As I am sure you all know by now, the Washington Redskins have been in the headlines for all the wrong reasons thus far this season. While their play on the field has been less than inspiring, to say the least, they've created the most headlines for their steadfast refusal to change their team name. Consequently, since the name is essentially a racial slur, many people would like to see them change their name; including the likes of many prominent sports journalists and personalities such as Bill Simmons, Peter King, and the immortal Mike Francesa. In fact, in their articles, Simmons and King have boycotted the term "Redskins" and only refer to the team as "Washington" or the "Washington Football Team".
So I guess my question is: With the growing resentment toward the team name by the public and the increasing amount of journalists speaking out against the name and even boycotting it, do you believe Daniel Snyder will eventually cave and change the name due to media scrutiny and all the negative coverage this whole incident is causing? Also, is it appropriate for journalists to get involved in issues like this or would you prefer the sports media to lay low on these issues and focus strictly on sports? Or do you enjoy the movement many journalists are making against this particular issue?
Since Snyder grew up as a Redskins fan I doubt the team’s name will change while he owns it. I would prefer if the sports media stuck to what was happening on the field rather than take an activist position on something like a team name that is deemed offensive. Not using the name in stories and referring only to the city is fine since it really doesn’t have much of an impact on coverage. Past polls by Sports Illustrated and the University of Pennsylvania have found that a majority of Native Americans nationwide don’t see the use of Indian nicknames and mascots as offensive, but these polls are about a decade old. I’m not sure if opinion within the Native American community has changed or if the Redskins name is getting attention because they actually had a decent season last year.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Max as far as Snyder's eventual endgame in this debate - the only way I see the name changing under his leadership is if it's brought on by a lawsuit or a similar situation. Personally, I believe sports journalists have every right to speak out against what they perceive is an injustice to a historically disadvantaged minority. At the same time, though, choosing to simply withhold the team's name does little to resolve the debate, and feels like more of a personal "badge of honor" for that particular journalist to brag about.
ReplyDeleteI do see a name change approaching - in a long time, probably, but public opinion and pressure has a way of changing even the most made up of minds. Snyder may sell the team for other reasons first, though his ego may get in the way of better judgment, but I think a lawsuit or simple pressure may force his hand.
ReplyDeleteI do believe a lot of the outrage stems from people looking for something to offend them. Simmons, King, and the like are not Native American, and they don't need to speak out on their behalf. The term itself is indisputably offensive to Native Americans, but they are the only ones in place to ask for a change.