Quote:However, not all Native Americans used tomahawks, so that might be offensive to some them because the term "tomahawk" could mean a stereotype.

 

My point is that PC has gotten so out of control that it's starting to dictate and take over society.  The Washington Redskins have been around longer than probably 99% of the participants on this message board.  It's never "offended" anyone until recently, and I would wager that those that are "offended" probably don't have a drop of Native American blood in them.

As to point one, you're typically one of the most well-spoken, thoughtful debaters on here, even if we disagree more often than we agree. That said, "tomahawk" being a stereotype because not all Native American tribes used them is kind of ridiculous. It's the type of thing I'd expect from another poster who frequents the same topics you and I do, but not from you.

 

As to point two, I'm not personally offended by the word "Redskin". I'm not personally offended by any other symbols that have been prevalent on here lately either, but if a word or symbol is hurtful or derogatory to a large group of people, then it's right to consider changing it.

 

The "Redskins" situation will end predictably: one or more NFL broadcast partners will issue a decree saying that the word is not to be used on their network, and the others will follow suit. The team will start fishing for public money to replace FedEx Field, and no one will be willing to give it to them as long as the team is called the "Redskins". I believe DC has already hinted that they won't allow the team to build a new stadium within city limits as long as the name remains. Congress will probably get involved, because it's something they so dearly love to do with minor things so that bigger things go unnoticed, and there will be extreme public pressure on both the club and the NFL to change the name. Finally, we'll hit critical mass, and the team will give in and partner with advocacy groups to choose a new name.

 

Do I think there are far more important things we should be talking about? Hell yes, but I'm not going to completely discount a group of people who claim that the word "Redskin" is no better than dropping an n-bomb.

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