Redskins: an improper name... now what?

[Vigilance]

Here's the story:

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/redskins/2006-08-11-redskins-indians_x.htm?csp=25

So basically, I agree with what they're saying. What then? Is agreement with their position a reason to abandon/force the abandoning of the name? It really is offensive, I think the equivalent words for other groups would probably get me banned...

And for the record, my grandmother was Seminole, so I do have a somewhat personal opinion about the word itself. But I'm still not sure what it being offensive means...

Edit: To make clear what the point of this thread is, it isn't to discuss the politcs behind the word, the case or anything else.

My main question is, let's assume the plaintiffs are right about everything- it's offensive, no trademark should be allowed. So what then? I guess if there's no trademark you'd have to call the team something else since you couldnt really make money off it...

Chuck

 

[trancejeremy]

Heh, I wouldn't be surprised to see them sell off a new name.

The Washington UPS Delivery Guys

Maybe not like that blatant, but seriously, Dodge is a huge advertiser during Rams games, simply because of the name (Ram)

 

[Vigilance]

Hmm. Well certainly if they change it would probably be something with a huge tie-in. I must say in reading about this case I was unaware that a word deemed racially perforative cannot be used as a business trademark.

Had no idea such a law was on the books.

 

[AdmundfortGeographer]

Thing is, I don't think that with the climate about Native American team names that the Washington D.C. football club could change its name to a pro-Native American name now (fully agree that the existing name is offensive. Try walking onto the Pine Ridge Reservation wearing a Redskins jersey...). It won't be long before the Atlanta Braves or Cleveland Indians are similarly protested if this tactic gets the Redskins to pick an alternate name.

 

[Templetroll]

So if they want to keep the historical connection to an Indian name of some sort, is there something that is not offensive they can use? If not, then they should come up with a new name, trademark etc quickly.

The thing I thought Indians found offensive about the Braves was the mascot and that hand-chopping gesture. Not sure about the Indians. Are the Seminoles colege team still under fire for their name?

 

[Dannyalcatraz]

The Redskins, Chiefs and Braves have all come under fire at various times for their names, all of which have negative connotations to Native Americans. FYI, "Chief," while a term of status within the community, has been used outside the community in much the same way as "boy" is for blacks- a term of belittlement.

The Indians get in trouble for their iconography, chants & hand chop stuff.

However, the Seminoles, from what I understand, have not had much of a problem with protests. Apparently, the tribe itself doesn't find the use of their name as a team name as offensive.

Similarly, I don't think the Chicago Blackhawks have had many problems with it either.

I'm pretty sure that if they adopted a name a tribe used for themselves- possibly with a marketing agreement- there would be no problem at all.

Check here: http://www.fortunecity.com/victorian/ferndale/61/tribes.htm

and you'll see there are tribal names all over our culture, especially in commercial products like vehicles.

 

[Mimic]

Does this mean that the White Sox are going to have to change thier name as well?

 

[Vigilance]

However, the Seminoles, from what I understand, have not had much of a problem with protests. Apparently, the tribe itself doesn't find the use of their name as a team name as offensive.

Right on the mark. Saying "Seminole" is better than "Indian" every time. We aren't all one thing and people get bonus points if they grok that.

 

[Chimera]

Some random non-serious ideas;

1. Change the name to "The Redheads".

2. Move them south and change the name to "The Rednecks", complete with trailer trash mascot.

3. "The Washington Lobbyists".

 

[Ranger REG]

1. Washington Filibusters
2. Washington Statesmen (yeah, I'm being way too kind this election year)
3. Washington Sons of Morningstar (Custer's given name by Native Americans)