"For some Native Americans, the birth of a white buffalo signifies prayers heard and consciousness raised. Several such births have been reported in recent years, and the prophesized enlightenment could take many forms. A new name for Washington's professional football team sure would be a welcome sign.

To illustrate the offensiveness of the name Redskins, I wrote a column Nov. 14 about an imaginary football game between the Whiteys and the Darkies. Of the responses I received, one stood out. Fellow Post columnist Marc Fisher, writing in this space Thursday, noted that my effort was "a strong appeal to our sense of fairness." Then he added: "But it was based on a fallacy."

Notice how quickly that compliment gets undercut. And Marc's claim that names such as Redskins are complimentary doesn't even last that long."

Get the Story:
Pride to One Is Prejudice To Another (The Washington Post 11/21)
pwpwd

William "Lone Star" Dietz Research:
Linda Waggoner: Reclaiming James One Star (Indian Country Today 2004)

Appeals Court Decision:
Pro-Football, Inc. v. Harjo (July 15, 2005)

Lower Court Decision:
Pro-Football, Inc. v. Harjo (September 30, 2003)

Patent and Trademark Office Ruling:
Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (1999)

Relevant Links:
Redskins - http://www.redskins.com

Related Stories:
Column: 'Redskins' a mascot of Indian genocide (11/17)
Schwarzenegger vetoes bill banning 'Redskins' (9/30)
Column: 'Redskins' players not exactly keen on name (09/19)
Research: 'Redskins' coach faked Indian heritage (08/30)
Column: How about the Washington Blackfaces? (08/19)
Opinion: It's time to bench the 'Redskins' mascot (08/08)
TV stations challenged on use of 'Redskins' name (7/22)
'Redskins' lawsuit revived by appeals court (7/18)
Opinion: It's time for racist mascots to go (07/14)
Seminole Tribe doesn't have problem with mascots (07/05)
Harjo: Ruling expected any day on use of R-word (06/17)
Harjo: NCAA should ban all 'Native' imagery (05/27)
Appeals court enters battle over 'Redskins' names (4/11)
Letter: Redskins owner should drop offensive name (11/11)
Column: It's time for 'Redskins' to go (09/22)
Opinion: Redskins should drop 'offensive' name (01/07)
Seneca Nation invited lawmakers to Redskins game (10/13)
Opinion: Fight against Redskins marks a waste of time (10/07)
NCAI critical of ruling on Redskins trademarks (10/3)
Judge allows team to keep Redskins names (10/2)
Court considers cancellation of Redskins team marks (07/24)
Report: Redskins merchandise worth $5 million (07/24)
Judge to hold hearing on Redskins mark case (7/21)
Opinion: Take Indians out of Redskins (12/02)
On Mascots: 'Redskins' is our n-word (09/16)
White Man: Indians proud of Redskins (5/30)
Opinion: Why Redskins must change (3/4)
Redskins get 'new' old look (2/7)
Redskins uniforms changed, for now (2/6)
Harjo: Seeking 'honor' in R-word (2/4)
Opinion: Redskins is for Indians (1/28)
Letters: More on Redskins name (1/18)
Redskins name OK if it offends (1/17)
As If: Replace Redskins logo (1/15)
Editorial: Redskins honors Native people (1/14)
Letters: Debate over Redskins name (1/14)
Redskins name called 'dehumanizing' (1/10)
Redskins told to pick new name (1/9)
Letter: 'Redskins' honors Native people (1/9)
Opinion: War over Redskins plate (1/7)
Redskins name wanted changed (11/19)