Time For The Redskins To Change Their Name
Back To The Future
For several years now Native Americans as well as other citizens have been calling for the Washington Redskins of the National Football League to remove the name redskins and adopt another name. Their argument has been centered around the negative connotation of the moniker and its offensive nature.
And they have a valid argument.
The name itself carries a derogatory implication that today's modern society has outgrown.
In our nation's past Native Americans were disparaged and frowned upon in ways that were indecent and degrading and within that treatment they were called many unflattering names of which "redskin" was one.
It was a term used to express an unfriendly and hostile attitude towards native Americans with the intent of inflicting shame and pain.
The word is offensive to Native Americans and in this day and time should not be carried by a professional sports team of any kind.
You would think the owner of the Redskins would understand and sympathize with that sentiment but it appears he does not.
From Daniel Snyder's Mouth To Our Ears
What's The Problem?
In spite of the mountain of opposition against the Redskins keeping their name owner Daniel Snyder remains adamant about not changing it.
But why?
There are any number of names that could be used in its place without doing much to change team logos, merchandise or uniforms but Snyder insists that a name changeover would be too costly and cause massive disruption to his organization.
That however, is simply not true.
The real problem, more than likely, is that Snyder does not like being told what to do with his team. People of power and position have a tendency to feel that way and rightfully so to a degree. But in this case doing the right thing outweighs any individual feelings he may have about being his own man.
The handwriting is on the wall and time is running out on Mr. Snyder to act.
The U.S. patent office has already declined to renew the Redskins patent thus cancelling their trademark on the grounds that the name was disparaging to Native Americans.
Likewise senate majority leader Harry Reid joined in the fray denouncing the redskin name and calling for it to be changed.
With all of the opposition to the Redskins organization maintaining its present namesake it appears it is only a matter of time before they will be forced to give up the fight and relinquish the name.
As Spike Lee implored us: "Do The Right Thing" Mr. Snyder.
