Update [2007-4-22 16:53:51 by Skin Patrol]: Mater4Caster at
Running Redskins weighs in. I agree with him.
I didn't want to post on this but an
Extreme Skins thread eviscerating it inspired me. Here's the
Post piece, a predictably boring indictment of the Redskins name as racial slur that distinguishes itself only because the author provides hilariously stupid alternatives. The Washington G-Men, for instance -- but who will tell the
Giants? Or the Bison -- but who will tell the
Bills? Or the Tigers -- but who will tell the
Bengals? Actually, who will tell the
Tigers?
Anyways, needless to say I don't much care for any of the author's suggested appelations nor do I much care for her opinion on the matter at all. The issue of whether or not the Redskins need to change their name was entirely settled for me by this poll, which points out that the presumed injured party in this case don't really see themselves as such, and that compels me.
A poll of American Indians found that an overwhelming majority of them are not bothered by the name of the Washington Redskins.
Only 9 percent of those polled said the name of the NFL team is "offensive," while 90 percent said it's acceptable, according to the University of Pennsylvania's National Annenberg Election Survey, released Friday.
As far as I'm concerned, there isn't anything else to add. Even the staunchest and most aggressive PC Warrior would have to admit that naughty, inappropriate slurs need to be naughty and inappropriate
towards someone or some group, and in this particular instance a victim is lacking. So case closed, right? [If not, let me know in the comments section.]
I believe one good failed attempt at PC Gotcha witch hunting deserves another, and thus I direct you to the original Post article:
3. The Washington Rockfish. Lacking intimidating local fauna (the Washington Black Squirrels?), we could follow the lead of teams in Florida, not to mention in Japan, and name our franchise after a form of sea life found locally. Not threatening, but tasty.
Ignoring for a moment that it's simply a horrible suggestion -- the
Rockfish??? -- what really saddens me about this is that some person could so callously attempt to classify all the diversity and pride inherent in Squirrelness solely based on the color of fur -- in the 21st century, no less. Totally despicable, sadfaces all around. I just hope that my children can one day live in a world where Squirrels are judged correctly by their deeds, actions, character... or else the size of their nuts.
Incidentally, this picture sums up my feelings on the subject.
