But the word Irish isn't offensive. Redskins is. When you say that no one uses the term anymore, you're mistaken. It is still used in a cruel way in some areas of the country. I agree that most people won't see a silly mascot in fake regalia and then see the word 'savages' and make the connection that Native Americans must be savages. It's does bring up negative feelings for Native Americans though and that is why it matters and must be changed. There are many ethnic groups and stereotypes that could be used as team mascots but they aren't. It would be obviously unacceptable. I don't get why we accept it for Native Americans just because of tradition.
The difference is that we're talking about ethnic groups. Teams would never get away with calling themselves the Boston Blacks or the Jersey Jews. It just wouldn't be allowed Why is it allowed for Native Americans? A Mountaineer is not an ethnic group and not offensive. The very word "Redskins" is offensive and was created to demean another group of people. There is no honor in that word, likewise for a team calling themselves the Savages. Find the honor in that. Comparing them to animals like the Lions or Penguins is ridiculous. It's absolutely not the same thing and shouldn't even need to be addressed.
Let’s lose offensive mascots
But the word Irish isn't offensive. Redskins is. When you say that no one uses the term anymore, you're mistaken. It is still used in a cruel way in some areas of the country. I agree that most people won't see a silly mascot in fake regalia and then see the word 'savages' and make the connection that Native Americans must be savages. It's does bring up negative feelings for Native Americans though and that is why it matters and must be changed. There are many ethnic groups and stereotypes that could be used as team mascots but they aren't. It would be obviously unacceptable. I don't get why we accept it for Native Americans just because of tradition.
December 3, 2009 at 6:14 p.m. permalink suggest removal
Let’s lose offensive mascots
The difference is that we're talking about ethnic groups. Teams would never get away with calling themselves the Boston Blacks or the Jersey Jews. It just wouldn't be allowed Why is it allowed for Native Americans? A Mountaineer is not an ethnic group and not offensive. The very word "Redskins" is offensive and was created to demean another group of people. There is no honor in that word, likewise for a team calling themselves the Savages. Find the honor in that. Comparing them to animals like the Lions or Penguins is ridiculous. It's absolutely not the same thing and shouldn't even need to be addressed.
December 3, 2009 at 2:36 p.m. permalink suggest removal