FanPost

Would you still be a Washington Redskins fan if the team changed its name?

The Redskins story reminded me of this story from Pekin, Illinois, surrounding a high school who chose "Chinks" as its mascot:

In July 1974, I went to the small town of Pekin, Ill., with a group of Chinese-Americans from Chicago who were offended by the name of Pekin’s high school football team.

Pekin, named for the Chinese city of Peking, called its team the "Chinks."

The students at Pekin High told the visitors that they loved their Chinks and that to them it was a name of honor and respect and no harm was intended.

The Chinese-Americans argued that regardless of how it was intended, the name was degrading and racist and should be changed.

Afterward, the students took a vote and Chinks won, 1,034 to 182. Later, another vote was taken and Chinks won again.

Finally, in 1980, as times changed and sensitivities grew, the school board changed the name of the team to the "Dragons." (continued)

One side saw it as a term of honor, the other side saw it as a slur. Eventually, the name was changed.

I am curious to know if Washington Redskins fans would continue to support their team in the event that the team changed its name.