The continued use of the name "Redskins" by the Washington football team is appalling to many Native Americans who take offense to the name. Owner Dan Snyder and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell glibly ignore the protests and the controversy because public opinion is still divided. But the tide may be turning as one Native American Tribe turns to the one weapon every American understands and fears- advertising. The "Change the Mascot" movement has been gaining ground for the better part of a year, but now armed with an Ad that aired on Tuesday night's NBA Finals game, hopefully the conversation can lead to some real change.
The Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation of northern California bought time during Game 2 of the NBA Finals to air an ad aimed at garnering public support for the Washington Redskins to change their name.
Already this year the NBA has shown that it is committed to ridding itself of hateful elements. Commissioner Adam Silver's lifetime band of LA Clippers owner Donald Sterling and the subsequent sale of the team was a winning blow in the national debate on race. But the NFL seems to be lagging behind in this regard. Shane Battier of the Miami Heat said the NBA's ad space being used to affect positive social change is entirely welcome (via Fox News):
"If there are Native American tribes who find that term offensive, and they've voiced their expression of discontent for the name, I think there should be a move to change it," Battier said. "If everyone in the Native American world looked at 'Redskins' as a sign of respect, I would be OK with it, but if it is a slanderous and hurtful term for people, it needs to be changed."
You can see the ad here:
Washington owner Dan Snyder, however, continues to dig his heels in, often using the tradition and respect soundbites that people use when they don't want to change their ugly behaviors. Keith Olberman punctured that balloon last month when he reported on an article from the 30's in which the original owner of the team said the team's name was not chosen to honor Native Americans (via CBS Washington):
"Daniel Snyder, and those in the National Football League who stick to this nonsense, are lying. Although, we must concede the possibility that Snyder was not lying; that he too was, at best, easily led, delusional, rationalizing and stupid."
You can watch video of Keith Olberman skewering Dan Snyder here:
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