There is a controversy brewing in the NFL regarding the Washington Redskins mascot. Some Native American groups are suggesting that the name and mascot is offensive to Native Americans and their history. The ad below is a powerful one protesting the name. It highlights the contributions of many historical Native Americans and for that reason deserves it 3, 000,000 + viral hits on You Tube.
I did an informal and unscientific poll among First Nations students in my class, both male and female, all over the age of 30. All like the commercial but none thought that the Redskin mascot was offensive. Nonetheless, it is for a significant group of people.
My view is that names such as Braves, Warriors, and so on are empowering terms of honour. Redskin does have a pejorative history. At any rate, good work by the producers who at a minimum accurately characterized the history tradition, and honour of many Native Americans.
I did an informal and unscientific poll among First Nations students in my class, both male and female, all over the age of 30. All like the commercial but none thought that the Redskin mascot was offensive. Nonetheless, it is for a significant group of people.
My view is that names such as Braves, Warriors, and so on are empowering terms of honour. Redskin does have a pejorative history. At any rate, good work by the producers who at a minimum accurately characterized the history tradition, and honour of many Native Americans.
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