins should change their name. He says it is an insult, a slur, and is racist. He can't be satisfied with being paid a lot of money to provide commentary during a football game. No, he has to make it about politics and political correctness.
Funny thing, those words. I have always thought of Native Americans, Indians, etc., as being noble individuals. Most of them are proud of their heritage and their history in America. Nothing disparaging or hateful is meant by using Redskins as the name, but the liberals are all over it. The most prominent liberal suggesting the Redskins should change their name is President Obama.
Washington Post - If I were the owner of the team and I knew that there was a name of my team — even if it had a storied history — that was offending a sizeable group of people, I’d think about changing it.If you read the rest of the article from the Post, you will find the fight to change the name to something other than the Redskins is not a new fight. It has gone on for decades, but with the advent of political correctness, the fight is heating up. As you read and learn about the fight, you will learn that some Native Americans have come out against the name and are staging protests. Such is their right and privilege, but there is another side to the story. The best way I can portray it to you is to use the words of the owner of the Redskins, Dan Snyder. This comes from a letter he wrote to season ticket holders for Redskins' games, published in the Washington Post.
As some of you may know, our team began 81 years ago -- in 1932 -- with the name “Boston Braves.” The following year, the franchise name was changed to the “Boston Redskins.” On that inaugural Redskins team, four players and our Head Coach were Native Americans. The name was never a label. It was, and continues to be, a badge of honor.I believe Dan Snyder has fairly well summed up the issue. Even if Charles Krauthammer believes the name should be changed because the language and usage has changed, I would say to Mr. Snyder, hold your ground. The Redskins have every reason to keep their name, both to preserve the heritage of the team, its fans, and the Native Americans it proudly represents.In 1971, our legendary coach, the late George Allen, consulted with the Red Cloud Athletic Fund located on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota and designed our emblem on the Redskins helmets. Several years later, Coach Allen was honored by the Red Cloud Athletic Fund. On the wall at our Ashburn, Virginia, offices is the plaque given to Coach Allen -- a source of pride for all of us. “Washington Redskins is more than a name we have called our football team for over eight decades. It is a symbol of everything we stand for: strength, courage, pride, and respect -- the same values we know guide Native Americans and which are embedded throughout their rich history as the original Americans.
I’ve listened carefully to the commentary and perspectives on all sides, and I respect the feelings of those who are offended by the team name. But I hope such individuals also try to respect what the name means, not only for all of us in the extended Washington Redskins family, but among Native Americans too.
Our franchise has a great history, tradition and legacy representing our proud alumni and literally tens of millions of loyal fans worldwide. We have participated in some of the greatest games in NFL history, and have won five World Championships. We are proud of our team and the passion of our loyal fans. Our fans sing “Hail to the Redskins” in celebration at every Redskins game. They speak proudly of “Redskins Nation” in honor of a sports team they love.
So when I consider the Washington Redskins name, I think of what it stands for. I think of the Washington Redskins traditions and pride I want to share with my three children, just as my father shared with me -- and just as you have shared with your family and friends.
I respect the opinions of those who disagree. I want them to know that I do hear them, and I will continue to listen and learn. But we cannot ignore our 81 year history, or the strong feelings of most of our fans as well as Native Americans throughout the country. After 81 years, the team name “Redskins” continues to hold the memories and meaning of where we came from, who we are, and who we want to be in the years to come.
We are Redskins Nation and we owe it to our fans and coaches and players, past and present, to preserve that heritage.
Notice, I did not call them the Washington Redskins. Henceforth, they should be referred to only as the Redskins. I wouldn't want to embarrass them by relating them to a town full of liars and crooks.
Last night’s local newscast reported that some DC area high schools are considering banning Redskins clothing.
I am offended by the word WASHINGTON. When can we get rid of that!
The word “redskins” is offensive to some people only because they choose to be offended. I am of Irish heritage, and being called a “mick” is supposed to be offensive to me. But, I choose not to be offended. I have effectively disarmed someone who wants to offend/insult me.
American Indians need to man-up and decide that the word “redskin” in inoffensive. I will help them go far in life. I give the same advice to Eric Holder and his people.
...that was offending a sizeable group of people, I’d think about changing it.
Sizeable group = 10 morons
Keep the name. Flip off the 10.
By the way, why aren’t the “Cowboys” offensive to the same group. After all, they shoot up the country side, chase cattle around to the point of exhaustion, stab their horses with spurs, drink heavily and cavort with the town hookers.
When are they going to be offended by the California Golden Bears?
Pray for America to Wake Up
Change the name!
They play in Landover, Md., so why not call them the Landover Redskins, the Maryland Redskins, the Prince George’s County Redskins or the Potomac Valley Redskins?
Which is the greater insult; Washington’s Redskins or Washington’s Bureau of Indian Affairs?
“Washington Post - If I were the owner of the team and I knew that there was a name of my team — even if it had a storied history — that was offending a sizeable group of people, I’d think about changing it.”
I have a better idea.
Move the team to San Antonio, play at the Alamodome and call the team the San Antonio Bandits.
The Washington Reds would be appropriate - Stalin could be their mascot.
If the Redskins are forced to change their name I recommend that they don’t adopt a replacement. Just go by the Washington DC NFL football team.
The name IS offensive to a lot of people;drop the Washington part.
Some fake Indian who claims to be an Oneida Indian gets offended and the The Redskins are supposed to change their name.
F people who get offended by such trivialities.
If the real Redskins had a bigger defense budget, there wouldn’t have BEEN any Cowboys!
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