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Redskins Name Change Thread

Looks like Danny has decided he can't ignore it any longer. I am really shocked this has gained so much momentum so quickly. I think the main reason is that people hate Dan Snyder so much. You will never convince me that the Redskins are any more or less offensive than the Braves, Indians or Blackhawks. Hell...the Braves do an all out war chant with foam replications of killing instruments every inning during their near sale out playoff games.

that's Deion Sanders' fault
 
Washington DC, on a good day is the third world. These goofs should focus on having schools that teach kids how to read and write.

No kidding. These imbeciles think that the name of the football team is a bigger problem than the fact that a frightening number of tenth graders in their public schools can't even read that offensive name. Good job, good effort.
 
October 9, 2013

To Everyone in our Washington Redskins Nation:

As loyal fans, you deserve to know that everyone in the Washington Redskins organization – our players, coaches and staff – are truly privileged to represent this team and everything it stands for. We are relentlessly committed to our fans and to the sustained long-term success of this franchise.

That’s why I want to reach out to you – our fans – about a topic I wish to address directly: the team name, “Washington Redskins.” While our focus is firmly on the playing field, it is important that you hear straight from me on this issue. As the owner of the Redskins and a lifelong fan of the team, here is what I believe … and why I believe it.

Like so many of you, I was born a fan of the Washington Redskins. I still remember my first Redskins game. Most people do. I was only six, but I remember coming through the tunnel into the stands at RFK with my father, and immediately being struck by the enormity of the stadium and the passion of the fans all around me.

I remember how quiet it got when the Redskins had the ball, and then how deafening it was when we scored. The ground beneath me seemed to move and shake, and I reached up to grab my father’s hand. The smile on his face as he sang that song … he’s been gone for 10 years now, but that smile, and his pride, are still with me every day.

That tradition – the song, the cheer – it mattered so much to me as a child, and I know it matters to every other Redskins fan in the D.C. area and across the nation.

Our past isn’t just where we came from—it’s who we are.

As some of you may know, our team began 81 years ago – in 1932 – with the name “Boston Braves.” The following year, the franchise name was changed to the “Boston Redskins.” On that inaugural Redskins team, four players and our Head Coach were Native Americans. The name was never a label. It was, and continues to be, a badge of honor.

In 1971, our legendary coach, the late George Allen, consulted with the Red Cloud Athletic Fund located on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota and designed our emblem on the Redskins helmets. Several years later, Coach Allen was honored by the Red Cloud Athletic Fund. On the wall at our Ashburn, Virginia, offices is the plaque given to Coach Allen – a source of pride for all of us. “Washington Redskins” is more than a name we have called our football team for over eight decades. It is a symbol of everything we stand for: strength, courage, pride, and respect – the same values we know guide Native Americans and which are embedded throughout their rich history as the original Americans.

I’ve listened carefully to the commentary and perspectives on all sides, and I respect the feelings of those who are offended by the team name. 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.

Consider the following facts concerning the “Washington Redskins” name:

1) The highly respected Annenberg Public Policy Center polled nearly 1,000 self-identified Native Americans from across the continental U.S. and found that 90% of Native Americans did not find the team name “Washington Redskins” to be “offensive.”

2) In an April 2013 Associated Press survey, 79% of the respondents stated the Washington Redskins should not change their name, while only 11% believed the team’s name should change.

Paul Woody, a columnist for the Richmond Times Dispatch, interviewed three leaders of Virginia Native American tribes this May. They were all quoted by Mr. Woody as stating that the team name doesn't offend them – and their comments strongly supported the name “Washington Redskins.” Also in May, SiriusXM NFL Radio hosted Robert Green, the longtime and recently retired Chief of the Fredericksburg-area Patawomeck Tribe, who said, among other things:

“Frankly, the members of my tribe - the vast majority - don’t find it offensive. I’ve been a Redskins fan for years. And to be honest with you, I would be offended if they did change [the name, Redskins….This is] an attempt by somebody…to completely remove the Indian identity from anything and pretty soon… you have a wipeout in society of any reference to Indian people….You can’t rewrite history – yes there were some awful bad things done to our people over time, but naming the Washington football team the Redskins, we don’t consider to be one of those bad things.”

Our franchise has a great history, tradition and legacy representing our proud alumni and literally tens of millions of loyal fans worldwide. We have participated in some of the greatest games in NFL history, and have won five World Championships. We are proud of our team and the passion of our loyal fans. Our fans sing “Hail to the Redskins” in celebration at every Redskins game. They speak proudly of “Redskins Nation” in honor of a sports team they love.

So when I consider the Washington Redskins name, I think of what it stands for. I think of the Washington Redskins traditions and pride I want to share with my three children, just as my father shared with me – and just as you have shared with your family and friends.

I respect the opinions of those who disagree. I want them to know that I do hear them, and I will continue to listen and learn. But we cannot ignore our 81 year history, or the strong feelings of most of our fans as well as Native Americans throughout the country. After 81 years, the team name “Redskins” continues to hold the memories and meaning of where we came from, who we are, and who we want to be in the years to come.

We are Redskins Nation ... and we owe it to our fans and coaches and players, past and present, to preserve that heritage.

With Respect and Appreciation,

Dan Snyder

PS. Wherever I go, I see Redskins bumper stickers, Redskins decals, Redskins t-shirts, Redskins … everything. I know how much this team means to you, and it means everything to me as well. Always has. I salute your passion and your pride for the Burgundy & Gold.

So much this.

"Yeah, a word if I may. You people that feel guilty about running us off the continent two centuries ago? Yeah, we're not going to forget about that b/c of your manufactured outrage campaign that is 1,012% designed to make YOU feel better about Yourselves, and isn't going to help us at all. But feel free to pin your Political Correctness Mental Masturbation Participation Medals to each other's chests while my people fight poverty, illiteracy and chronic disease....but you fixed the problem we didn't have with the name, so it's all good, right? Yeah....no. Thanks for absolutely nothing. GO REDSKINS!"
 
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Looks like Danny has decided he can't ignore it any longer. I am really shocked this has gained so much momentum so quickly. I think the main reason is that people hate Dan Snyder so much. You will never convince me that the Redskins are any more or less offensive than the Braves, Indians or Blackhawks. Hell...the Braves do an all out war chant with foam replications of killing instruments every inning during their near sale out playoff games.

I think it has more to do with the popularity of football and the attention that comes with that. The Redskins' value is higher than the other three teams you mentioned combined.

The Braves and Indians get heat from baseball people. The Braves changed their BP hat after the backlash from the original design last year.

Washington Redskins Change Their Name To The D.C. Redskins
 
It always seems that there is a lot more energy in passion in the "offended that your offended" camp than those originally offended. "I'M SO ANGRY THAT PEOPLE ARE ANGRY! THIS IS STUPID, AND I'M REALLY UPSET THAT YOU'RE UPSET!"
 
Well I think the answer is simple, get rid of all team nicknames. I mean just about any team nickname could be offensive to someone or something right? Large people might be offended at the name Giants, Men with long blond hair might be offended by the name Vikings, people that have to wear an eye patch might be offended by the name Pirates. Heck, we've got to stop this madness of having anything that, no matter how small the chance, might offend someone........:rulz:

slippery slope argument is so dumb
 
If I'm Dan Snyder, I'm thinking about all the $$$ from new jersey/merch sales in addition to old retro Redskins stuff (will they still sell it?). I'm surprised he isn't out there being the voice of change. Usually teams LOVE new uniforms.
 
Oneida Indian Nation Representative Ray Halbritter Responds to Washington Team Owner Daniel Snyder

Oneida Indian Nation Representative Ray Halbritter has issued the following statement in response to Washington NFL team owner Daniel Snyder’s letter to fans of the team, in which Snyder discusses the negative reaction to the team’s nickname and mascot.

“We are glad to see that Mr. Snyder is listening to the growing number of critics on this issue that include the President of the United States, senior members of the U.S. Congress, civil rights organizations, public health organizations, and Native American tribes. These leaders and groups, who collectively represent millions of people, understand why a professional football team should not be promoting a racial slur.”

“In his letter, Mr. Snyder made mention of his team's history. He opted to omit from his letter, however, that the original owner who gave the team its current name was an avowed segregationist. That suggests the team's name was deliberately designed to denigrate people of color. Unfortunately that ploy was successful. The marketing of this racial slur has had - and continues to have - very serious cultural, political, and public health consequences for my people and Native Americans everywhere.”

“It is clear from Mr. Snyder's letter that he does not understand those consequences. So in the spirit of the dialogue that Mr. Snyder says he is willing to engage in, we are inviting him to join the NFL delegation in its upcoming meeting at our Homelands. During his visit, we will organize a special meeting of Oneida Nation families where Mr. Snyder can personally explain to them why he believes they deserve to be called "redskins." He can then hear directly from them why that term is so painful.”
 
Redskins Name Change Thread (Dan Snyder Letter On Page 5)

slippery slope argument is so dumb

My WF GF agreed with my brothers GF that it was a slippery slope if she picked up my brothers dry cleaning while he was at work even though she didn't have a job.

For obvious reasons neither of them is around anymore.
 
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because there are only a handful of team names that are actually offensive, and it's clear to not-dumb people who those teams are. nobody thinks the lions is an offensive name or the seahawks or the patriots or the rams or the dolphins or the cowboys or any other non-indian team names. it's not a slippery slope at all in this case.

and i just hate the logic in general.

"if gay people can get married, what's next, marry your dog?"
"if weed is legal, what next, heroin?"

no. just let gay people get married and legalize weed.

similarly, just get rid of all the indian team names unless you have the blessing of the tribe you're representing imo.
 

It assumes we aren't capable of discernment, which we clearly are. We're capable of stating reasons why a man can marry a man, but a man can't marry an asteroid or a plant or a dog or whatever freaks people out. We can comfortably draw lines between all sorts of proposed things, such that allowing the slightest version of something in moderation doesn't yield an avalanche terrible disaster.
 
Denzel-Washington-Boom-Gif.gif
 
It assumes we aren't capable of discernment, which we clearly are. We're capable of stating reasons why a man can marry a man, but a man can't marry an asteroid or a plant or a dog or whatever freaks people out. We can comfortably draw lines between all sorts of proposed things, such that allowed the slightest version of something in moderation doesn't yield an avalanche terrible disaster.

Next up: Atheist groups protest New Orlean's use of the name Saints
 
Do people seriously use the term Redskins to slur Native Americans?
 
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