Redskins name derided as 'racial slur' at Smithsonian symposium

[Jeebus]

"I can only imagine what it would be like to be at a football game at FedEx Field in a crowd of close to 90,000, all screaming at the top of their lungs, when what they are screaming is a racial slur," said Judith Bartnoff, a deputy presiding judge in District of Columbia Superior Court.

Unaware of what the presentation was all about, Andre Holland wore his burgundy and gold Redskins hat, ear muffs and key chain to the National Museum of the American Indian. He was on a field trip with his Sports in America class from Anne Arundel Community College.

When the sessions ended, the 20-year-old student had removed the hat and disavowed the nickname of his lifelong favorite NFL team, having been persuaded that it's as racist as the worst names he might be called as an African-American.

"I really don't feel right wearing this stuff now," Holland said. "And now I can't even say 'HTTR' -- which is `Hail to the Redskins' -- because that's chanting something racist. I'm going to be a fan of Washington -- a 'Washington football team.' Not the 'Washington Redskins."'

[kudzu]

I fear for the future of our country, with a bunch of impressionable wussies like Andre running around here.

[veritas]

We've been through all this nonsense before. It's white liberals who are offended by these nicknames, not Indians.

[kudzu]

"Redskins" was never, ever intended as a slur of any kind.

Get over it. Everyone.

[musicmd]

We've been through all this nonsense before. It's white liberals who are offended by these nicknames, not Indians.

Maybe you should change the name to rednecks. How do you know Indians are not offended? The ones I know are.

[bystander]

Maybe you should change the name to rednecks. How do you know Indians are not offended? The ones I know are.

Uh huh.

[bwlewis1964]

Maybe you should change the name to rednecks. How do you know Indians are not offended? The ones I know are.

Now that's a good way to honor George Preston Marshall.

[bystander]

Maybe you should change the name to rednecks. How do you know Indians are not offended? The ones I know are.

Do you know any Pirates who are offended? No? Go fish.

[Calamari]

Maybe you should change the name to rednecks. How do you know Indians are not offended? The ones I know are.

I've seen righties on this board seriously freak out over that word.

[ms maggie]

How about the Florida Crackers? Or Detroit Dagos? Kansas City Kikes?

All good.

[demopublican]

Maybe you should change the name to rednecks. How do you know Indians are not offended? The ones I know are.

Do you understand how much they would love that is Southern Maryland?

[bystander]

They could take a page out of Dartmouth's play book. They were pressured to change their name. Now they are "The Big Green" but I guess Big Red is offensive too.

[bystander]

I've seen righties on this board seriously freak out over that word.

Maybe the could change their name to The Moonbats

[BiggSeth]

I vote for Washington Wagon burners

[veritas]

Maybe you should change the name to rednecks. How do you know Indians are not offended? The ones I know are.

They've done polls on this in the past. Heck, if there were no Indian nicknames, liberals would be whining about that. You guys will have to find a new victim group to exploit.

[ms maggie]

Do you know any Pirates who are offended? No? Go fish.

As a Pittsburgher, I can assure you that the Pirates offend simply by their play. But to your point, pretty sure the pirate population is basically nil in this country.

[octoburn]

"I can only imagine what it would be like to be at a football game at FedEx Field in a crowd of close to 90,000, all screaming at the top of their lungs, when what they are screaming is a racial slur," said Judith Bartnoff, a deputy presiding judge in District of Columbia Superior Court.

It is a racial slur no matter how popular the sport or the team. I see that name as being completely different than a name like the Braves.

[Wizard777]

Well you can't call them the Washington Negro's. Because that would be REALLY racist. Also the Negro's have better lobbyists and lawyers than the Redskins. So what can you do?

I'm going to hell for that one.

[DaggerJohn]

How about the Florida Crackers? Or Detroit Dagos? Kansas City Kikes?

All good.

The 'Fighting Irish' of Notre Dame.

[DaggerJohn]

Maybe you should change the name to rednecks. How do you know Indians are not offended? The ones I know are.

The ones you know are??? Really? Quickly, how many Indians or Native Americans do you know?