Hurtful names and racial stereotypes of all types were discussed and dissected Thursday in a daylong symposium at the Smithsonian, and the Washington Redskins were at the top of the list for nearly all those who spoke. "I can only imagine what it would be like to be at a football game at FedEx Field in a crowd of close to 90,000, all screaming at the top of their lungs, when what they are screaming is a racial slur," said Judith Bartnoff, a deputy presiding judge in District of Columbia Superior Court. By the time the day was over, they had a convert. Unaware of what the presentation was all about, Andre Holland wore his burgundy and gold Redskins hat, ear muffs and key chain to the National Museum of the American Indian. He was on a field trip with his Sports in America class from Anne Arundel Community College. When the sessions ended, the 20-year-old student had removed the hat and disavowed the nickname of his lifelong favorite NFL team, having been persuaded that it's as racist as the worst names he might be called as an African-American. "I really don't feel right wearing this stuff now," Holland said. "And now I can't even say 'HTTR' -- which is `Hail to the Redskins' -- because that's chanting something racist. I'm going to be a fan of Washington -- a 'Washington football team.' Not the 'Washington Redskins."' Source: CBS Sports
Why stop there? By this same line of thinking, using any ethnic group's name for a sports team is degrading. So see ya Spartans, Minutemen (angry white men with guns), Illini, Irish, etc. All of these need to change to harmless, inoffensive names. The meanings of words change, and I don't think there is any hate in the name now.
What about animal rights? Get rid of all the animal names. I'm sure the Eagles of the world don't like being portrayed as green and white birds. Basically being represented by Mike Vick.
i am sick of all this crap! they have been the redskins over 75 years now,the only reason these whiners are crying now is because they want publicity! in ten years,they'll be pissed at the new name if they get one which ain't happening anytime soon! these folks should spend their time on something meaningful,not waste their time on a worthless cause because the name ain't changing!
well, i think he's stupid if he is 20 years old and just figured out the word 'redskin' has racist connotations. it obviously is a racist word. the only question is whether or not we care that much. i'm white and wouldn't really care if they were named the washington whities or the D.C. crackers but that's just me.
