Redskins Name Controversy

The Washington Redskins, no doubt, use a controversial name. The term “Redskin” has been referred to as the n-word for Native Americans. Without a doubt, I believe that the term “Redskin” has been used as a racial slur in the past and even to a point is used today. 

Washington Redskins Helmet

When I think of this Redskins Name Controversy I first always think of a Native American that my Dad used to work with. She was a small woman; maybe not the most educated individual, but was full of opinions. She used to tell me that she loved the name of the Washington Redskins. She was of course a fan and she used to say that those who are upset about the name are not upset because of the history of the term. She said they are upset because they think the “white man is once again making money off of them.” 

This quote has got me thinking. Let’s look at the law suits that Native American Activist groups and individuals have filed against the Washington Redskins and the NFL. The first is Harjo v. Pro-Football, Inc. The second and most recent lawsuit is Blackhorse v. Pro-Football, Inc. The thing about both of these lawsuits is that both of them are filed at the Trademark Trail and Appeals Board. Wait what?! Many people believe that Native American Activist groups are suing and trying to make the Washington Redskins get rid of their name. This is not true; these lawsuits are purely trademark-based. These Native American groups are attempting to cancel six trademarks associated with the Washington Redskins. Even if these Native American groups won the lawsuit, it technically would not make the Washington Redskins change their name. It would not even make it illegal for the Washington Redskins to sell their merchandize. It would simply make it impossible for the Washington Redskins to prevent knock-off merchandize from being sold. 

The first of these lawsuits, Harjo v. Pro-Football, Inc., was initially won by Harjo based on “finding[s] that the marks ‘may disparage’ Native Americans, and may cast Native Americans into ‘contempt, or disrepute’ in violation of § 2(a) of the Lanham Trademark Act of 1946.” Pro-Football, Inc. did not take very long filing an appeal and eventually won the case because the court found “that the TTAB’s finding of disparagement was not supported by substantial evidence and that the suit was barred by laches—an affirmative defense in a trademark action where there is (1) substantial delay by plaintiff prior to filing suit; (2) plaintiff’s awareness of mark; and (3) reliance interest resulting from defendant’s continued development of good-will during this period of delay.” The second lawsuit, Blackhorse v. Pro-Football, Inc., was filed by Amanda Blackhorse and several others hoping that because they filed the lawsuit when they were in their late teens and early 20s the laches defense will not be available. Again, though this lawsuit is purely trademark-based. 

It makes you think though how many of these Indian Reservations make their money, Casinos. These individuals are as 21^st century and as business like as you and I. It can be thought that their movements are as much business as it is emotional, if not more. 

The Logo of the American Indian Movement

I wanted to point out one Native American group individually. This group is known as the American Indian Movement. While many people say the Redskins logo is racist, the American Indian Movement Logo uses a similar one to the Redskins. They also use the three main colors that represent the Redskins: White, Burgundy (red), and Gold (yellow). So how exactly is it okay for an Indian Group to use this but not a professional sports team? Out of all the Major Sport team logos being used the Cleveland Indians can be seen as the most disturbing, representing Native Americans in a Cartoon form. 

Cleveland Indians Logo

Let us also remember that this is not the only racial slur used in sports. Disregarding every other Native American mascot in sports, there are still several racial slurs being used. The first of these is Canucks. The Vancouver Canucks are a professional hockey team that participates currently in the National Hockey League. For those of you who do not know Canuck is a term that is used for Canadian people and it is often used as derogatory term towards Canadians. The second racial slur is the YANKEES. People tend to forget that the term Yankee is a racial slur commonly used by the British to describe Americans. Among further research, I have learned that the term Yankee can be traced back to Ottawa Indians calling the white man “yang-gees.” This racial slur is often forgotten about being a racial slur due to the success of the New York Yankees and when I Google the term “Yankee” nothing about the history of the word appears, just things related to the sports team. Both of these cases prove that over time the true meaning and history of the word can and will be forgotten about. Oh is it not the same because these are derogatory terms regarding white people?

Many fans of the Washington Redskins, and like named mascots, have long said that they are trying to honor these Native American people as showing them as strong and powerful people. Again, I believe that these people are indeed trying to do what they can to honor these people, but because of their ignorance, cannot adequately do so. I think that Native American Groups should work alongside teams named under their likeness in order for the team to be able to honor them in the highest degree without having to change their names. I feel at this point it would be pointless to change the name of the Washington Redskins. The Redskins have been named the Redskins since the 1930s and the history of the Redskins and the use of the word are now in record books and the Hall of Fame and will live on in fans memories forever, so even if the name does change, the history of the team will live on. I know that I am not the only Redskins fan that will continue to sing “Hail to the Redskins,” fly my Redskins flag, or wear my Redskins memorabilia. 

The same people who are trying to say the Redskins name should be changed are the same people that sit down to dinner on Thanksgiving teaching their children that this is a holiday to give thanks to what you have in honor of a ceremonial dinner between the English and the Native Americans. However, for many Native Americans this day is now a day of mourning. This is because the real events behind thanksgiving have been forgotten about. We celebrate Thanksgiving when in reality it signifies the Native American Holocaust. So should we no longer celebrate it?

The Washington Redskins in fact use a racial term as there mascot, but they are not the only team to do such a thing. Their logo represents these Native Americans well and try to honor them the best they can. They should not be forced to change their name because many of these 21^st century individuals are upset that money is being from their likeness. Instead they should be willing to work with these teams in honoring their people. 

Also for more thoughts about this visit:  http://www.redskins.com/news-and-events/article-1/McLoud-Our-Community-Is-Proud-Of-Our-Name/cc374c86-5782-4bb2-a0e0-d8c4c9f313b8

HAIL TO THE REDSKINS!

-JM

I do not own any of these pictures. 

Quotes are from:  http://www.ipbrief.net/2011/02/27/2420/