Is it possible to take offense to something as simple as a team name? The Washington Redskins were originally known as the Boston Braves. When the team moved to the nation’s capital the name was changed to honor the first head coach who identified as a Sioux Indian (Leiby). Many Native Americans find the use of this name offensive and even racist while others are flattered by the mentioning of their ancestry. Over the past several decades there have been many protestors against the use of this term for the NFL team in Washington D.C. The term “Redskins” has been used in reference to football since 1933 (“History”), but is it time for that to change? Many people say that the name “Redskins” is racist and offensive. Being under constant pressure, the Redskins are going to be forced to make a final decision on the name of their franchise. People all over the country are battling the name change from every day football lovers to …show more content…
The most influential organization to chime in is the National Congress of Native Americans. They partnered with the United Church of Christ in an effort to abolish all names and mascots relating to their ancestors. How is it that the Redskins name stays intact with all of these high powered organizations going against it? Despite all these reasons to change the name of the football team, there are many supporters for the name Redskins. The Owner Daniel Snyder has vowed to never change the name and insists that it pays respect and honors Native Americans. Many supports state that the reference to Native Americans is a compliment attributing to their reputations as “tough warriors.” The fans even have a trademark song that they have chanted for decades, “Hail to the Redskins” (“Monday”). How can that be perceived as something