Is it wrong for the Washington Redskins to have to change their name?

2014-06-21T11:21:16-04:00

http://fivethirtyeight.com/datalab/the-politics-of-the-washington-redskins-name-controversy/

The Politics of the Washington Redskins Name Controversy

This week, the U.S. Trademark and Patent Office canceled the Washington Redskins’ trademark. Putting aside the moral implications of the ruling, some in mediahave suggested there’s an electoral an…

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 21 at 2014 11:22 AM

2014-06-21T11:22:52-04:00

I believe our nation is becoming to sensitive to anything anyone says and we are loosing our past and our heritage.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 23 at 2014 6:49 PM

2014-06-23T18:49:24-04:00

I don't believe they should be forced to change it - I think they should change it because it's wrong and they recognize it as such. My former boss is a HUGE fan and is Asian. He admitted to me that he was conflicted about the issue - loves the team, hates the name. I told him to stop buying the merchandise if he wanted to make that point.

As far as being "too sensitive," I'm sick of that argument. The situation when the team was named was that people who were offended were unable or afraid to complain, and knew that their concerns would fall on deaf ears. It is a very positive sign that people feel enabled to to voice their offense. They have tolerated something pretty awful for a long time and should now now be labeled as "sensitive, when the reality is that the main stream population is too insensitive.

That said, there is a strong distinction between having a voice and having a veto. Things that injure should be outlawed; things that offend...meh, avoid it. If enough people are truly offended, and avoid supporting the team, they will change their name on their own.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 23 at 2014 7:04 PM

2014-06-23T19:04:19-04:00

If they really wanted the team name to be less upsetting to people they should rename them the Maryland Redskins.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 23 at 2014 7:24 PM

2014-06-23T19:24:37-04:00

I think its easy for people who isn't being referred to as "redskin" to say its not offensive and don't change it. BLUF, if Native Americans are offended then it needs to be changed. That isn't being overly "PC" that's just common decency.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 23 at 2014 7:39 PM

2014-06-23T19:39:48-04:00

While we are at it I think we should change the following team names:

Univ. of Texas - El Paso (Miners) offensive to mine workers
Univ. of Alaska - Fairbanks (Nanooks) offensive to Inuits
Tampa Bay (Buccaneers) offensive to pirates
Montreal (Canadians) offensive to Canadians
Chicago (Blackhawks) offensive to Blackhawks
Vancouver (Canucks) offensive to Canadinas
San Diego (Padres) offensive to priests
Cleveland (Indians) offensive to Native Americans
New York (Yankees) offensive to people who fought to preserve the Union during the Civil War
Too many more to list.

Oh, almost forgot how about the following Army inventory...
"Kiowa", "Blackhawk", "Iroquois", "Chinook", "Creek", "Lakota"

Lastly, Cracker Jacks, the caramel covered popcorn and peanut snack, is highly offensive to my Caucasian wife. Can we sue the company into changing their name?

I may get a thumbs down or two and I may be called intolerant bigot. I sure hope that any thumbs down or name calling will be followed by a post explaining your rationale.

Response by SSG Robert Burns made Jun 23 at 2014 7:42 PM

2014-06-23T19:42:46-04:00

Last time I checked, if I owned something, I could call it whatever I want. You also have your right to be offended by it. Then the day goes on.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Jun 23 at 2014 9:01 PM

2014-06-23T21:01:03-04:00

They should keep it. True, our nation is evolving, but into what? IMHO, there are too many people trying so hard to stand apart and stand for something that is against long established ideas and institutions. Change is good, standing up for something is good, but what are people really trying to say when they take a stand on every possible point of contention out there?

Then one starts to wonder, are people really wanting this change or is the media fighting the fire while fanning the flames?

Has this slight been brewing since the team's founding in 1932 and is only coming to a head now? Will the Braves, the Black Hawks and the Chiefs have to go or are those symbols OK with the same crowd that has issue with the redskins?

Response by MSgt Keith Hebert made Jun 23 at 2014 9:24 PM

2014-06-23T21:24:19-04:00

It is amazing how the PC culture has taken over.
If it offends then don't watch,buy whatever.
We have become overly sensitive and the politicians are more worried about reelection and catering to the special interest groups than doing what is best for this country

Response by SPC Phillip Ludlow made Jun 23 at 2014 9:31 PM

2014-06-23T21:31:43-04:00

Come on! its the redskins! if they change their name a little piece of american pride dies with it!

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 23 at 2014 9:56 PM

2014-06-23T21:56:17-04:00

I vote to keep it. People these days get offended way to quick. My personal opinion is that people need tougher skin. This has been the name of this team for decades and now because some people get offended we have to change it? In my opinion that is ridiculous but to be honest I wouldn't be shocked if it went through. But I'm sorry, the people of this nation need to toughen up and stop crying about every little thing. Again, not to offend anyone, this is the way I see things and I'm not changing my opinion any time soon.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 23 at 2014 11:09 PM

2014-06-23T23:09:12-04:00

I think it's wrong - only a minor small group of indians finds the name offensive. My wife is American indian and is not in the least bit offended.

I do however, think that 2nd LTs should be required to salute 1LTs...

Response by SA Harold Hansmann made Jun 23 at 2014 11:21 PM

2014-06-23T23:21:18-04:00

Screw that political correctness crap.
It doesn't seem to have bothered the Indians in all this time. Leave it the heck alone. I don't even like football. Just so sick of these political correct shenanigans.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 23 at 2014 11:45 PM

2014-06-23T23:45:20-04:00

IMHO, I believe that CPT Private RallyPoint Member has presented the most logical (and legal) option there is to possibly resolve this "discussion". I don't believe that anyone is denying the suffering of Native Americans, but the topic was started as asking is it wrong for the team to have to change their name. So, to answer the question that was asked, yes it would be wrong for our country to force the privately owned team to change it's name. Allow our free market economy to do operate and if the people that are truly offended gain enough support through boycotting (not purchasing merchandise, tickets, etc..) then perhaps the team will choose to change it of their own free will.
I would like to add, if you go down the road of attempting to force the team to change the name, you are going down a slippery slope that will eventually have unintended consequences. People with nefarious intentions will begin claiming "offense" for all sorts of things.

Response by CMDCM Gene Treants made Jun 24 at 2014 12:03 AM

2014-06-24T00:03:33-04:00

The Washington Redskins need to change the name of the team. Drop the Washington because it is embarrassing. Seriously, I do not see the problem and do not think it is demeaning to our Native American people.

Response by SPC Charles Brown made Jun 24 at 2014 1:25 AM

2014-06-24T01:25:25-04:00

U.S. Trademark and Patent Office should get out of this. How long has this team been playing pro football? Who is next on the Name that team hit list? Leave pro football alone!

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 24 at 2014 5:28 AM

2014-06-24T05:28:44-04:00

Then why don't they change other names such as Braves, Seminoles, or Indians?? Just because it has ...skins and others don't, still the same thing. Disgraceful!

Response by SSG V. Michelle Woods made Jun 24 at 2014 7:10 AM

2014-06-24T07:10:28-04:00

I see a few educated and respectable people mentioning a percentage of Native Americans aren't offended which makes me think there's some validity to it but I need to know where this statistic comes from. In my experience, the majority of Native American populations aren't exactly out there taking polls for statistical purposes. They're on the reservation suffering from poverty and alcoholism.

As far as people being too sensitive these days, I completely agree, however to be frank, this is a straight jacked-up name that isn't on the same playing field as, let's say...wearing a dress to a military ball. Our nation owes a great deal of consideration to this specific group of people who are still suffering the consequences of what our government started many moons ago. In my humble opinion, a "great deal of consideration" means going above and beyond to make amends with Native Americans.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 24 at 2014 7:32 AM

2014-06-24T07:32:37-04:00

If you change this team name. We will have to change the rest of the teams names. Then PETA will get involved and no teams will have animal names. Where does this stop? If this was shown in a denigrating and derogatory manner then yes. But this name for this team has been around longer than the people that are "offended". Lastly my issue or biggest complaint is it has gotten into politics. Politicians pandering votes and worrying about a business instead of other pressing issues.

Response by SFC Rich Carey made Jun 24 at 2014 8:39 AM

2014-06-24T08:39:35-04:00

This is though one. Anything and everything can be offensive to someone somewhere. (Broadly speaking) Why is it the few, force the many to change? Why is red neck still accepted? "It is time to crack the whip", a person took offense because he said being derogatory and racist. I am sure we can go on and on.....

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 24 at 2014 8:45 AM

2014-06-24T08:45:35-04:00

I am just one person, but like many in our country I am of mixed race. I feel that is one thing that has made our country so strong, the merging of different tallents and backgrounds that influence the way that we think. I am a mix of Scottish, Irish, Jew and American Indian among other things. I am not offended at all by the Redskins name or the Cheifs or Braves or any other sports teams. When the name was sellected some 80 years ago it was to show respect to the local tribes and honor their warrior spirit. But I guess it is not politically correct to be a warrior these days.

Just because a small group makes a lot of noise about a topic does not mean it is wrong. Look at the vile way that some Americans treated our very own Soldiers when they returned from Veitnam, it wasnt the majority of the nation doing it but that "minority" group spoke louder than the rightious ones. I am not saying their feelings are invalid but it should not force a change of something they are not involved in anyway. It reminds me of an athiest friend who gets offended at the fact that I pray to a God that he does not believe in, even though he has never witnessed me doing it and I have never tried to pressure him to my beliefs, he is offended that I believe differently than him. He is entitled to his oppinions as am I. Should I have to stop believing because he is so easily offended about something he does not believe in anyway (my invisable friend)?

Ok I am rambling so I will stop.

Response by SFC Jerry Humphries made Jun 24 at 2014 9:38 AM

2014-06-24T09:38:12-04:00

Personally I believe you are witnessing a case of political bullying in reguard to the names of team sports. This POTUS uses these kind of issues to draw our attention away from more important pressing issues and keep the people from focusing on what is really relevant. Our government instead of worrying about the policies of sport leagues should be more concerned with;
The targeting oh Citizens by the IRS for political reasons.
The VA scandal.
The horrible border situation
Or how about out total lack of an effective Foregn policy in the Middle East.

Really ? Where the hell are our priorities at?

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Jun 24 at 2014 9:41 AM

2014-06-24T09:41:48-04:00

If it is Morally and Socially Offensive. No. If I am not mistaken they had their Trademark Removed by the League 17 years ago but a Court Reinstated it. It is going to happen anyway might as well do it today an move on. I've lost track of the times teams have been moved and or had their name changed. I can't understand hanging onto a name that offends people for what? Tradition? Slavery was a Tradition Once. Thank God we moved past that.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 24 at 2014 9:57 AM

2014-06-24T09:57:32-04:00

Maybe the Native Americans are really only upset because the Redskins keep loosing...Go Cowboys!

Response by CMDCM Gene Treants made Jun 24 at 2014 10:19 AM

2014-06-24T10:19:09-04:00

Just remember to leave the KC Chiefs alone. They were really named after the members of the United States Navy in the paygrades of E-7, E-8 and E-9. The Chiefs of the United States Navy!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 24 at 2014 11:09 AM

2014-06-24T11:09:42-04:00

I thought the definition of democracy was that majority rules, and I don't believe the majority in this country is offended with this team's name, on the other hand, I believe the use of racial slurs on rap songs is much more offensive and I don't hear anything about the NAACP or the ACLU suing the music industry to ensure that it stops

Response by TSgt Scott Hurley made Jun 24 at 2014 12:05 PM

2014-06-24T12:05:11-04:00

They should keep and here is why.

The Native American tribe trying to get them to change their name was relatively unknown until a few years ago. With that said, there are a lot of Native Americans that support the Redskins. They think that the team is honoring them like a lot of other teams with Native American themes or names. We do not see the Florida Seminoles going after Florida State to get them to change their name. The Seminoles Support Florida St. It was a shame that, can't remember which Dakota, the University of one of the Dakota's had to change their name from Fighting Sioux, all because the tribe thought it was offensive. When I contend they were honoring the tribe.

This is just Political Correctness run Amok. And I think these individuals should understand history better before they open their mouths and say change it.

Response by SPC Christopher Smith made Jun 24 at 2014 12:15 PM

2014-06-24T12:15:29-04:00

I'm biased seeing how I am a fan of the team, but really I believe there is no case to make them change their name. One female in my unit who identifies herself as Native American says she doesn't mind the name at all and was a bit upset that her High School mascot wasn't the same. I'm not saying the whole group is kosher with the name, but I feel offended being called by my last name all the time, I don't see the military stopping that anytime soon.

Response by SGT Thomas Sullivan made Jun 24 at 2014 1:24 PM

2014-06-24T13:24:37-04:00

Ive been a redskins fan since I was a kid. If we had to change our name, our games against Dallas would never be the same.

Response by SSG Trevor S. made Jun 24 at 2014 1:27 PM

2014-06-24T13:27:40-04:00

I think the accurate question should be, is the trade mark office held to a criminal contempt of court standard for ignorining court rulings?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 24 at 2014 1:47 PM

2014-06-24T13:47:27-04:00

The overwhelming majority of those making a big deal over this are those who do not even have a dog in the fight. Knee jerk reactions to what is the popular cause. Sometimes you don't like something, just don't not like it for the rest of us who have no issue with it. #HTTR

Response by Cpl Brett Wagner made Jun 24 at 2014 3:54 PM

2014-06-24T15:54:02-04:00

First I must say I am not a football fan so I have not dog in this fight (grew up playing hockey and that is my interest). Secondly I must say I am probably going to rub some of you the wrong way, nothing new for me. I will also say my mother was half American Indian so maybe I have a little dog in the fight(?). They tried this whole thing with the Redskins before in 1999, I think, and it failed then too. I can understand how the name can be offensive and hurtful to some. I think we all have things that hurt and offend us in our lives but we are forced to accept them. I for one am offended by how the American Indian has been treated in the past and is still treated by our government and society. Can you imagine any other ethnic group that could be confined to pieces of land designated by the U.S. government? We did it for a short time to Japanese Americans during WW II and we have since publicly apologized and paid reparations. Today the AI is still treated like a second class citizen. Unfortunately some AI organizations have learned all too well from the whites how to take advantage of even their own people. I would rather see the people who are putting so much money and effort into changing a football team's name put all the money and effort into helping the AI out of a cycle of despair and provide real opportunity for them to be successful. Create the AI equivalent of the NAACP, JDL, La Raza or other minority organization aimed at helping. Changing a name will not help one American Indian in his or her daily life.

Response by CMDCM Gene Treants made Jun 24 at 2014 6:38 PM

2014-06-24T18:38:43-04:00

SA Harrold Hansman pointed out to me that many people view Football as a Religion. I know that I have heard the Name of God invoked often and pitifully by both sides at many "games." Since so many pray at Football Games and view it as such, should it be covered under the First Amendment and be protected?

In Fact, does the Freedom of Speech Clause of the 1st also apply? If so, should the Federal Government just bow out of the entire debate?

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 24 at 2014 7:24 PM

2014-06-24T19:24:30-04:00

Where is everyone getting the idea that anyone is forcing them to change their name, btw?
The ruling was that they can't trademark that term. No one has ever said or insinuated that they will be forced to change the name of the team. Someone watching too much cable news hysteria?

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 24 at 2014 7:44 PM

2014-06-24T19:44:39-04:00

Also just found this

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 24 at 2014 7:48 PM

2014-06-24T19:48:10-04:00

I appreciate everyones responses to my question. However I do ask that you express you opinions proffesionally and have respect for your fellow service member. Thanks all!!!

Response by MSG Martin C. made Jun 24 at 2014 10:31 PM

2014-06-24T22:31:08-04:00

I have a dilemma when it comes down to this topic because as I do sympathize with Native American tribes that feel disrespected by the teams name, I don't agree with the government stand on the issue. I believe that this is a civil matter and there is plenty of topics that require our government attention more than the name of a private enterprise. Where do we draw the line with being political correct are we going to change cracker jacks, Cracker Barrel, Kansas city chiefs that's a native reference, or what about every troop name in Calvary units like Apache, Black Foot etc, are we going to change those as well. I personally like most Americans do not associate the name Red Skins with racism but I think of RGIII and why Cousins is not the starter. I think this issue should be left to the civil courts.

Response by SGT Curtis Earl made Jun 25 at 2014 7:38 AM

2014-06-25T07:38:07-04:00

Y'all need to accept that some of our traditions are racially and and sexually insensitive. As a nation, this kinda stuff is no longer acceptable.

1. Native Americans are not animals. Animals don't really don't have rights. So the PETA analogy below is irrelevant.

2. Redskins is a racial slur - it just doesn't bother non-Native Americans because it doesn't refer to you. We wouldn't accept someone being called a "redskin" at the CQ desk or the Quarter Deck. Seriously, if I heard someone refer to a native american serviceman as a 'redskin', I'd say something to them and then report them to EO.

I'd be equally offended if there was a team named the 'San Francisco Spades', 'Washington Wops' or some other obnoxious slur.

3. no one is forcing the redskins to do anything. It's a slur and can't be a real trademark. The Trademark office can't force anyone to do anything. They can keep calling themselves that as long as they want. I used to be offended by the term 'Cracker Barrel' until I learned the real history behind their name. They aren't using an actual slur for Caucasians.

Solution: The Redskins can change their name to a local tribe and go into an agreement to with that tribe like Florida State does. They should strive to make their team name a point of DIGNITY rather than a divisive term of oppression.

Response by SSG John Bacon made Jun 25 at 2014 9:16 AM

2014-06-25T09:16:30-04:00

But only take out the Washington part because it's embarrassing.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Jun 25 at 2014 10:18 AM

2014-06-25T10:18:17-04:00

Where do we draw the line? I could find pirates, buccaneers and raiders offensive for the same reason? Cetacean mammals should find the Dolphin offensive because of the way they have been playing the last few years. IF you don't like Redskins, and who would blame you, root for the Giants or Eagles...or better yet the Cowboys. That would be awesome if Native Americans pulled for the Cowboys because they didn't like the name 'Redskins'.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 25 at 2014 10:48 AM

2014-06-25T10:48:20-04:00

A part of my ethnic background is Navajo, so though I am ethnically Native American, I am truly American for having been born in the United states and further I am a patriotic American for having served my country. Having said that, reading many of the responses here, I see a great deal of emotion tied into this subject. Frankly I think that mistakes were made with Native American groups. The biggest IMHO, is allowing them to maintain sovereignty and entitlements. I firmly believe just as in any other conquest, the losing side is absorbed into the winning side culture. Maintaining identity, culture, customs, etc. is certainly acceptable. Now having stated that as sovereign nations I do not believe they should have a voice in how any one business, organization, individual conducts themselves. It would be as if Mexico decided they didn't like the look of the Sombrero guy on a taco stand. I am proud to be "Native American" but I do think they have bigger fish to fry; such as combating rampant alcoholism, crime, abuse etc. I read earlier where someone stated this was frivolous and was downvoted. Well in the bigger picture a sports team logo is not as important as many other social injustices which need greater attention drawn to them.

Response by SSG Noah Grove made Jun 25 at 2014 10:49 AM

2014-06-25T10:49:58-04:00

It is a derogatory term, plain and simple. It needs to be changed.

Response by CPO Greg Frazho made Jun 25 at 2014 12:51 PM

2014-06-25T12:51:13-04:00

Consider this a watershed moment in cultural sensitivity going way overboard. I ask, "What's next?" Are the Chicago Blackhawks under the crosshairs next? How about the K.C. Chiefs? The Vancouver Canucks? The (formerly) Fighting Sioux of the University of North Dakota have already had to defrock and so did Eastern Michigan University's Hurons years ago. I'm part Huron from like many generations back. Do you think I gave a shit about that team name? Not in the least. My wife's half Native American. She couldn't care less if the Redskins are called the Redskins. Plenty of Native Americans are fine with the name and have even worn Redskins apparel in public. So what's the problem? When does this nonsense stop? We have MUCH more relevant things to consider in our daily discourses. The team name of a sports franchise is now served up in the same breath as immigration reform, the partitioning of Ukraine and the implosion of Iraq? Do we wonder why our country's losing it's superpower status? How are mascot names like Sioux, Redskins or Hurons offensive in the first damn place? Isn't it, on the contrary, indicative of Native American pride? Which is, in larger context, being part of our nation's culture? Or am I just being....insensitive?

Response by Cpl Ray Fernandez made Jun 25 at 2014 5:34 PM

2014-06-25T17:34:31-04:00

There are bigger problems the politicians need to deal with.

Response by SSG Robert Burns made Jun 25 at 2014 5:42 PM

2014-06-25T17:42:13-04:00

What about Redman tobacco? That's older than the Washignton Redskins. Where's the uproar about them?

Response by Cpl Brett Wagner made Jun 25 at 2014 6:34 PM

2014-06-25T18:34:02-04:00

There are too many groups in America today. Instead of being Irish-American, German-American, African-American, Mexican-American, etc. We should all just concentrate on being Americans. We are one big family and we are going to hurt each other from time to time but the important part is that we recognize it and recover instead of dwelling on the bad. I leave you all with this great speech by John Wayne.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_fuzLTrwVbc

The Hyphen - By John Wayne

I found this audio recording by John Wayne which has a great message. It is about "The Hyphen". I think there is a great message that not only Americans but ...

Response by SSgt Jersun Amos made Jun 25 at 2014 6:50 PM

2014-06-25T18:50:22-04:00

Though I'm not a redskin's fan, I think that it's wrong because of the fact that it's been socially acceptable up to this point and they are already a nationally recognized institution. So why now make a change, when it's what we're used to. It doesn't promote racial segregation nor does it promote racism, in my opinion....they are just a football team.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 26 at 2014 8:08 AM

2014-06-26T08:08:57-04:00

The only thing wrong is that the team was named this to begin with. People need to brush up on their history and stop looking the other way. Native Americans in the past have been referred to as the "Red man" which is pretty derogatory if you ask me. That's like calling Asians "Yellow skins". The Redskins team name should have changed long before the Washington Bullets were renamed the Wizards. That got changed because people were uncomfortable with the weapon reference. Seriously...give me a break. At least that name wasn't a racial stereotype.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 26 at 2014 6:13 PM

2014-06-26T18:13:11-04:00

Well I guess the word Chief is offensive too.
[url]http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/06/26/plaintiff-in-redskins-patent-case-urges-chiefs-to-change-their-name/[/url]

Plaintiff in Redskins case urges Chiefs to change theirname

The Washington Redskins aren’t the only NFL team whose name bothers some Native Americans. The Kansas City Chiefs should also change their name to avoid giving offense, according to Amanda Blackhorse, the lead plaintiff in the case that the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office just decided against the Redskins. “I’m not sure there’s anything the…

Response by SSG Robert Burns made Jun 26 at 2014 8:45 PM

2014-06-26T20:45:47-04:00

I think this is a good compromise.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 26 at 2014 9:42 PM

2014-06-26T21:42:36-04:00

nothing wrong with the name

Response by MSG(P) Michael Warrick made Jun 27 at 2014 7:59 AM

2014-06-27T07:59:52-04:00

Now they are targeting the Kansas City Chiefs because of their name!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 29 at 2014 12:59 AM

2014-06-29T00:59:07-04:00

I think I'll defer to some real heroes who understand the issue.

Redskins honor members of the Navajo Code Talkers Association

The group was recognized during the Redskins-49ers game as a joint celebration of the NFL's Salute to Service month and Native American Heritage month.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 30 at 2014 10:43 AM

2014-06-30T10:43:23-04:00

Are we going to change the Atlanta Braves as well?

Response by SGT Allison Churchill made Jun 30 at 2014 11:28 AM

2014-06-30T11:28:02-04:00

Yes, people who want to be offended will always find something offensive if they look hard enough.

But every other team name that people are listing as possibly offensive was at one point a nickname for a group of people that they themselves used. Notre Dame U. was started by Irish people, and Irish people created the "Fighting Irish" team name.

"Redskins" was never a positive term. Never. It's a leftover from a really ugly period of America's history. It should have never been a team name to begin with, and there's no reason for it to be a team name now.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 30 at 2014 3:23 PM

2014-06-30T15:23:02-04:00

I think they should change it to the Washington Piscataways (the group of Algonquian who inhabited Maryland/DC area)... Yes, there are a bunch of you who will stumble on the proper pronunciation.

Response by COL James Stevens Roach made Jun 30 at 2014 6:19 PM

2014-06-30T18:19:12-04:00

"Some people are in the business of being offended, just as Campbell is in the business of making soup” Thomas Sowell

Response by COL James Stevens Roach made Jun 30 at 2014 6:21 PM

2014-06-30T18:21:35-04:00

Amanda Blackhorse, a Navajo who successfully moved a federal agency to withdraw trademark protections from the Washington Redskins because it considers the team's name derogatory, lives on a reservation where Navajos root for the Red Mesa High School Redskins. She opposes this name; the Native Americans who picked and retain it evidently do not.

Response by PO1 Neil Brennan made Jun 30 at 2014 9:55 PM

2014-06-30T21:55:45-04:00

On one hand I think the franchise has treated their icon with the greatest of respect over the years; on the other I'd love to hear some suggestions for a new sobriquet, it could be a hoot.
Not that many years ago the Washington Bullets change their name to the more PC Wizards. It always is good for a chuckle when a bunch of drunken fans get up and cheer "Let's GO WIZ"...and so they would:-)

Response by SGT Dana Glusovich made Jul 10 at 2014 12:22 PM

2014-07-10T12:22:30-04:00

If its offensive to a large demographic of our society, and it is, then change the name, its pretty cut and dried.
Money will be there, its the NFL, and there is so much $$ to be made with rebranding its rediculous...

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 18 at 2014 7:58 PM

2014-07-18T19:58:12-04:00

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member The guy representing Native Americans on this issue, should be more concerned about the tragically high number of rapes on the reservations. The trademark individuals are being leaned out and shameless. Fix the conditions on these reservations and stop making this an issue. We have homeless people and we are being politically correct over total BS.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 18 at 2014 8:01 PM

2014-07-18T20:01:53-04:00

I like seeing so many responses. Thank you everyone for your responses I can't believe i had so many on such a early question posted by me.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 19 at 2014 3:31 PM

2014-07-19T15:31:50-04:00

Why isn't there an option for 'I don't follow football, and really don't give a rat's you know what' ???

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 11 at 2014 7:08 AM

2014-08-11T07:08:00-04:00

Hello

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Nov 13 at 2014 3:26 AM

2014-11-13T03:26:41-05:00

I only know NHL.....and then, only the Philadelphia Flyers. I don't even know if they actually changed their name. Who is the driving force behing this cause?

Response by SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS made Nov 13 at 2014 8:42 AM

2014-11-13T08:42:35-05:00

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member Keep it. Let's slow the ebb and tide of political correctness. The Redskins have been so named for a considerable portion of time. Until the age of PC crept up on us, no one had an issue.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 13 at 2014 9:28 AM

2014-11-13T09:28:17-05:00

I don't have strong feelings about this one, but I voted they should change because it's offensive: It is offensive to Native Americans, so they should do the right thing.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 13 at 2014 9:34 AM

2014-11-13T09:34:55-05:00

I think the PC police needs to just go away!!

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 13 at 2014 11:19 AM

2014-11-13T11:19:58-05:00

Redskins???? Detroit Lions!!! Motown for life!

Response by Maj Chris Nelson made Nov 13 at 2014 11:24 AM

2014-11-13T11:24:38-05:00

Sometimes, politicians and "political correctness" go to far...

Response by SPC Richard White made Nov 24 at 2014 4:22 AM

2014-11-24T04:22:26-05:00

This country is getting to politically correct in my opinion.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 24 at 2014 4:20 AM

2014-11-24T04:20:35-05:00

I am offended by the fact that I am offended by offensive offensiveness. I stop counting...lol

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 24 at 2014 4:24 AM

2014-11-24T04:24:45-05:00

As a Dallas fan I stand shoulder to shoulder with our Redskin rival. That NFL ex-ref Cary sucks and so do the people whose biggest issue is a name. For crying out loud, rape is rampant on the reservation. I bet the victims would rather have the name change to offset the bad done on the reservations. I saw the pain and misery because of alcohol and sexual assault.

Response by SGT Steve Vincent made Nov 24 at 2014 9:12 AM

2014-11-24T09:12:07-05:00

This is nothing but political correctness run amok, and demagoguery on the part of the Democratic party. History( i.e. facts) show us that the person who came up with the name and emblem wasn't some old white guy who was an evil, racist fart, but a Native American. Over 80% of all Native Americans polled agreed that the term is not offensive to them, and they fail to see what the hubbub is about. It appears that this is nothing more of the same; the Democratic Party telling people what they should/shouldn't be offended over, and if they still won't be offended, be offended for them! There are about a million things more important that the Senate in particular, and the Government as whole, should be concentrating on. This is absolutely ridiculous.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 24 at 2014 9:22 AM

2014-11-24T09:22:07-05:00

It's all based on a false premise. The name isn't offensive.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 24 at 2014 9:27 AM

2014-11-24T09:27:09-05:00

Change the logo to a potato, then everyone can shut up about it.

Response by PO2 Corey Ferretti made Nov 24 at 2014 3:37 PM

2014-11-24T15:37:56-05:00

To me this is not an evolving thing. There are Indian teams called redskins. If the President wants to get involved with something how bout he make a public proclamation against the "N" word no matter what your skin color is i hate hearing it.

Response by PV2 Abbott Shaull made Nov 30 at 2014 12:44 AM

2014-11-30T00:44:29-05:00

This is all silly bs about being Political Correct. It been it team name for years. Another example of this Administration going ahead doing what the hell it wants regardless if it legal or not.

Response by SPC Nathan Acreman made Jul 23 at 2015 7:29 PM

2015-07-23T19:29:59-04:00

Another case of smoke and mirrors politicing, or even better diversion policy making. Hey look over there a racist sports team, ok Mr Putin they are distracted where would you like me to sign. I don't think too many are concerned about the name and if they are it would be with hiw horrible the team with that name plays.