By Justin Kortick, Staff Writer
To change or not to change. That has been a question regarding whether or not the Washington Redskins should change their team name since it offends many Native Americans. They have been the “Redskins” since 1933 and have played in Washington, moving from Boston, since 1937.
The term “redskin” is viewed by many as a derogatory slur towards the Native Americans. There have been national protests since 1988, while countless Native Americans wrote to former owner Jack Kent Cooke even though Cooke did not want to change the name.
In 2013, Redskins owner, Dan Snyder said that he would never change the team name. Then in June 2014, the United States Patent Office abolished the Redskins’ trademark registration. 50 United States senators also signed a letter that i directed towards the NFL commissioner Roger Goodell suggesting he force the team to change its name. Dan Snyder has not changed his mind at all and apparently will not change the name.
While there are many, many people that think the Washington Redskins should change its name, I believe they shouldn’t. It has been this way for 82 years so why change it now? Does this also mean other sports teams have to change their name? The Atlanta Braves? The Florida State Seminoles? The Cleveland Indians? The Kansas City Chiefs? The point is that the Redskins should not be the only team who people should be protesting against.
Lastly, changing the name won’t really help the community of Native Americans. America doesn’t gain anything by changing the team name. Along these lines, I believe the Redskins should not change their name.