Author: Joe Siegal
Let’s be clear: the word “Redskin” is a racial slur. It is a linguistic relic of a time period in which white Americans massacred and ostracized Native Americans. Moreover, it’s a reminder of the shameful mistreatment of the people who originally lived on the land that became this country. Keeping the word around in the public consciousness and allowing it to be normalized as the name of the National Football League’s (NFL) Washington Redskins, one of the country’s most popular sports teams, is simply wrong.
Though there has always been harsh long-term opposition to the Redskins’ team name and its use of Native American iconography, public opinion and media attention have been strongly mounting against the team as of late, capped off by a recent statement from President Barack Obama. Obama, in an interview with The Associated Press, stated that he would consider changing the name of the team if he were in charge of the organization.
In the wake of Obama’s comments, NBC sportscaster Bob Costas also commented on the issue during last weekend’s primetime Sunday Night Football broadcast. “Ask yourself what the equivalent would be if directed toward African-Americans, Hispanics, Asians or members of any other ethnic group,” he said. “When considered that way, ‘Redskins’ can’t possibly honor a heritage or a noble character trait…It’s an insult, a slur, no matter how benign the present-day intent.”
A wholly unpopular figure as far as the media and fans are concerned, Redskins owner Dan Snyder has stubbornly refused to ever change the team’s name, citing the tradition surrounding the team’s history.
“I respect the feelings of those who are offended by the team name,” Snyder wrote in a recent open letter to the organization’s season ticket holders. “But I hope such individuals also try to respect what the name means, not only for all of us in the extended Washington Redskins family, but among Native Americans too.”
Respecting what the word means to Native Americans would mean never saying it, never selling merchandise with the word on it and never profiting off its use. Snyder’s phrasing was poor and his position is reprehensible, and while he calls for the public’s respect on the matter, he does not deserve any.
Snyder is now rightfully facing a groundswell of criticism that will hopefully lead to a change in his position.
It should not take the president speaking out against the use of a racial epithet to cause this kind of public awareness. It’s an indictment of the Redskins, the NFL and American culture that it took this long to take a stand.
That said, the sooner Snyder changes his mind, the better. Drawing out this debate will make Snyder and his organization look immeasurably more stubborn once the name change inevitably takes place. The final step will be for the team’s fans to put aside their support for the team and speak out against Snyder.
Joe Siegal is a junior American Studies major. He can be reached at siegal@oxy.edu or on Twitter @WklyJSiegal.
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