Should the Washington Redskins Keep their Name?
Written by Sarah Freeman
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The
issue of sports teams using Native Americans as logos and mascots. In recent
news, the Cleveland Indians Baseball team finally took Cheif Wahoo off of the
team's shirts. The mascot is still on merchandise but this is a step forward.
After taking the Cheif Wahoo of the jerseys of the plays people have been
brought up the issue of having the Washington Redskins change their name. The
Redskins are an NFL team and have been under fire for this name for years. You
might wonder why is this such a big deal it's just a name for a football team.
The term Redskins is a racial slur for Native American’s. This is not uncommon
in the United States to have Native American mascots and team names all over.
People are not mascots that is one of the slogans used to protest these racist
actions against Native Americans.
The
mental and rascal problems that come from using names like the Chiefs, Braves,
Redskins, and Savages. These are used in sports and in schools using mascots
that are designed to look like a Native American stereotype. Studies have shown
that children that are Native Ameican in these schools are ridiculed and
racially discriminated. From teams making signs about skinning the other teams.
Phcollogicaly this is affecting how people perceive others that are Native
Ameican with these stereotypes. It put the picture that Native Americans are
not people but something to entertain others at the half time show. People in
the stands wearing feathers and putting on face paint to look like war paint.
Putting on a headdress that is sacred to certain tribes and using it as a prop.
They say they do this to support Native American culture. The argument is that
they are supporting traditions with these mascots and names. That its to
benefit others and its not harming anyone. The names they use like Redskin is a
rascal slur and shouldn’t be a sports teams name especially in the NFL. Protest
and outrage have called for changes and there has been. Over time schools have
listened and mascots have been changed. The ones still standing are stubborn
and not wanting to change because they don’t see the problem. The way the
people portray Native Americans in mascots is stereotypes of Native Americans
of the past. The traditions and rituals are used as mascot and entertainment at
a game. Washington Redskins say they are not being disrespectful by making a
survey to see if the name was offensive instead of listening to the voices of
tribes and activist that scream for change. Children being taught these things
make it hard to see how terrible these things are. Native American youth grow
up being made fun of with these stereotypes and it hurts them.
People
are saying that this is not a big deal that the name isn’t being racist. The
fans by there merchandise with an American Indian on it and cheer on there
favorite team. They truly believe that they are preserving the culture and
traditions of Native Americans instead of the truth. They don’t want to change
because they don’t see the point. They don’t care if it offends someone because
that person is just being sensitive. That this portal of Native Americans in
media doesn’t hurt them at all because they aren’t Native. The ones that are
Native and don’t care is used to it. The ones standing up saying that the
racist's slur is wrong gets backlash and hate for there comments. Is it hard to
rebrand and change the name for the Washington Redskins? It really isn’t it
wouldn’t change there past or their scores. It is just the title and that title
that they use is disrespectful and harmful. It promotes racism and how we treat
Native Americans. The fans dress up and wear a costume to these games showing
their support for their team. They are also making fun of the Native culture in
the process. Taking their religion and sacred dress as fun entertainment
instead of real significance.
In
conclusion, the Washington Redskins should change their name and logo to
something else. Following in the lead with Cleveland Indians and their Baseball
team doing this would be a step forward and a change that needs to happen.
Studies have found that this portal of Native Americans is terrible for Native
American youth and how they see themselves. The racism that is accepted has to
change. This term is terrible and should not be condoned at all. This change
will happen one day with the help of others we can change it. Making these
mascots and names of racism away is for the best. It's not preserving the
culture its making fun of it. This racism needs to stop and change now.
Scorces:
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000912193/article/roger-goodell-doesnt-see-redskins-name-change
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