Comments on: The Washington Redskins and The Stigma of Racism, Is There a Compromise? http://www.truthaboutit.net/2008/08/washington-redskins-and-stigma-of.html a Washington Wizards blog based in Washington, DC, member of the ESPN TrueHoop Network Thu, 09 Feb 2012 19:06:30 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 By: Robert Houston http://www.truthaboutit.net/2008/08/washington-redskins-and-stigma-of.html/comment-page-1#comment-18335 Robert Houston Tue, 13 Dec 2011 19:53:51 +0000 http://truthaboutitwizards.wordpress.com/2008/08/21/the-washington-redskins-and-the-stigma-of-racism-is-there-a-compromise/#comment-18335 Well, I disagree with both Chris and Nate. I believe the term "Redskin" is offensive because when brought overhere to work off their prison sentences, they were given the option to join the army and fight natives, so-called Indians. To get credit for the kill they cut off the ears. But the officers couldn't tell who's ear was native or not because they'd cut of white soldier's ears. Then they were told to scalp, but once again lots of whites have dark hair. They were then told to scalp but leave a piece of "redskin" on it. So, "redskin" isn't offensive in the way that calling someone a derogatory name is. It's like calling a black person a "coon." The word "negro" does mean black in Spanish." But when the Moors controlled the Iberian pensula, the blacks were called Moor. When the Spanish and Portugese overthrew them and then moved to conquor north Africa to kill and capture the blacks the name was changed from Moor to Negro. In a since Negro means dead black, not just black. You know, like "the only good Indian is a dead Indian." Well, I disagree with both Chris and Nate. I believe the term “Redskin” is offensive because when brought overhere to work off their prison sentences, they were given the option to join the army and fight natives, so-called Indians. To get credit for the kill they cut off the ears. But the officers couldn’t tell who’s ear was native or not because they’d cut of white soldier’s ears. Then they were told to scalp, but once again lots of whites have dark hair. They were then told to scalp but leave a piece of “redskin” on it. So, “redskin” isn’t offensive in the way that calling someone a derogatory name is. It’s like calling a black person a “coon.” The word “negro” does mean black in Spanish.” But when the Moors controlled the Iberian pensula, the blacks were called Moor. When the Spanish and Portugese overthrew them and then moved to conquor north Africa to kill and capture the blacks the name was changed from Moor to Negro. In a since Negro means dead black, not just black. You know, like “the only good Indian is a dead Indian.”

]]> By: Nate http://www.truthaboutit.net/2008/08/washington-redskins-and-stigma-of.html/comment-page-1#comment-16795 Nate Thu, 02 Jun 2011 14:35:17 +0000 http://truthaboutitwizards.wordpress.com/2008/08/21/the-washington-redskins-and-the-stigma-of-racism-is-there-a-compromise/#comment-16795 Chris is right, how could anyone think "Redskins" is a name related to Native Americans. Further more as Chris points out, it's like when people hear the word "ni**er" they think basketball first and foremost, not black people. Clearly "ni**er" is very open to interpretation as well. I mean, it's just the English corruption of the Spanish "negro", meaning simply black, and black is a colour meaning it can easily be interpreted as anything other than black people. Chris, you bring up an excellent point with "pigskin". For example, a Racoon has the word "coon" in it and is darkly coloured but is just an animal. So in case any NBA teams need a name change, just make the Racoon their logo and call them, "The ______ Coons". Following the clever idea of using "red war paint", just make the theme of the team things that have a lot of relation to black stereotypes, like fried chicken. In conclusion, like Chris points out, "Redskins" is nowhere near as direct or specific to a group of people as the N-word, I mean think about it, how many ethnic groups in the U.S can historically be linked to the word "Redskins"...It's like the N-word, there's dozens of possibilities. And it's also clearly just as open for interpretation. Chris is right, how could anyone think “Redskins” is a name related to Native Americans. Further more as Chris points out, it’s like when people hear the word “ni**er” they think basketball first and foremost, not black people. Clearly “ni**er” is very open to interpretation as well. I mean, it’s just the English corruption of the Spanish “negro”, meaning simply black, and black is a colour meaning it can easily be interpreted as anything other than black people.

Chris, you bring up an excellent point with “pigskin”. For example, a Racoon has the word “coon” in it and is darkly coloured but is just an animal. So in case any NBA teams need a name change, just make the Racoon their logo and call them, “The ______ Coons”. Following the clever idea of using “red war paint”, just make the theme of the team things that have a lot of relation to black stereotypes, like fried chicken. In conclusion, like Chris points out, “Redskins” is nowhere near as direct or specific to a group of people as the N-word, I mean think about it, how many ethnic groups in the U.S can historically be linked to the word “Redskins”…It’s like the N-word, there’s dozens of possibilities. And it’s also clearly just as open for interpretation.

]]> By: Chris http://www.truthaboutit.net/2008/08/washington-redskins-and-stigma-of.html/comment-page-1#comment-6451 Chris Tue, 21 Sep 2010 07:51:15 +0000 http://truthaboutitwizards.wordpress.com/2008/08/21/the-washington-redskins-and-the-stigma-of-racism-is-there-a-compromise/#comment-6451 Actually they don't have to change the name. The term "Redskin" is very much open for interpretation...I'm willing to bet that hardly anyone knew it was that much related to Native Americans let alone that some think it's offensive. When people hear "Redskins"...they think football first and foremost. That said the name is too open for interpretation. A football is also known as the "pigskin"..and it's red. If they want, they can put a football on the helmet and still call themselves the Redskins. OR..they can remove any Indian themes completely and either create a fictional character, or they can make the theme red war paint. Red war paint is also a possibility of where the term RedSkin came from. So, in my opinion there are many ways to work around this without changing the name. Just remove the Indian theme, "Redskins" is not as specific as the N-word or other racial epithets..nor is it as open for interpretation with its meaning Actually they don’t have to change the name. The term “Redskin” is very much open for interpretation…I’m willing to bet that hardly anyone knew it was that much related to Native Americans let alone that some think it’s offensive. When people hear “Redskins”…they think football first and foremost.

That said the name is too open for interpretation. A football is also known as the “pigskin”..and it’s red. If they want, they can put a football on the helmet and still call themselves the Redskins. OR..they can remove any Indian themes completely and either create a fictional character, or they can make the theme red war paint. Red war paint is also a possibility of where the term RedSkin came from. So, in my opinion there are many ways to work around this without changing the name. Just remove the Indian theme, “Redskins” is not as specific as the N-word or other racial epithets..nor is it as open for interpretation with its meaning

]]> By: a yooper http://www.truthaboutit.net/2008/08/washington-redskins-and-stigma-of.html/comment-page-1#comment-2249 a yooper Wed, 24 Mar 2010 15:37:29 +0000 http://truthaboutitwizards.wordpress.com/2008/08/21/the-washington-redskins-and-the-stigma-of-racism-is-there-a-compromise/#comment-2249 Because this team represents our Nations Capital it does not fair well with a racist name offensive to Native Americans. The BLOOD SUCKERS would be a more appropriate name. Because this team represents our Nations Capital it does not fair well with a racist name offensive to Native Americans.
The BLOOD SUCKERS would be a more appropriate name.

]]> By: tdbowles http://www.truthaboutit.net/2008/08/washington-redskins-and-stigma-of.html/comment-page-1#comment-1492 tdbowles Wed, 30 Dec 2009 16:51:34 +0000 http://truthaboutitwizards.wordpress.com/2008/08/21/the-washington-redskins-and-the-stigma-of-racism-is-there-a-compromise/#comment-1492 interesting article. well thought out. it will be hard to change the name and it does seem hard to imagine rooting for a team called something other than the redskins especially with a team that has been in the city for such a long time. there was a rumor that Dan Snyder bought the naming rights to a defunct Arena Football Team called the 'Warriors' and that he would keep the same team colors, only with a different helmet design. maybe it will give d.c. sports fans a feeling of fresh air and positive momentum since the team has been so bad this year and we still have a name that is definitely a part of me as a D.C. sports fans does make me feel a little uncomfortable. interesting article. well thought out. it will be hard to change the name and it does seem hard to imagine rooting for a team called something other than the redskins especially with a team that has been in the city for such a long time. there was a rumor that Dan Snyder bought the naming rights to a defunct Arena Football Team called the ‘Warriors’ and that he would keep the same team colors, only with a different helmet design. maybe it will give d.c. sports fans a feeling of fresh air and positive momentum since the team has been so bad this year and we still have a name that is definitely a part of me as a D.C. sports fans does make me feel a little uncomfortable.

]]> By: Anonymous http://www.truthaboutit.net/2008/08/washington-redskins-and-stigma-of.html/comment-page-1#comment-294 Anonymous Tue, 25 Nov 2008 05:14:00 +0000 http://truthaboutitwizards.wordpress.com/2008/08/21/the-washington-redskins-and-the-stigma-of-racism-is-there-a-compromise/#comment-294 "But you definitely don't want the skin that Nice & Smooth was talking about in Hip Hop Junkies...as in:<br/><br/>"He said Smooth B the skins is fat"<br/><br/>No, I do want those!<br/><br/>Solidly reasoned post, BTW. "But you definitely don't want the skin that Nice & Smooth was talking about in Hip Hop Junkies…as in:

"He said Smooth B the skins is fat"

No, I do want those!

Solidly reasoned post, BTW.

]]> By: Grace http://www.truthaboutit.net/2008/08/washington-redskins-and-stigma-of.html/comment-page-1#comment-293 Grace Sat, 11 Oct 2008 21:23:00 +0000 http://truthaboutitwizards.wordpress.com/2008/08/21/the-washington-redskins-and-the-stigma-of-racism-is-there-a-compromise/#comment-293 I just had a conversation with a friend about this.. The meaning of the word is Offensive, I don't see NFL teams getting away with the Alanta Coons/Nig** you get the hint... People wouldn't stand for it, so its OKAY to let it happen to the Original people of this country.... Whether Redskin means the scalp of a native (which is has been known to mean) or the color of their skin.. I know people whom are offended by Nig this and so forth... That is Negro: Black... Same thing... Who cares about a name of a team, doesn't make them a better or worse team... Change it, to something that doesn't dishonor.. I would be okay with something insulting whites if we want to make it only fair... And I am a white girl from the Midwest... I just had a conversation with a friend about this.. The meaning of the word is Offensive, I don’t see NFL teams getting away with the Alanta Coons/Nig** you get the hint… People wouldn’t stand for it, so its OKAY to let it happen to the Original people of this country…. Whether Redskin means the scalp of a native (which is has been known to mean) or the color of their skin.. I know people whom are offended by Nig this and so forth… That is Negro: Black… Same thing… Who cares about a name of a team, doesn’t make them a better or worse team… Change it, to something that doesn’t dishonor.. I would be okay with something insulting whites if we want to make it only fair… And I am a white girl from the Midwest…

]]> By: John http://www.truthaboutit.net/2008/08/washington-redskins-and-stigma-of.html/comment-page-1#comment-292 John Sun, 28 Sep 2008 06:19:00 +0000 http://truthaboutitwizards.wordpress.com/2008/08/21/the-washington-redskins-and-the-stigma-of-racism-is-there-a-compromise/#comment-292 The sad thing is that at one time Washington DC was the murder capital of the US. The Washington Bullets had no problems changing their name to the Washington Wizards because people complained. I feel for Native Americans who are offended by this. It is ironic that the majority of players are African American and have no complaints of this racial slur used as a team name. The sad thing is that at one time Washington DC was the murder capital of the US. The Washington Bullets had no problems changing their name to the Washington Wizards because people complained. I feel for Native Americans who are offended by this. It is ironic that the majority of players are African American and have no complaints of this racial slur used as a team name.

]]> By: Old Man Stubborn http://www.truthaboutit.net/2008/08/washington-redskins-and-stigma-of.html/comment-page-1#comment-291 Old Man Stubborn Sun, 24 Aug 2008 09:29:00 +0000 http://truthaboutitwizards.wordpress.com/2008/08/21/the-washington-redskins-and-the-stigma-of-racism-is-there-a-compromise/#comment-291 Syracuse University changed their name under the radar a few years back and no one seemed to care. <br/><br/>Yeah, maybe Syracuse isn't quite as popular as the Dan Snyder's team, but I would think they are just as visible.<br/><br/>Finally, what the hell is an "Orange?" Syracuse University changed their name under the radar a few years back and no one seemed to care.

Yeah, maybe Syracuse isn’t quite as popular as the Dan Snyder’s team, but I would think they are just as visible.

Finally, what the hell is an “Orange?”

]]> By: Steve the boy nurse http://www.truthaboutit.net/2008/08/washington-redskins-and-stigma-of.html/comment-page-1#comment-290 Steve the boy nurse Fri, 22 Aug 2008 22:54:00 +0000 http://truthaboutitwizards.wordpress.com/2008/08/21/the-washington-redskins-and-the-stigma-of-racism-is-there-a-compromise/#comment-290 error in previous comment, 91% of native Americans find the term redskins to be acceptable and not offensive. error in previous comment, 91% of native Americans find the term redskins to be acceptable and not offensive.

]]> By: Steve the boy nurse http://www.truthaboutit.net/2008/08/washington-redskins-and-stigma-of.html/comment-page-1#comment-289 Steve the boy nurse Fri, 22 Aug 2008 22:16:00 +0000 http://truthaboutitwizards.wordpress.com/2008/08/21/the-washington-redskins-and-the-stigma-of-racism-is-there-a-compromise/#comment-289 Link to an interesting article tracking the origin of the word redskin to an literal English translation of French words used by native American peoples to describe themselves, "'tout les peaux<br/>rouges' translated as 'all the redskins.'" <br/>http://anthropology.si.edu/goddard/redskin.pdf<br/>Perhaps the reason a majority of Native Americans do not find the word redskin offensive is that they more closely identify themselves as such. The Seminole Indian tribe would rather be called Seminoles than Native Americans. <br/>It is an interesting anthropological debate. Whites were labeled such due to the obvious color tone of skin. Perhaps one could call me a European American except I have never been closer to Europe than 50 a few miles off the coast of Maine. I am an American, and I assure you I am very white. Does it make others racist that they and I observe this obvious fact? That said It would be fallacious to claim that because white does not offend me that red does not offend native Americans. However polls have been conducted including one in 2004 by the Annenberg Public Policy Center of native Americans in all 48 contiguous states finding that 91% of native Americans do not find the term redskin to be acceptable.<br/>http://www.annenbergpublicpolicycenter.org/Downloads/Political_Communication/naes/2004_03_redskins_09-24_pr.pdf Link to an interesting article tracking the origin of the word redskin to an literal English translation of French words used by native American peoples to describe themselves, “‘tout les peaux
rouges’ translated as ‘all the redskins.’”
http://anthropology.si.edu/goddard/redskin.pdf
Perhaps the reason a majority of Native Americans do not find the word redskin offensive is that they more closely identify themselves as such. The Seminole Indian tribe would rather be called Seminoles than Native Americans.
It is an interesting anthropological debate. Whites were labeled such due to the obvious color tone of skin. Perhaps one could call me a European American except I have never been closer to Europe than 50 a few miles off the coast of Maine. I am an American, and I assure you I am very white. Does it make others racist that they and I observe this obvious fact? That said It would be fallacious to claim that because white does not offend me that red does not offend native Americans. However polls have been conducted including one in 2004 by the Annenberg Public Policy Center of native Americans in all 48 contiguous states finding that 91% of native Americans do not find the term redskin to be acceptable.
http://www.annenbergpublicpolicycenter.org/Downloads/Political_Communication/naes/2004_03_redskins_09-24_pr.pdf

]]> By: Truth About It http://www.truthaboutit.net/2008/08/washington-redskins-and-stigma-of.html/comment-page-1#comment-288 Truth About It Fri, 22 Aug 2008 21:20:00 +0000 http://truthaboutitwizards.wordpress.com/2008/08/21/the-washington-redskins-and-the-stigma-of-racism-is-there-a-compromise/#comment-288 A skin?<br/><br/>Well, I figure that the mascot can be a hand....as in "Gimme some skin bro." But then controversy would arise at to what color the hand would be. <br/><br/>But you definitely don't want the skin that Nice & Smooth was talking about in Hip Hop Junkies...as in:<br/><br/><i>"He said Smooth B the skins is fat<br/><br/>I don't beg cause cause I'm not at begonia<br/><br/>I dress warm so that I won't catch pneumonia<br/><br/>My rhymes are stronger than ammonia<br/><br/>I'm a diamond, you're a cubic zirconia"</i> A skin?

Well, I figure that the mascot can be a hand….as in "Gimme some skin bro." But then controversy would arise at to what color the hand would be.

But you definitely don't want the skin that Nice & Smooth was talking about in Hip Hop Junkies…as in:

“He said Smooth B the skins is fat

I don’t beg cause cause I’m not at begonia

I dress warm so that I won’t catch pneumonia

My rhymes are stronger than ammonia

I’m a diamond, you’re a cubic zirconia”

]]> By: Anonymous http://www.truthaboutit.net/2008/08/washington-redskins-and-stigma-of.html/comment-page-1#comment-287 Anonymous Fri, 22 Aug 2008 17:08:00 +0000 http://truthaboutitwizards.wordpress.com/2008/08/21/the-washington-redskins-and-the-stigma-of-racism-is-there-a-compromise/#comment-287 I like cheesecake.... I like cheesecake….

]]> By: Anonymous http://www.truthaboutit.net/2008/08/washington-redskins-and-stigma-of.html/comment-page-1#comment-286 Anonymous Fri, 22 Aug 2008 00:34:00 +0000 http://truthaboutitwizards.wordpress.com/2008/08/21/the-washington-redskins-and-the-stigma-of-racism-is-there-a-compromise/#comment-286 I like the Washington Natives. What is a 'skin' dude? The Marketing Team could keep everything. I like the Washington Natives. What is a ‘skin’ dude? The Marketing Team could keep everything.

]]> By: www.stetsports.com http://www.truthaboutit.net/2008/08/washington-redskins-and-stigma-of.html/comment-page-1#comment-285 www.stetsports.com Thu, 21 Aug 2008 21:54:00 +0000 http://truthaboutitwizards.wordpress.com/2008/08/21/the-washington-redskins-and-the-stigma-of-racism-is-there-a-compromise/#comment-285 It's a racist name, that, over time, people of a lot of ethnicities began accepting. <br/><br/>But somewhere along the line, the KKK went out of style, Jim Crow went out of style, and Bush is currently going out of style. <br/><br/>A name change is in order. Citing the financial benefit might be the only way of broaching it without rousing fan sensibilities and allegiances. It’s a racist name, that, over time, people of a lot of ethnicities began accepting.

But somewhere along the line, the KKK went out of style, Jim Crow went out of style, and Bush is currently going out of style.

A name change is in order. Citing the financial benefit might be the only way of broaching it without rousing fan sensibilities and allegiances.

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