What’s In A Name?
Posted by Michelle Moquin on February 5th, 2014
Good morning!
I found this interesting. Let me know if you do too.
What’s In A Name?
BY CAP ACTION WAR ROOM ON JANUARY 30, 2014 AT 4:29 PM
If It’s The Most Offensive Name In Professional Sports, Quite A Bit
A team that is not playing in this weekend’s Super Bowl has increasingly found itself in the news for something unrelated to football. Over the last year, the Washington Redskins ownership has come under intensifying pressure from high-profile individuals, including its own players and the President of the United States, who say that it should change the team’s name.
Today, our colleague Travis Waldron at ThinkProgress Sports has published an exhaustive history of the controversy, and uncovered a new twist in emails he exclusively obtained: Dan Snyder, the unpopular owner of the Redskins who vowed that he will “never change the name,” is getting advice from several high-profile Republican advisers on how to defend against the growing public outrage with a team name that is a racial slur. These advisers include Frank Luntz, the GOP pollster; Ari Fleischer, who served as White House press secretary under George W. Bush; and George Allen, the former governor of Virginia.
In addition to revealing the names of this all-star team of Republican communicators, the emails indicate the group’s dismissive attitude toward any concern over the issue. Bruce Allen, George Allen’s brother and the team’s general manager, called Waldron’s questions “ignorant” and “insulting,” and Fleischer responded, “not [sic] need to answer any more questions or waste any more time with this outfit.”
It remains to be seen how this latest chapter in the growing controversy will affect the Redskins team. But to get up to speed, check out this timeline going back to last February and then head over to Waldron’s longread:
BONUS: The National Congress of American Indians is using the venue of the Super Bowl to air a moving Public Service Announcement to raise awareness and gain support for the campaign to change the name of the Washington Redskins.
*****
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February 5th, 2014 at 10:11 am
http://youtu.be/L5ITw4j4euw
There was no million $ money to run this ad during Super Bowl Sunday TV, too bad, it’s lovely images and message would’ve been quite clear.
Luv, Zen Lill
Ps I am humming that oldie ‘me annnnnd mrs jones mrs jones mrs jones misssussss jones we got a thang….’ Lol
February 5th, 2014 at 9:16 pm
If the owners of the Redskins are like my husbands then they couldn’t care less about the feeling of any OTW.
February 5th, 2014 at 9:17 pm
I’d love to have a thang going on with you Zen Lill
February 5th, 2014 at 10:07 pm
Duh, Lois, OTWs are the only ones that seem to care.
February 5th, 2014 at 10:09 pm
There is absolutely no repeat no justification or reason for the NFL Redskins to change their team name. It is a tradition of longstanding and well embedded in American sports culture and otherwise.
Recently, in support of a Native American organization, and far too many Native Americans live on shoddy reservations, my small donation included a let5ter suggested that they communicate with Dan Synder, Redskins owner, to work out an agreement where a coalition of Native American tribal members offer their services as a support organization in entertainment and marketing for that NFL Redskins football team.
Just imagine four or five Native Americans, dressed in their traditional warrior best, preceding the team onto the field at every game before going to a special spot in the stands at the 50 yard line to represent and act out the hurrahs, and good plays for the team.
The crowd would love it, and the money they receive for their participation wojuld go a long way to support their well-being on the reservations, their education, their honor of being Native Americans, and their many skills. Go Redskins.
February 5th, 2014 at 10:10 pm
Fuck you Lois. You husband needs to show you whose the man at your house. This is a dead topic. 90% of Native Americans do not find the teams name to be offensive. Shut up about it already.
February 5th, 2014 at 10:11 pm
.This subject about the name change is dying on it’s own merit or lack of. This article is just using reverse psychology just bring it up once again.
I started watching a bunch of old western movies, since all this fuzz started and it was always the Cowboys who massacred the Indians, and yet the heroes were the Cowboys and the Indians the villains.
Now, we took up and have used the name REDSKINS with pride for decades as a sports team to honor those Indians that were subjected to the horror of modern man and yet we continue to be the villains? I truly do not understand.
February 5th, 2014 at 10:12 pm
I think Dan Snyder should change the team’s name to the Washington Veterans. It is a respectful homage to our troops, so many of which are American Indians. It also gives a nod to Washington’s reputation as the seat of the military by virtue of the Pentagon (the fact that its actually in Northern Virginia notwithstanding). It even works with the fight song. The lyrics could be the same, but with a different yet still-relevant interpretation. “Braves on the warpath, fight for old D.C.!”
February 5th, 2014 at 10:12 pm
The easiest thing to do would probably be to just drop the nick name and just be “Washington”. Keep the logo; without the potentially offensive name, things would probably die down.
February 5th, 2014 at 10:13 pm
Since the ‘skins are more often than not called the ‘skins; and because of the hogs we have those guys wearing the noses, why not change the team to the pigskins . That’s what the ball is made of and we can still call them the ‘skins
February 5th, 2014 at 10:13 pm
Changing the name is the right thing to do. The sooner the team gets started, the sooner we can see just which sponsors object.
February 5th, 2014 at 10:15 pm
Owens#5, the insensitivity of some whites is truly sickening. You are a piece of that shit.
February 5th, 2014 at 10:16 pm
Well, the league had no trouble turning the Browns into the Ravens. Wave the money in front of them, they’ll follow you off the cliff.
February 5th, 2014 at 10:18 pm
This is a non-story subjected to us by self-important radical crusaders who think they are doing something important when changing the name would do nothing for Native Americans except give them a lower profile. People have a right to be offended but not the right to not be offended. Strange that no one seems to care that Cowboys killed Indians.
February 5th, 2014 at 10:18 pm
When Dan Snyder finds a way to make lots and lots of money from a name change,he’ll be all over it.Just as he’ll be ready to move the team into the District when the city will bend over backward to build a stadium for them.Also,it’s interesting that Mark Maske is pointing out that,in our society,a business issue trumps what others find morally offensive.
February 5th, 2014 at 10:20 pm
Clyde#7, if you are so fucking proud, then change the name to the Washington Whiteskins. You probably won’t do that because who would want to watch a bunch of pale as white boys play any sport?
February 5th, 2014 at 10:22 pm
Some years ago, I was in a meeting between members of AIM, that’s the American Indian Movement for all you folks speaking for them and that “survey”, and high level members of management of the Washington Football team requesting name change.
The leader of management team responded to request with words I still remember vividly, “the name is not derogatory because we don’t consider it derogatory”. I thought then and now, oh the Great White Father has spoken. So mayhaps that would be an appropo name for the team, “Washington Great White Fathers”.
But then i’m old enough to remember your ‘great” founder, George Preston Marshall and how he marketed his team in the south, and I grew up there, so don’t tell me he didn’t. I also remember Jack Cooke’s attempt to establish his own Post Office, RAL-JOHN, so as not to hve his team associated w/Landover (too brown).
I have responded to these discussions on these articles quite a bit, been called an idiot, along with many others, for saying I refuse to use teams name. I make this request again because I haven’t seen any takers; when are some of you “Heroes/Zeroes” going to include your former team member tight end, Hog, now popular sportscaster, and hosts a daily radio talk show, in the “Idiot” category for refusing to use the team name, only Burgundy & Gold. I wonder why?
You can use these columns, email ,or call the radio station. I listen regularly, haven’t heard you “Heros/Zeros”. Better still you can rally at George Marshalls statue, stop by RAL-JOHN Stadium and tailgate, and head up to station. Be looking to looking/hearing about you.
February 5th, 2014 at 10:24 pm
Clyde#7, As Susan Harjo,Indian activist,has said,”Ask the offended,not the offenders.”
February 5th, 2014 at 10:26 pm
Owen#5, Do you, talk to them? And I assume “them” are people who inhabitated North America prior to the arrival of the evil, politically incorrect “White Man?”
February 5th, 2014 at 10:28 pm
Every year, like clockwork, in January and February when the news is slow, some writer will write this stuff so it takes up a month or two of dead space. Then it goes away. It’s offensive to those who have run out of other trivial things to complain about, or to those who for some reason feel they have to somehow prove to the world they’re “down with diversity.”
February 5th, 2014 at 10:32 pm
This a clearly absurd comment in terms of relative moral significance, but many slave holders even knowing the unforgiveable immorality of the practice could not give it up because they feared the economic consequences more than meeting St. Peter to answer for it. The team name issue seems a direct parallel, probably without the eternal damnation consequencies. Hail to the Redhawks!
February 5th, 2014 at 10:33 pm
We came and we kicked injun ass. The name isn’t changing no matter how much the whining liberal media and politically correct lobby cry like spoiled children about it.
February 5th, 2014 at 10:34 pm
We’re still calling European Americans “White” right? Just checking… and all the Native Peoples, since they all came from a piece of land in Italy owned by Amerigo Vespucci, we’ll just call them Native Americans. That’s not the least bit offensive, right?
February 5th, 2014 at 10:35 pm
Only in Dc would you have this logic, Redskins is without a doubt a racist term, but tradition and finances are driving the decision, Bullets is not offensive and has no connection to city violence, but we cant change that back despite the WINNING tradition.. Go Figure
February 5th, 2014 at 10:38 pm
Howie, what’s up? I’d rather hear from you. I’m white but most of the time I find myself being ashamed of this race. We have every advantage because of our race in America, but we can’t spare a tiny bit of empathy for anyone else.
It’s always all about us.
February 5th, 2014 at 10:39 pm
It may be true that the NFL technically would have to approve any name change, but to promote this as a serious obstacle is rather silly. Does anyone really think that if Dan Snyder were all hot to change the name, that the league or sponsors would refuse to approve it?
February 5th, 2014 at 10:40 pm
Ditto that Adam. Howie, hope you are back with some more fascinating alien info.
February 5th, 2014 at 10:42 pm
Change the name. It won’t hurt a bit. All this about the NFL, sponsors, etc. No problem. Just change it and be done with it. Hold a contest and invite the fans to suggest names and vote on the top 3 or 5.
February 5th, 2014 at 10:45 pm
Owens#5, assholes like you are the reason republicans are forcing white women to have babies. They know that your attitude will force whoever takes over to deal harshly with your racist butts.
February 5th, 2014 at 10:45 pm
Another article about nothing. Obviously nothing important is happening in the world. As a NA I take no offense in the name and anyone that does needs to get a life. “Fighting Irish”? That’s a name to get upset about
February 5th, 2014 at 10:50 pm
DE#30 You are another white piece of shit claiming to be the OTW looking for justice. Get a pair and write how YOU feel.
The Redskins name may have begun in Boston as a play on the baseball team name Boston Braves, or a nod to the Boston Tea Party rebels who dressed as Indians, but that does not prevent Native Americans in 2013 from saying the term offends them (to the extent that they do). Are the Redskins right to refuse to change the name because of the history and intention of the name, regardless of the terms racist roots in the Indian wars in U.S. History?
I would prefer the Redskins work to change it, or at least poll Native Americans to support their position. And I am mystified by the hysterical calls of “PC Police” that this subject provokes in those who oppose any change. The insensitivity of most of your is appalling.
February 5th, 2014 at 10:52 pm
I truly do not understand why people get so angry at the thought of the name being changed. I am 40 years old, and a lifelong Skins fan. I love the team because of Art Monk and Darrell Green. Because of Dexter Manley batting the ball in the air, Daryl Grant catching it and high-stepping it into the end zone. Because of John Riggins running 70 Chip for a 43-yd TD on 4th and 1. Because of Doug Williams. Because of Joe Gibbs. Because of The Hogs, The Smurfs, and The Fun Bunch. Because of Sean Taylor.
But not because of the name. I could care less what the name is, thats my team.
Personally, I don’t like the name. I don’t see it as a slur, per se, but I think it’s inappropriate to use a race of people as a mascot, especially considering the history of the treatment of Native Americans in this country, and the fact that this is Washington DC – the Nation’s Capitol.
People want to compare it to the n-word, or various other slurs, and I think thats a distraction. I wouldn’t be comfortable rooting for a team named “The Caucasians”, “The Latinos”, “The African-Americans”, or “The Asians”. I wouldn’t feel comfortable selecting a representative image as a mascot, or picking a symbol for the helmet. It just seems wrong, to me.
February 5th, 2014 at 10:52 pm
But I still root for my team.
Our team’s history is proud, but our nation’s history of treatment of Native Americans is shameful. We broke treaties, we attacked civilians, we used biological warfare, we starved villages, we stole property, we ripped children from their families, their homes, and their cultures. It was abhorrent behavior.
We aren’t talking about some random High School in Boondock, Nowhere. This is the most visible, popular, and prominent sports team in Washington DC. If it bothers people, change it. It won’t change anything that makes the team great. If you would be less of a fan if the team changes it’s name, then you weren’t a true fan in the first place.
February 5th, 2014 at 10:54 pm
taking down all those ‘colored’ signs across the south wasn’t easy either. but it was the right thing to do…
February 5th, 2014 at 10:55 pm
The word “Yankees” is derogatory, too.
From the Online Etymology Dictionary at http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=yankee:
1683, a name applied disparagingly by Dutch settlers in New Amsterdam (New York) to English colonists in neighboring Connecticut. It may be from Dutch Janke, literally “Little John,” diminutive of common personal name Jan; or it may be from Jan Kes familiar form of “John Cornelius,” or perhaps an alteration of Jan Kees, dialectal variant of Jan Kaas, literally “John Cheese,” the generic nickname the Flemings used for Dutchmen.
It originally seems to have been applied insultingly to the Dutch, especially freebooters, before they turned around and slapped it on the English. A less-likely theory is that it represents some southern New England Algonquian language mangling of English. In English a term of contempt (1750s) before its use as a general term for “native of New England” (1765); during the American Revolution it became a disparaging British word for all American native or inhabitants. Shortened form Yank in reference to “an American” first recorded 1778.
February 5th, 2014 at 10:58 pm
Paul#34, white motherfuckers didn’t take down those signs because it was the “right thing to do.” They would still be up and doing their job, if blacks didn’t march and riot occasionally.
The problem is there aren’t enough Indians to make that kind of fuss, so you white bastards will continue to insult them with impunity.
Kiss my ass.
February 5th, 2014 at 11:00 pm
Let’s not get vicious. We can all get along. But I would like to ask Oscar#35 what the fuck his comment had to do with the topic. Take your dumb ass and comment and go back to sleep. You woke in the wrong blog.
February 5th, 2014 at 11:04 pm
YOu white son of bitches are just too cold blooded for me. By the way, unless you are an albino, you are not white.
February 5th, 2014 at 11:07 pm
The only people who want to see the name change are those who aren’t Redskins fans.
Most of the assholes who are against the name are anti-Redskins liberal butt lickers.
February 5th, 2014 at 11:15 pm
Perry#39:
That is not true. I’m a Skins fan and I hate to use the word “Red”. I refer to them as “The Skins”. Don’t get me wrong…..they’re my team. But, WE HAVE A RACIST HISTORY. Why continue to repeat it. Let’s just nip it in the bud and put our egos aside.
Would it really ruin your day to see the name changed? Is it the name or the fact that our team org is once again being called out as racist. You folks do know the original owner was a diehard racist right. It’s a no brainer and very easy to do. See the Abe Pollin family for tips.
February 5th, 2014 at 11:17 pm
Yeah, I’m a lifelong fan and am also in favor of changing it. Let’s make is something DC-oriented.
February 5th, 2014 at 11:17 pm
When the government told the Washington owner to integrate, a bunch of Nazis rushed to his defense with picket signs. One of these clowns, with absolutely no sense of irony, paraded around carrying a sign that read “Keep the Redskins White.” True story.
February 5th, 2014 at 11:18 pm
The name is racist. There is no way of getting around that. Then again, Washington is a southern city.
So I guess it is appropriate.
February 5th, 2014 at 11:20 pm
It’s not racist to you becaue you are not Native American. Chances are you are white and cannot relate…
February 5th, 2014 at 11:21 pm
Some of the people on here use nearly identical arguments used by persons opposed to racial integration – part of the practical arguments against Brown vs Board of Education included that forcing inegration would be too “costly and risky”.
February 5th, 2014 at 11:21 pm
People who thought it was important to keep blacks in separate schools probably also thought they didn’t intend to be bigoted…
February 5th, 2014 at 11:22 pm
None of you care cause you are all white, and the name is not offensive to YOU. My gf grew up on a Native American reserve and over the last two years I’ve had a chance to meet and get to know some REAL Native Americans.
They are so in tune with nature and everything that goes on around them. They have also been EXTREMLY marginalized by the government. The name IS offensive to a people with such a deep and sad history. And what’s even more is I’m sick of these illegal immigrant campaigns.
YOU ARE ALL ILLEGAL! I am a die hard Skins fan, but the name is racist… period!
February 5th, 2014 at 11:23 pm
It’s hard to say no it’s not racist if I’m TELLING you to me and other people I know personally it IS offensive and racist. So your point is invalid
February 5th, 2014 at 11:25 pm
Most white will never see anything as racist unless it is something directed against them.
February 6th, 2014 at 10:00 am
Sonya that couldn’t be more true.
I guess no one watched the video I posted. Oh well…keep debating about what offends it was all right there.
Luv, Zen Lill
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