Even while reading the title of this post, most likely nothing will ring a bell as inappropriate, insulting, or racist. How many times have we heard the name of the football team, the Washington Redskins, without it crossing our minds as a known derogatory racial slur to Native Americans?
Marketers and brand managers have done such a masterful job of manipulating our association with the word ‘redskins’ into something positive. So much so that we don’t even notice it as derogatory.
Unfortunately for Native Americans, the name and mascot of the NFL team the Washington Redskins has perpetually combined the image of a Native American with a derogatory word and made it acceptable in mainstream culture.
To make things worse, the vast majority of us don’t see anything wrong with it. According to a recent poll, only 11% of the public are in favor of changing the team’s name.
How is this acceptable?
And yes, I will go there – if a professional football team was called the Georgia Niggers, would that fly in 2014?
I don’t think so.
This should be no different.
Join the #changethemascot movement and take part in removing this insult to American Citizens.
Check out http://www.changethemascot.org/ for more information.
From www.changethemascot.org:
Here are some specific ways that you can help
Write to Roger Goodell at NFL Commissioner, 345 Park Ave., New York, NY 10154
Call the NFL league office at 212-450-2000.
Send a message to Commissioner Goodell on Twitter @nflcommish with the hashtag, #ChangeTheMascot.
Spread the Word:
Print out a “Change the Mascot” sign and bring to NFL games, proudly display at your home or workplace, and share with friends.
Contact your local newspapers, radio and TV stations to speak out against the Redskins name.
