NFL Team Name Controversy

Recent controversy over the name of a Washington Football team, the NFL Redskins, has brought about some debate on the exploitation of Native American culture. There have been lawsuits filed against the trademark by the Oneida Nation, claiming that the term “Redskins” is a racial slur and should not be used as the name of a National Football League team. A major “Change the Mascot” campaign has been launched against the team name, including radio ads and protests at major away games, including Green Bay and Dallas.

Owner Dan Snyder, however, disagrees with the sentiments of the Oneida Indian Nation and supports of the campaign. He denies any efforts to change the name, though he expresses great respect for the campaign supporters and Native American groups offended by the name. He also goes on to say that “I hope such individuals also try to respect what the name means, not only for all of us in the extended Washington Redskins family, but among Native Americans too.”

What’s funny about this statement is that only wants respect for the rich history of his team. Everyone understands that, including me. What I cannot understand is how the history of a football team can compare to that of an ethic group that has been wildly disrespected at every turn. What Mr. Snyder is missing is a little dose of Empathy.

Imagine a little black cartoon, with bold pink lips, a top hat, and a wide smile, brilliantly named Jim. We’ll say that this little black character is the face of a football team, and has been for over 80 years. Some people are offended by the connotations surrounding the character, but the memories associated with the team have outweighed the backlash, because everyone knows that sports memories are more important than the oppressed history of a nation of people.

You can see how absurd this sounds, because many people would be offended by a satirical depiction of their identity. Anyone would have an issue with being misrepresented. Is that not how America was founded in the first place, because of being taken advantage of and misrepresented by Great Britain? I don’t think the problem is that it mocks the culture, as the names of other well-known teams- Braves, Chiefs, or Seminoles does. The point is that those offended by the term do not recognize it as a symbol of their culture as the American owners of the team do. With this being said, I am not sure what “meaning” Snyder was referring to in his statement. If it holds any meaning to the Indian people, I doubt its positive or worthy of honor, being that it is seen as a racial slur.

Furthermore, you would think that as a country we would understand that certain subjects are sensitive and should not be mocked. In 2013, people still have to be told to respect each other’s feelings and cultures, and that is what this issue is all about: Respect for your fellow man. That is not to say that your fellow man’s sports team isn't also due respect, however I think most people would agree that people should come before franchises.