The Name Change Game: Washington Redskins

Since 1933 Washington’s National Football League team have been known as the Redskins however recently the team has caused much controversy surrounding its name and logo. Many Native American groups, fans, and even the United States Government have made it clear that they are not accepting of the negative connotations the name “Redskins” has. The cause for such controversy is that the name holds a racist stereotype.

Many have pushed for the team to remove and replace the name Redskins. Others have asked to no longer associate Washington to the Redskins. If the team decided to stay with the name Redskins, they were asked to no longer use or associate themselves with Washington in any form.

Although many have urged for the team to change their name due to ethnic stereotyping others consider the name to hold a positive symbolization of bravery and courage. For the team and other teams that hold the same name (high schools), take pride in being called the Redskins.

“Our school is 75 years old and there’s a lot of pride in it, I think it’s a great mascot, as all of the traits of a Redskins warrior are something to be admired” said Lamar High School coach located in Houston, Texas.

Daniel Synder, owner of the Washington Redskins in an open letter to fans said that they will never change their name due to its cherished value to their team’s heritage. “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” added Synder. However when typing Washington Redskins into your search engine, Google now refers to the team as Boston Redskins.