Some people think that the Washington Redskins have a racist name for a mascot. Others however see it as simply a name; one that has been with the team since the beginning.
It does not help however that the Redskins have a somewhat racist history. The Redskins were the last team in the National Football League to integrate; in 1961 they were the only team without a black player because of their owner’s opposition. Clearly time has progressed and this is no longer the case however the issue of the name continues.
Native American names and tribes have been and still are used as other mascots for various other sports teams so why is this one any different. Perhaps because it is not as simple as a tribe name such as the Florida State ‘Seminoles’ but rather considered to be a derogatory term.
But other points have also been raised in regards to team names such as Fighting Irish or Ragin’ Cajuns. Are these names represented in the same way, and are these mascots considered racists? Perhaps it is because those universities actually represent those races, and football teams such as the Redskins do not have any Native American players.
In her book, Carla Freccero discussed the idea of moving beyond ‘good’ or ‘bad’ representations. Although I do not think they are trying to, the Redskins can be seen as a representation of Native Americans and their culture. However the debate is not whether this is a fair representation but rather what the viewers and the fans interpret. Different people have different opinions and when the analyze the questions of why are Native American being represented this way and what does it mean they will find a variety of answers, and I think that most people and fans will discover something positive rather than negative.
In the case of the Washington Redskins the issue may finally be over. Native Americans tried to bring the case to the Supreme Court, however after many years and smaller trials it was refused to be heard. After much debate it is official that they will remain the Washington Redskins.
Personally, as a fan of the team I was glad to hear that this was the case. Not for any racist reasons or motives but simply as a new name would be difficult to get used to and just not the same. I do not know of any fans who would disagree with me and none of them are racist either, however they are also not Native Americans. I believe that the mascot is not to be disrespectful and so much history has been made with the name it would be a shame to change it.
To check out some interesting alternatives such as Washington ‘Red Skin’ Potatoes or Washington Warriors
http://www.theweek.com/article/index/102991/19_nonracist_names_for_the_Washington_Redskins
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