Identity theft: Redskins under fire for offensive team name

The Washington Redskins professional football team in the NFL has been under fire once again as a result of concerns about the offensive nature of the team’s name.
According to CNN, half of the U.S. Senate urged NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell on to change the Washington Redskins’ name.
Those who are opposed to the team’s name believe it is offensive because the name is a racial slur. However, a poll taken by the Associated Press shows that 9 out of 10 Native Americans are not bothered by the team name.
The team should not have to change its name since the name was never intended to have a negative connotation. In fact, NFL officials suggest that the name honors Native Americans for their courage and recognizes the sacrifices made by the people of indigenous tribes.
Former Redskins owner, Jack Kent Cooke, comments, “I admire the Redskins name. I think it stands for bravery, courage, and stalwart spirit and I see no reason why we shouldn’t continue to use it.”
Additionally, the potential for dramatic economic setbacks is of concern for those associated with the Redskins. Forbes magazine reports that the Redskins “are the eighth-most valuable sports franchise in the world, and the fifth-most valuable in the United States.” Clearly, that means if the name was changed that franchise owners would likely lose money in ticket sales, branding, and other venues where the name Redskins has become synonymous with football.
If the name change is required, other schools around the country who also share the name ‘Redskins’ name, may also be impacted. Some of these schools are predominantly Native American and have not instituted or suggested the change on their own behalf largely because they do believe the name ‘Redskin’ does not not always have a negative connotation. The athletic director of Coshocton High School in Coshocton, Ohio, says, “We are very proud of our athletic teams and very proud to be called Redskins!” The coach of the Lamar High School Redskins in Houston, Texas says, “Our school is 75 years old and there’s a lot of pride in it. I think it’s a great mascot, as all of the traits of a Redskin warrior are something to be admired.”
This is not to say it is alright to go around calling Native Americans Redskins, but a team that has been around for 82 years should not be expected to change their name simply because of the concern that the name ‘might’ be offensive. When people think of the Redskins, they don’t think negative things about Native Americans, they think of a football team.
When the Boston Braves moved their home stadium in 1932, they were renamed the Redskins because their head coach at the time, William Henry “Lone Star” Dietz claimed to be part Sioux. The name was not chosen because Native Americans were considered savages but in honor of their coaches heritage.
Before making any decision, we need to consider this: if we make changes to things like this, where will the line be drawn for other things that people find offensive?