Hail To The Redskins Simple as That

The Washington Redskins franchise has come under immense scrutiny lately for its seemingly racist mascot and name. The term “Redskins” – as many of us are only now learning – was once used as a racial slur toward Native Americans and, apparently, still offends Native Americans today.

However, in today’s society, the term “Redskins” does not really even exist anymore.  In fact, its use is now relegated to one sole purpose: sports-team names.  Redskins refer not to any one racial or ethnic group; in fact, to most people, it refers to nothing more than a group of players on an NFL football team.  In this context, the name connotes a positive feeling in the community and brings with it a sense of pride. Thousands of fans wear the name with respect and honor. Degrading that name in any context is the last thing on anyone’s mind.

In an October 9th letter to fans posted on the team’s website, Redskins owner Daniel Snyder addressed the issue.  “I respect the opinions of those who disagree [with the Redskins name]…But we cannot ignore our 81-year history, or the strong feelings of most of our fans…,” Wrote Snyder.  He also stated, “We are Redskins Nation…and we owe it to our fans and coaches and players, past and present, to preserve that heritage.”

The NFL has been supportive of the team regarding this issue.  According to Daily News staff writer Tom Mahon, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell recently asserted that “the Washington Redskins name has thus from its origin represented a positive meaning, distinct from any disparagement that could be viewed in some other context.” However, times could be changing as the NFL is scheduled to meet with a Native American group that is campaigning against the team’s name later this month or in early November.

The use of the name Redskins and other Native American-inspired titles in high schools has also come under scrutiny in recent years.  It turns out that the name Redskins isn’t just significant to fans of the D.C. football team; in fact, according to Capital News Service, 62 different high schools in 25 states also use the name Redskins and represent it with pride.  However, some schools have changed team names that represent Native Americans.

USA Today reports that one school, Cooperstown High School in Cooperstown, New York, recently changed its sports-team names from Redskins to Hawkeyes.   One of the primary groups protesting the Washington Redskins team name, the Oneida Nation, which is based near Cooperstown, donated $10,000 dollars to help defray the cost of new team uniforms for the school.

So, what are we to make of these facts?  Should we – all of the Washington Redskin fans in the area – charge into the team’s offices and demand a change or, if we support the team name, go to their offices and chant in solidarity?  The answer, of course, is neither.  We should leave the decisions on topics such as these to those who represent the organization.  If the Washington Redskins want to keep their name, then so be it.  If Cooperstown, New York wants to change theirs, then so be it.  The decision is for each organization to make, based on what they think is best.

From the moment I was born, I was bombarded with Redskins paraphernalia. Pillows, mugs, car magnets; my family is full of Redskins fans.  I used to lie there sometimes, looking at the pillow, and see a man like the one from my storybooks.  When I was around seven, it occurred to me that I had no idea what the mascot I had grown up revering actually was.  A redskin, my dad explained, was just another word for a Native American.  Simple as that.