Opinion
Column: Nation in denial about racism of mascots


"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)
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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)
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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)
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