It's Time For the 'Washington Redskins' to Change Their Name

I am once again calling for the NFL team that represents Washington D.C. to change their names, as their current nickname is hateful and insulting to the Native American Community. According to Esquire, the term for ‘redskin’ is "The scalped head of a Native American that is sold for cash.” This epithet has been commonplace since 1755 in the Phips Proclamation which called for bounties on Native Indians near Maine. Today, we do not realize the disgusting history of the bounty placed on their lives for which 'redskin' was first coined. Native groups have been calling for a change for decades & it is time to finally comply.

A new study from California Berkeley in February of 2020, "57% who strongly identify with being Native American and 67% of those who frequently engage in tribal cultural practices were found to be deeply insulted by caricatures of Native American culture." So, the tide is changing from a few years ago, when only a minority of Natives were offended by the distortions/terms. In the rapid pace of PC culture, it was not if, but when the team would change their name due to public backlash or financial repercussions.

A brief history of the team- The Washington Redskins obtained their first trademark for the name in 1967 and within five years, a delegation of Native Americans met with the owner at the time (Edward Williams) to have him change the team's name (Washington Post, 2016). Although the group made progress in him tweaking fight songs, the team's controversial name remained. There was not a tremendous call for change again until 1992 when "Suzan Harjo and six other Native Americans file a petition with the Patent and Trademark Office asking for the revocation of the team’s six federal trademark registrations because the name disparages Indians" (Washington Post, 2016). Twenty one years later in 2013, is when the tone shifted on the term 'redskins,' with owner Dan Snyder saying the name will "NEVER" be changed. This prompted then President of the United States Barack Obama to weigh in and suggest the team should consider changing the offensive term. Now, seven years later, we are in the same battle, but there seems to be light at the end of the tunnel for the disband of the racist slur.

I propose the name ‘Washington Red Wolves’ as it brings awareness to one of the most rare breeds of wolves, who are nearly extinct. There are less than 20 red wolves in the wild, and we need to bring our attention to saving this beautiful animal. Dan Snyder, owner of the Redskins wants to keep the same brand/image, and the ‘Red Wolves’ would be insanely easy to keep the likeness. The wolf is one of the most popular spirit animals for Native Americans. Wolves are associated with courage, strength, loyalty, and success at hunting in Native folklore. These characteristics would fit in perfect with the team. Also, picture going to a game at FedEx field and the entire stadium howling to Duran Duran's "Hungry Like A Wolf" to get the energy flowing before kickoff! It is time for a new beginning in the nation's capitol and the change from 'Redskins' to 'Red Wolves' would be a good start.

Link to help protect the endangered Red Wolves:

Link to bring awareness to Native Americans:

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