Native American Mascots

       

In an article written by CNN Wold Sports Associate Producer, Kurt Mullen, racism in sports is discussed. Many sports teams and colleges use Native American references as their mascots and many people are saying that it is offensive to Native Americans. The debate is especially heating over the Washington Redskins, where they are being highly criticized for their name.

       
 The term redskins as explained in this article is a derogatory term used to describe Native Americans. NFL team Washington Redskins are getting a lot backlash from the public about their team name. However, hundreds of other teams use Native American mascots and have received negative feedback on them. Mullen writes that the NCAA has forced a number of colleges with offensive Native American mascots at an attempt to end the racism.
         
Washington Redskin's owner, Daniel Snyder however, refuses to change their name. Snyder claims that it is "a matter of tradition and pride," and continues to defend their name. Kurt Mullen believes that the Washington Redskin's name is very offensive ad racist toward Native Americans and Native American culture. Twice he refers to Jackie Robinson's success in breaking down the "color barrier in American sports," when he was the first African-American to play for the all-white Brooklyn Dodgers. He expresses admiration and pride in the decreased racism in our nation's sports leagues but then goes to say that it is not all the way gone. Mullen feels that Snyder's refusal to acknowledge the racist connotations of his team name complete negates what Jackie Robinson had done all those years ago.
       
In my opinion, I would have to agree with Kurt Mullen. I do believe that the Washington
Redskin's name is offensive and that it should be changed. I feel that if their is a complaint that a term of logo is offensive to them or anyone else, it should be altered. Although Snyder's argument makes sense and is debatable, I believe that it is not enough. Changing their name does not affect him in any way however, keeping the name as is negatively impacts thousands of people and that's why I believe his argument is not strong enough.