Mascot Issue (AGAIN)

[hooskins]

Originally Posted by jdlea

Something to consider: these are the only results from dictionary.com. 3 out of 4 say "offensive" and not one references football.

Then why did all those native american groups surveyed say the Washington Redskins were not offensive?

[jdlea]

Originally Posted by hooskins

Then why did all those native american groups surveyed say the Washington Redskins were not offensive?

I'm not really saying that they should change the name, I'm just presenting facts. I don't really think it matters what I think, it's gonna change. It doesn't matter how I feel about the situation, I think it's going to happen. I'm concerned about a lot more important things than the name of the football team in Washington.

[SkinEmAll]

Originally Posted by jdlea

I'm not really saying that they should change the name, I'm just presenting facts. I don't really think it matters what I think, it's gonna change. It doesn't matter how I feel about the situation, I think it's going to happen. I'm concerned about a lot more important things than the name of the football team in Washington.

Yes there are many things more important in life than the name of our favorite football team. But some things are worth fighting for. I just cant imagine such a small group who thinks they speak for all Indian nations, oh excuse me, Native frickin americans, winning a battle like this. It is a name of a football team, that what it is associated with. You dont see guys in a bar fight yelling, "im gonna kick yer ass you,you, redskin!!" I think its a waste of time and money and energy.

[jdlea]

Originally Posted by SkinEmAll

You dont see guys in a bar fight yelling, "im gonna kick yer ass you,you, redskin!!"

I might if I ever saw Native Americans. I, personally, have never met one and no frame of reference as to how any of them feel as about the subject. I just don't think this is that big of a deal.

[Sheriff Gonna Getcha]

Originally Posted by hooskins

Then why did all those native american groups surveyed say the Washington Redskins were not offensive?

The Native American community has mixed attitudes about it; some hate it, others don't mind it, and still others love it. A close family friend is a Menominee Indian and she cannot stand the name, thinks it's so unbelievably disrespectful, and says that if people knew the history of the term they wouldn't support it. She equates it to calling the team the Washington N----rs.

As I said earlier, I'm not so passionate about the issue and, frankly, I don't understand people who get so worked up about it one way or the other. I don't think the term Redskin is as bad as some other racial epithets, but it's not exactly 100% free of prejudice (at least when you consider the term's history).

It seems to be very similar to a Confederate Flag, only a lot more of us are familiar with the history of the stars and bars than the history of the term "Redskin." There are a lot of people who do not associate the Confederate Flag with racism or slavery, rather they think of the Southern lifestyle and their home states. There are others who are conscious of the flag's history and therefore understandably hate it.

[hooskins]

Originally Posted by Sheriff Gonna Getcha

The Native American community has mixed attitudes about it; some hate it, others don't mind it, and still others love it. A close family friend is a Menominee Indian and she cannot stand the name, thinks it's so unbelievably disrespectful, and says that if people knew the history of the term they wouldn't support it. She equates it to calling the team the Washington N----rs.

As I said earlier, I'm not so passionate about the issue and, frankly, I don't understand people who get so worked up about it one way or the other. I don't think the term Redskin is as bad as some other racial epithets, but it's not exactly 100% free of prejudice (at least when you consider the term's history).

It seems to be very similar to a Confederate Flag, only a lot more of us are familiar with the history of the stars and bars than the history of the term "Redskin." There are a lot of people who do not associate the Confederate Flag with racism or slavery, rather they think of the Southern lifestyle and their home states. There are others who are conscious of the flag's history and therefore understandably hate it.

Yeah, I want to dig up an article with that survey and it's specifics. But I do see where you are coming from. Either way I think one of the guys brought up a good idea, how about continue with the name Washington Redskins, but change the logo on the helmet or remove it. That way both sides get a bit of what they want.

[SmootSmack]

By the same token a close friend of mine is Cherokee and he has no problem whatsoever with the name, so you have both ends of the spectrum.

But the lawsuit isn't about dropping the name, it's about dropping the trademark protection...which would be great for Summo who can sell his wallpapers worldwide!