The R-word: Should the Redskins Change Their Name?

By Kate Mueller on June 23, 2014

via Flikr

The United States Patent and Trademark Office cancelled the Washington Redskins trademark because it is “disparaging to Native Americans.” After pressure from Native American groups to change the name, the NFL team could suffer significant financial losses since they cannot fully protect their merchandise.  Although the team has appealed the cancellation of the trademark, this ruling adds political pressure that could end in a name change.

No stranger to an uproar from Native American groups, the Washington Redskins have been through this before. In 1999, their trademark was cancelled only to be turned over by a judge that claimed the plaintiffs were too old and too late. The team is confident the same will happen this time.

A ‘disparaging’ racial slur

Think of all the terrible racist slurs you’ve been called or heard other people called.  If you can’t think of any here’s a list.  Now imagine that’s the name of a multi-million dollar company that is making money off that racist slur. Yes, the term ‘redskin’ is a racial slur, and is even defined in the dictionary as offensive.  The national campaign ‘Change the Mascot’, created by the Oneida Indian Nation, doesn’t spell out the term, but instead uses ‘reds***’ because they find the word to be so terrible.

Why people think it’s OK

Defenders of the Washington Redskins are claiming that the name isn’t meant to cause harm, that it’s tradition and that it doesn’t need to be changed.  In fact, based on some not-so-scientific polls, the majority of America agrees that the team doesn’t need to change its name.  One poll even says that some people admit that the name is inappropriate, yet they still don’t think it needs to be altered.

via Flickr

There are countless reasons why the Washington Redskins don’t want to change the name, with money probably being the biggest.  Sure, the current owners, players and fans don’t intend to offend anyone, but does that make it right?

I’ve read countless comments by people saying America is getting too sensitive, too politically correct and that we’re never going to be able to please everyone.  While this may be true at times, it doesn’t take away the fact that a racist term is being used.  The fact that the Native American population is such a small minority, 1.2% of the population, doesn’t help.  People think that since it’s such a small number of people that are offended, that we are making too big of a deal about it.  We’re not talking about individuals here; we’re talking about communities and cultures that are offended.

Where the “tradition” began

George P. Marshall became the owner of the Boston Braves in 1932, when he decided to change the name to Redskins to avoid confusion with the baseball team.  In 1937, he moved the team to Washington due to the team’s lack of support.  While Marshall did some great things for football, he did some not so great things for racial integration.  Let’s just say it’s no surprise he chose a racist name for the team.  In 1961, his team was the only in the NFL without a black player and no black player would play on the roster during Marshall’s 25 years with the team.  My guess is that black players weren’t the only ones he was opposed to.

My favorite comments from defenders of the name are the ones that claim its tradition and that it’s been the name for years, as if all long-standing traditions are good. Not catching my drift? Let’s look at slavery in the United States for a minute.  It was around for over 200 years! People at the time thought it was OK because that’s just how it was; it was tradition. OK, calling someone a racial slur is not the same as holding someone a slave, but you get my point.  Just because it’s a tradition, doesn’t mean it’s right and that it can’t be changed.  Marshall created this tradition without thinking of the damages and keeping the Redskins as the name only reignites the pain and suffering the Native Americans have faced since we stole America from them.

Other teams and schools

via Flickr

In 2005, the NCAA made a huge statement for Native Americans by denying tournament play to college programs with offensive names and images. Many of the colleges changed their names, while others, like Florida State, appealed on the basis that they have the support of their respective tribes.  Over the years, a countless number of schools have changed their mascots and names in an effort to end the racist and stereotypical image of Native Americans.  Full compliance has not been achieved.

However, professional sports seem to be the last to change.  The Washington Redskins are at the top of the list and gaining the most attention due to the blatant disregard for the racist term being used.  Here’s a list of other teams that have taken a lot of heat for their names and images:

  • Atlanta Braves
  • Chicago Blackhawks
  • Kansas City Chiefs
  • Cleveland Indians

The Unconquered Seminoles

via Flickr

Florida State’s use of the term ‘Seminoles’ has been under scrutiny before.  Like previously mentioned, Florida State was taken off the NCAA ban list after the Seminole Tribe of Florida told the NCAA that they support the university’s use of their likeness. In fact, the Seminole Tribe has direct influence on the opening routine with Osceola and Renegade, as well as helping with other campus activities such as homecoming and graduation.  The relationship wasn’t formed as a response to the ban, however. Dating back to 1970, the Seminole Tribe of Florida dismissed cartoon versions of a mascot that they deemed inappropriate.  The tribe does reap some benefits, though – 1% of revenue that’s generated by the use of their name, scholarships and cuts in tuition.

Outside of the Seminole Tribe of Florida, there is still some debate surrounding the mascot and name.  Florida State regards Osceola and other images as ‘symbols’ rather than a mascot.  At first, I didn’t think there was that much of a difference, but the difference in language is actually pretty significant. Think of mascots of your high school or favorite team – panthers, eagles, lions, etc.  What do most of them have in common?  They’re animals. Regarding a Native American as a mascot is basically calling them non-human savages. For Florida State, we are honoring the fact that the Seminole Tribe of Florida was never conquered; that they are a strong, honorable community.

As far as Chief Osceola goes, there has been some criticism that the rider is white.  However, playing the role of Chief Osceola isn’t open to just anyone.  The requirements include a 3.0 GPA and being of ‘high moral character.’  Being able to ride without a saddle and staying in character throughout the entire game are some more challenges the Chief faces.  He must also be able to dedicate anywhere between 15 and 30 hours a week for practice.  While unconfirmed, from what I remember after speaking with a former Chief, you have to have some Native American in your ancestry.  Either way, it’s not as if we just throw some guy out there. After all, he represents not only our school, but an entire group of people.

Another important point about Florida State is that it is specific to a tribe and strives to represent them correctly. Simply using terms like Indians, chiefs, redskins, braves, etc. are broad generalizations enforced by stereotypical images. There is not simply one kind of American Indian; each tribe is different from their clothing to rituals. This coincides with what the ‘Change the Mascot’ said in their recent commercial. You can watch it here.

What should the new name be?

PETA thinks the team should keep the name Redskins, but change the image to a redskin potato. An interesting idea that wouldn’t stand a chance in the NFL, yet offers us a short chuckle. So, what should the name be? Let’s hear some of your best ideas.

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