What do you think of the word Redskins? Redskins is the name given to the Washington DC football team to represent a Native American mascot. This topic has been controversial for years now as the term is discriminating against Native Americans. Many have agreed upon the NFL dropping the name. Yet, some believe that the name gives respect to the Natives and wants to keep the name as showing honor to them. Although the Washington DC football team supports the Natives, their team name is seen as derogatory because the term dehumanizes Natives, symbolizes offensive terminology against the culture and is deemed as racist.
In football, they use mascots to bring luck or to represent a group with a common public identity. Some believe Native …show more content…
In the article, The real history of Native American team names Erik Brady, Director of the National Museum of the American Indian: Do Native American mascots honor or offend? Brady believes that it is offensive stating that, “ … American Indian team names simply did not and could not connote respect in the age when they emerged.” Therefore, during this time period, there was a stigma against Natives and he believes the name fits that stigma. No other race was respected as much as another during this time period, many races were discriminated against and ridiculed. Being that this was an issue around this time how does the name “Redskins” not be seen as offensive? It is calling someone out there name due to the color of their skin because it is making fun of the way the Natives look. Also, the fans of the team behavior of the Natives have racists intentions as well. Blackhorse writes, “What I saw at the Kansas City-Washington game was depressing. I saw fans “playing Indian,” wearing outrageous and pathetic costumes that stereotyped traditional Native American regalia.” Fans think it is okay to undermine the culture of the football teams mascot, which they are supposed to be supporting and showing pride. Yet, this is not being supportive or showing pride towards the Natives. This is showing how ignorant people can be when it comes to something they are supposed to
In football, they use mascots to bring luck or to represent a group with a common public identity. Some believe Native …show more content…
In the article, The real history of Native American team names Erik Brady, Director of the National Museum of the American Indian: Do Native American mascots honor or offend? Brady believes that it is offensive stating that, “ … American Indian team names simply did not and could not connote respect in the age when they emerged.” Therefore, during this time period, there was a stigma against Natives and he believes the name fits that stigma. No other race was respected as much as another during this time period, many races were discriminated against and ridiculed. Being that this was an issue around this time how does the name “Redskins” not be seen as offensive? It is calling someone out there name due to the color of their skin because it is making fun of the way the Natives look. Also, the fans of the team behavior of the Natives have racists intentions as well. Blackhorse writes, “What I saw at the Kansas City-Washington game was depressing. I saw fans “playing Indian,” wearing outrageous and pathetic costumes that stereotyped traditional Native American regalia.” Fans think it is okay to undermine the culture of the football teams mascot, which they are supposed to be supporting and showing pride. Yet, this is not being supportive or showing pride towards the Natives. This is showing how ignorant people can be when it comes to something they are supposed to