The Cincinnati Reds in the early 1950s, a conservative team in what was a conservative area, changed their named to the Redlegs so not to be associated with the “Red Scare” at the time.
What happens to the Columbus Blue Jackets? Named after a civil war reference but which goes first the city’s name or the hockey team’s nickname?
Excellent question. Columbus Blue Jackets has got to go, both the city name and the nickname.
Many nicknames are troublesome in today’s politically correct world.
There are many examples.
Boston Celtics is offensive to the actual Celtic people. Fighting Irish of Notre Dame is similarly offensive.
Green Bay Packers is offensive to real meat packers.
Pittsburgh Steelers is offensive to real steel workers.
Dallas Cowboys is offensive to real cowboys.
All the animal nicknames are offensive to PETA types.
Pittsburgh Pirates, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Las Vegas Raiders are all troublesome as they endorse criminal behavior.
Philadelphia 76ers and New England Patriots harken back to the American revolution, which is verboten to these radicals in today’s climate.
Portland Trail Blazers harkens back to the settlement of the American West, which similarly will offend the politically correct crowd.
I’m sure there are other troublesome names too.
When I was growing up, they were the Redlegs, and I still call them that. However, the name Reds may have to go because of its modern-day association with Republicans and patriots.
Lol, reminds of the MASH episode with Colonel Flagg...
Colonel Flagg:
This won’t look good on your record.
Frank Burns:
But Colonel, it’s just Reader’s Digest.
Colonel Flagg:
Not if you eliminate the third, fifth, and sixth letters, then it’s Red’s Digest, comrade.