have to say something on this as NO one seems to get why the word REDSKIN is offensive! and not honoring Native Americans.
This usage is not the same as Indians or Hurons or Chiefs, It does not promote or recognize anything good.
The word REDSKINS refers to a DEAD Indian! I know this because I was able to speak to Abel Cooper president of the LEH NAH WEH Native American Organization in my sociology class at Siena Heights.
I asked him the question as why the usage of Redskins was offensive and Indians was not. Indians refer to a group like Tecumseh, but again Redskins refer to a DEAD Indian.
As far as I could tell Native Americans have no problem with the usage of Indians, Hurons or Chiefs. But I think we can see why Redskins is offensive!
By not knowing this one would just think it ok, but when we get educated and see what it means I think we can agree its wrong! Would we build a new school in Detroit and name it the "N" word? No its offensive, and so it this.
Emily and Ryan, I think you need to see why its offensive and not just say it is not when you do not have the information.
When a school or team uses the Indian name like Cleveland or Tecumseh, Native Americans only concern from what I have been told is that others are using photos displaying indians in perhaps a bad way. Although for what I can tell they do not have a problem with it as much as the usage of REDSKIN.
It again refers to a DRAD indian and is wrong. Just like the Washington Redskins. This is not honoring them.
We tried as "Americans" kill all of the indians from this land, we did horrible thing to them because we wanted their land. Your High School History Books do not tell you of this. Take a class in college like sociology and ask about it, just because its not there does not mean it did not happen.
They deserve our respect and we should now HONOR them by NOT using the name REDSKIN.
We should educate our selfs and learn from our mistakes and respect others feelings.
I am sure Able Cooper would be glad to answer any questions you have 517 263 3233