What's In a Name - Examining the Redskin's Name Controversy

In May of 2013 Snyder claimed the team
would "never" change it's name

It's hard to believe that something not involving new head coach Jay Gruden, free agent acquisition DeSean Jackson, or third year quarterback Robert Griffin III is capturing the headlines in Washington the way the current debate over the team's name is.  The current controversy over the NFL franchise based in our Nation's Capitol has intensified over the past year. Last May, team owner Dan Snyder stoked the fire, claiming the team would "never" change it's name. Since then, an intensified effort by Native American organizations and supporters alike, including an advertisement released during Superbowl Week, has been made to hasten change. Further fueling the debate was the recent backlash associated with Snyder's formation of the Washington Redskin's Original American Foundation, a move many have called pandering.

Perhaps the most disheartening aspect of the entire saga, has been Snyder's opposition to even discussing a change. What is clear, is that the name "Redskins" and caricature used as the teams mascot is disparaging to at least a marginal group of Americans. In a day and age, now 50 years removed from the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the idea of a professional sports franchise using a racial epithet as its mascot is unacceptable. The continued use of such a word constitutes a blemish, not a bright spot, upon the legacy of one of the NFL's most storied franchises.

Yet, the tide may be turning in the fight to change the name of the Washington Redskins. Recent rejections by the U.S Patent Office of products using the 'derogatory' slur, and the support of D.C mayor Vincent Gray for a name change exemplify growing support on the side of Native American groups. However, apathy on the part of fans continues to be one of the largest deterrents to changing the name. Though numerous rebranding campaigns have taken place, my personal favorite could serve to bridge the gap between fans who view the name 'Redskins' as one full of proud tradition to a more considerate name, the Washington Redhawks.

New Cleveland Indians Primary Logo

Washington has fallen, pitifully, behind in terms of sensitivity regarding sports mascots in recent years. The Cleveland Indians recently demoted their "Chief Wahoo" logo, opting for a block-C as their primary representation. Yet, DC sports fans need look no further than the city's professional basketball team for a positive example of rebranding. Late Washington Wizard's owner Abe Pollin's decision to change the teams name from the Bullets to the Wizards in 1995, due to the violent overtone of the old name, is indicative of the type of man he was. Snyder's insensitivity towards the impact of the franchise's name fits well with the insensitivity he has shown towards the fan experience at FedEx Field. 

Sometimes change comes slowly. And in the case of the Washington Redskins, a name change has been a long time coming. The price to rebrand the Washington Redskins will be extreme, but the positive impact it will cause far outweighs the cost.