Washington’s NFL team received mixed reviews after coming out with the news on February 2nd, 2022. The team announced that they will be changing their names from the Washington Redskins to the Washing Commanders. They made the change to their name, and also altered their logo to a “W”. This upset many people, but on the other hand, it pleased many others.
One of the main reasons behind this name change was the feelings and respect towards Native Americans. The term “Redskins” can commonly be known as an offensive slur towards Native Americans. This soon leads people to believe that the team name would be considered racist. Out of respect for these individuals, the team decided it was best to change their name. The Washington Commanders leader and board did not want to deal with hate and lose fans due to the negative press. Some people are pleased with this change and feel respected in return.
Contrary to what was stated in the previous paragraph, many think it is foolish and quite dumb that they changed their name. Some believe that it was unnecessary and should not be considered racist. Many people are upset because they support the team and already have purchased past merchandise and souvenirs saying “Redskins.” These same people now fear that it will no longer have any value and would now be considered a waste of money. Many of the players responded to the frustration online saying they feel that although the name may have changed, the strong, victory-filled team remains the same in the end.
Overall, I do not feel like they should have changed their name. I think that it is just a football team and nothing serious enough. I also found it a waste of money to have to purchase completely new uniforms for the team. While I think they shouldn’t have changed their name, I also understand the reasoning for it. As an NFL team, the last thing you want is hate and negative press. I think that it is not a super huge deal, but at the same time, I wish that the team would have been able to keep their original name.
Should the team have changed their name?
Do you think it would have been racist if they kept the name?
Replies
Well done overall Brehdan! The topic had already been posted on the forum so be sure to always check that before starting. Due to this, you will lose some points and you were also not able to get extra credit for being in the top five. Your summary is well done and you did a pretty good job commenting. Be sure to comment back on three different days.
I don't think that the football team should have changed their name. They have been the redskins for so long so I don't see why all of a sudden it's an issue. I think it's just another thing for Democrats to complain about. Also, some tribes have said they felt honored by the name.
I think that they should be able to change their name even if it wasn't racist. Many people have said that they don't think it's racist but they don't know what it's like to be called that slur. I think that in the end they should change their name to respect other whether some think it's racist or not.
I don't think they should have changed their name in the first place because they have had the name for so long already and there was very few complaints about it. Also every fan that had jerseys or any apparel of theirs it is now out of date and cost them money to get new apparel.
I don't think that they should've changed their name because of the history behind the team. Every fan knows them as the Redskins, and that won't change. I don't think that would've been racist if they kept the name because it is simply tradition.
I don't think that they should've changed their name because its what everybody has known them as. Why would they change somehting that people liked. As much drama as this has caused I would support them if they kept the name because they shouldn't have to change it because the natives say its racist.
I do not think that they should have had to change their name. I think that overall it was dumb, and the term "Redskins" should not be seen as racist or offensive. I think that people are reading into things more then they should be. It wasn't racist to keep the name, but I see why they changed it.
I believe that they should have been able to keep their name the Redskins because it's tradition. Many other teams in the NFL and MLB also have controversial names. Are they all going to have to change their team names as well?
A lot of those other teams already have had to change their names. I think it is dumb that they do thogh. People are getting way too sensitive. THese team names weren't meant to be racist. I really don't think the teams wanted to change their names either, but sponsors started to leave so they had no choice.
In my opinion, I think that they should not have changed their name. It wouldn't be racist and it just makes me really sad that people can think of that. if anything I think it would be to help carry on traditions