12/21/24
July 25, 2003
Decision to be reached soon on Redskins: trademark dispute. The Skins lost in a hearing before the Trademark Board a few years ago as the mark was found to be disparaging to Native Americans. Even if the ruling is adverse to the team, I wouldn't expect any changes as this will appealed to the circuit and ultimately the Supreme Court.
I fail to see why this is even debated any more. Redskins is as derogatory as it gets. That they play in D.C. of all places - the nation's capital - makes it even more pressing that the name is changed. And don't get me started on 'The Chop'. I think the only example that might approach acceptability is the Blackhawk name - simply because that is the name of a tribe that had historical roots in that area.
posted by WeedyMcSmokey at 01:38 PM on July 28, 2003
Redskins is as derogatory as it gets kinda like, well, im not even gonna say.
posted by garfield at 02:06 PM on July 28, 2003
For a provocative argument for the opinion the name is disparaging to Native Americans, I present Ward Churchill's (in)famous "Let's spread the fun around." Excerpt: "Simple consistency demands that anyone who thinks the Tomahawk Chop is a swell pastime must be just as hearty in their endorsement of the following ideas - by the logic used to defend the defamation of American Indians - should help us all really start yukking it up. First, as a counterpart to the Redskins, we need an NFL team called "Niggers" to honor Afro-Americans. Half-time festivities for fans might include a simulated stewing of the opposing coach in a large pot while players and cheerleaders dance around it, garbed in leopard skins and wearing fake bones in their noses. This concept obviously goes along with the kind of gaiety attending the Chop, but also with the actions of the Kansas Chiefs, whose team members - prominently including black members - lately appeared on a poster ,looking "fierce" and "savage" by way of wearing Indian regalia. Just a bit of harmless "morale boosting," says the Chief's front office. You bet. "