Paintrain's all encompassing 'discuss all things offseason' thread (Version 2.0)

[KI Skins Fan]

Originally Posted by SirLK26

I'm sure you're aware that there's a number of high schools here in America with a majority Native-American population that still use the nickname Redskins. Suzan Harjo should perhaps unite her fellow "offended" Native Americans if she wants to succeed.

In addition, there's considerable evidence that the name did not begin as a racist term. And obviously it's not used as a derogatory term today. So why must it go?

Hail To the Redskins: NFL Must Save Name, Image, Legacy

Redskins: The debate over the Washington football team's name incorrectly invokes history.

This is a time of racial sensitivity. People are eager to get on board to fight any form of racism, real or imagined, or at least, to avoid being associated with anything that is generally perceived to be racist.

Once the press gets ahold of a story that is, to them, representative of the vestiges of racism, they will work it like a dog works a bone. People who were on the fence will be overwhelmed by the press coverage and by their friends and acquaintances who have been told what to think by the press. Eventually, the fence sitters will change their minds and support the name change.

When it becomes apparent to politicians that there is advantage to be gained by showing support for forcing the name change they will bestow on us their brand of "moral leadership" by writing letters, threatening the NFL, and eventually holding congressional hearings on the issue. In time, the NFL will tire of this unwanted congressional attention and drop their support of Dan Snyder on this issue.

That leaves only Dan Snyder, his minions, and a small group of hardcore fans on his side of the issue. At that point, it's all over. Snyder is not going to win, so why should he go through all of aggravation?

I can think of one reason. I assume that Dan Snyder is working right now on a comprehensive marketing campaign to roll out a new team name complete with new uniforms, lots and lots of cool new gear for fans to purchase, etc. Once this is ready to roll out, he'll announce that he has had a change of heart and the name will be changed. He instantly becomes a good guy who is in the spotlight and in a perfect position to roll out all the good money-making stuff. He'll take the lemons and make lemonade, as he should.

Ultimately, the team name will be changed but the resolution of this issue will not make us a moral people or contribute much to the welfare of Native American tribes. In the end, the primary change in all of this will be that Dan Snyder will get richer. That's how our system works.