Controversy among the Washington Redskins’ team name has recently erupted after NBC Sportscaster Bob Costas came on air to voice his personal opinion during halftime of the Oct 13 football game between the Redskins and the Cowboys.
In a poll of 1,004 adults, taken by the Associated Press in April 2013, 79% of people believed that the Redskins should NOT change their name. Two of these responding individuals were American Indian or Alaska Native although we do not know what their individual opinion was.
I do not think the Redskins should change their name. I agree with the 79% of people that thought the Redskins should not change their name. I think that there need to be at least 40% of people against the name for the Redskins to spend money on changing their name and logo.
Many people have taken the Native’s opinions into their own hands and have said that the name is offensive to their culture. The term “redskin” refers to both the skin color of the native americans and the torture of skinning Native Americans for a bounty. However, recent polling of native tribes proves otherwise.
In Sept 2004, the National Annenberg Election Survey polled 768 Native Americans. Of the 768 Native Americans 90% said the term “redskins” was not offensive.
If most actual Native americans don’t see this as a major offensive issue then I don’t believe the Redskins need to change their name. Also I see the name being honored if anything, when you think of an NFL player you think strong, fast, powerful, and fearless. These players also represent the team and name.
Recently Native Americans have taken to social media to voice their opinions. On twitter the hashtag “changethename” has been a link to their voices. Also the twitter account “Change The Mascot” has received 629 followers and houses over 800 tweets calling upon the Redskins to change their name and mascot.
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