Nicole Schafer
The Paw Print
To be called a Washington Redskin, is it racist or not? A redskin, being a slang term for a Native American, could potentially be just a form of pride that this football team takes on. No harm intended. Other’s like myself could find it racist, not by the players but by the owner of the team.
Dan Synder received a letter requesting to change the name and the mascot because it was offensive to the Native American Culture. He says “We will never change the name of the team,” portraying a sense of racism.
The players wouldn’t mind the name change or new uniforms as long as they got paid, so ultimately it is the owners’ responsibility. The reason why Native Americans view this as racist is because the fans dress up in gawky costumes and dance ridiculously to try and portray the Native American culture. They find this simple gesture offensive because their culture is sacred to them, it gives them a sense of security and peace. Through these sporting events, they feel robbed of what is unique to their culture. Long ago when the Native Americans roamed the plains, they believed that the land owned them and that they were servants to Mother Nature because of all that she provided. Now, “Big white man” owns the land has restricted their culture to a mere reservation that is not capable of being cultivated.
Then for the “Big white man” to turn around and mock their culture for their own enjoyment, it can be very hurtful and frustrating. Now people might say that the Native Americans might be overreacting and are being a little bit sensitive but isn’t that the same reason that the whites came here to America?
The British were taking over and controlling them and restricting or prohibiting their beliefs. So to get some relief and freedom, they traveled thousands of miles where they could be free to practice whatever they please without living in fear. As a nation, we have now put the Native Americans in the exact same position we were in over 200 years ago.
Then to say that it’s fair to give them monthly pay that’s not quite realistic while living on a reservation, where it’s the only place they have to feel safe about their culture. It’s cruel. They can’t leave because the outside world does not support or recognize their cultural beliefs, and it would never be the same as it is in the reservation or when they once roamed the plains free of persecution. Do you think the Washington Redskins should change their name?
What’s Been Said…