[blueash]

I don't understand why it seems difficult for some people to grasp that the continuing use of the nickname Redskin may offend people who, amazingly, aren't on the team. Even if only some Native Americans object there is no reason for a professional or college or high school.. team to offer offense to anyone when it can easily be avoided. To even suggest that the name Redskins has nothing to do with the larger question of anti-Native American racism and this nation's ugly history is amazing.

At least one can argue that the names Cleveland Indians or Atlanta Braves are somewhat neutral or positive. One cannot however suggest the cartoonish Chief Wahoo is in any way something other than a demeaning stereotype.. feather in his hair, big boney nose, eyes that never look straight ahead. It is no different than depicting a black man as a caricature of a shuffling Step 'n Fetchit.

Unless you are a member of a group which has been victimized by the group in power it may be difficult to understand and sympathize with those who simply ask that words that don't convey messages of pain and degradation be substituted for those that do. I fail to see how hurting peoples' feelings and using epithets is an appropriate topic for the humor page.