What does "Redskin" Really Mean?

             Few people actually know what the word “Redskin” really means. This is itself is the majority of the problem. Not a lot of people understand the origin of the Redskin’s name, so it is hard for them to comprehend the frustration of those pushing for the name change.  The term originates from the Beothuk tribe in present-day Canada. Members of the tribe often painted their bodies using red clay. The Native Americans lived alongside whites, and used the name “Redskin” to distinguish themselves. The term spread and was used abundantly in the 1800’s. However, along with many other monikers, “Redskin” eventually became associated with a negative connotation. Around the same time, sports teams were being commonly named after Native American tribes, sometimes as a sign of patriotism, and other times as a way to honor an important person.

            Nowadays, the average American simply knows the term “Redskins” as the NFL team led by quarterback Robert Griffin III. The Washington Redskins have a long tradition-filled history dating back to the 1930’s. Changing the name would undermine the long of history the team has made. Fans have grown up cheering for the Redskins and they do not see the negative connotation in the name. However, the name should be changed regardless of the fact if the fans turn a blind eye towards it or do not understand it. Had the team name been a racial slur towards a larger proportion of the audience the debate would mean more to more people and most likely be changed. The fans and people of America cannot continue to ignore the Native American identity and the racial slurs that are easily made towards them in today’s society. 

           

            However much the name may mean to the city and the team, whatever the cost may be to rebrand the team, Native Americans living in the Unites States should enjoys the same freedoms and respect as all other races and ethnicities. Native Americans are the only ones targeted by racial slurs within sports teams, and the Washington Redskins are just one of many teams sporting a racially discriminatory name. Although the name could be seen as being intertwined with the history of the team, the fact that the name wasn’t changed earlier in their history cannot be used as an excuse. The American public needs to understand that they are not the only ones that are important, and that there are other groups, ones who have been discriminated against greatly, that are fighting to end yet another form of segregation. These names should have been changed long ago, and the longer we wait, the deeper the roots of the name will become engrained in the image of the team.