The controversy over the name Redskins is not new, but escalated again when The Oneida Nation launched the “Change the Mascot” campaign a few months ago and last week held a Symposium in Washington, DC.
Many Native American groups believe that the term “redskin” is a racial slur, and as such, it perpetuates demeaning stereotypes of Native Americans. Civil rights, educational, athletic, and academic organizations consider any use of native names/symbols by non-native sports teams to be inappropriate and harmful.
However supporters of keeping the name believe it is a way of honoring the achievements and virtues of Native Americans.
Consider that the term “redskin” is now defined by American English dictionaries as “usually offensive”, “disparaging”, “insulting”, “taboo” and is avoided in public usage with the exception of its continued use as a name for sports teams.
What in the world is the rationale for the term to not be acceptable in every other context except for names of sport teams? How can some view the name as a way of honoring a people when Native Americans by and large do not share that sentiment? The intent may be non-discriminatory but the experience for Native Americans is harmful.
Why is it offensive? The label was “given” to natives by non-natives to distinguish between racial groups with the net effect of widespread discriminatory behavior towards Native Americans in this country.
For those of you who read The Inclusion Solution regularly, you know that I am pretty consistent in my view that if you have not lived in someone else’s shoes, you do not have a perspective on their experience. For Don Snyder to say that he does not care what people think, the name will remain the same is a prime example of why diversity efforts are “stuck”. The inability or unwillingness to listen and see a different perspective is keeping us at this contentious, polarized place.
It is encouraging that Washington Redskin leadership is now willing to meet with Oneida Nation leadership. If you want to join the change the mascot movement, go to changethemascot.org to find out ways that you can take action.
I hope that Don Snyder will have to eat his words and realize that “never” is here.
Image source: changethemascot.org.
