Should the Washington Redskins change their name?

[bighead384]

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/...s-tyranny-pol/

RG3 came out against the name change, and apparently, he's being called an "Uncle Tom" for it.

You'd think the PC crowd would go after the Washington Redskins' name before the Washington Bullets...

[Llamas]

Going after Bullets would be super dumb. It's a great name for a team - implying speed and danger. Redskins... I'm torn on. The name is pretty tasteless nowadays, but I feel like most people don't think about the word. It's just a team name. People don't cheer for the Redskins to be racist. However, if the team was called the "Black Savages" or something, I'd have a problem with it. So I dunno.

[WebDudette]

As a person of Nordic descent, I am not happy about being stereotyped as a Raider. Is that what the name comes from? Like Vikings? I have no idea. Also, I am not Nordic.

Redskins is kind of shitty though, and keeping anything just for tradition is a stupid reason. On the other hand, eh.

[jacknife737]

If the team has the consent from the local tribes, then its sort of ok.

However: i still think it should be changed; it's pretty racist.

[bighead384]

If the team has the consent from the local tribes, then its sort of ok.

Damn, is that for real?

The term "Redskin" might have bad historical associations, but I kind of find it necessary to acknowledge that it's far from being a deeply offensive term. It's just based on an exaggerated perception of the skin tone of Native Americans. So what?

Going after Bullets would be super dumb.

Tell that to like, 1997. It already happened, bro!

[WebDudette]

So, how about them Tennessee Spooks and Cleveland Darkies?

[0r4ng3]

The term "Redskin" might have bad historical associations, but I kind of find it necessary to acknowledge that it's far from being a deeply offensive term. It's just based on an exaggerated perception of the skin tone of Native Americans. So what?!

By comparison, imagine there was a team called the Detroit Blacks. Not an overt slur, but I can see where some would find that offensive.

[coke_a_holic]

My understanding is that the Redskins are named after the redskin warriors, who were the fierce natives who killed a bunch of white dudes. I'm not saying that makes the name acceptable, because I think it has definitely lost that meaning and now looks just as it reads. As a skins fan, I'm a little sympathetic, but not very. It should probably change.

[Baldwin]

By comparison, imagine there was a team called the Detroit Blacks.

There's the New Zealand All-Blacks. To the best of my knowledge, nobody has ever found that offensive. Ever.

My understanding is that the Redskins are named after the redskin warriors, who were the fierce natives who killed a bunch of white dudes.

That was the Redshield Society. Redskin has always been about racial characteristics.

[MOTO13]

I always thought the team was named after a type of peanut. Huh, whaddya know, it's named after indians. Never knew that. Seems OK since they do have red skin. Anyway, if they are offended just give them a casino, bottle of booze and some beads. They'll be fine.