The Change in the Redskins' Name: Unveiling the Motivations Behind the Decision

The Washington Redskins, a prominent professional football team in the National Football League (NFL), underwent a notable transformation when they changed their name. The decision sparked widespread discussions and debate, with proponents emphasizing cultural sensitivity and opponents emphasizing tradition and heritage.

Societal pressures played a crucial role in compelling the Washington Redskins to reconsider their name. In recent years, the United States has witnessed an increased awareness regarding racial and cultural sensitivity, including the critique of sports teams' names and logos that perpetuate harmful stereotypes.

Researchers like Williams and Kaplan (2021) argue that the Redskins' name had become a symbol of cultural insensitivity, and pressure from various communities and organizations amplified the call for a change.

The Redskins' name was widely criticized for perpetuating a derogatory stereotype towards Native American communities. Multiple academic studies, such as Frederick and Maloney's (2019) examination of Native American sports mascots, demonstrate how such depictions negatively impact cultural identity and perpetuate harmful stereotypes. The mounting evidence supporting the negative effects on mental health and self-esteem of Native American individuals further underscored the need for a name change.

Get quality help now

writer-marian

Verified writer

Proficient in: Sports

4.8 (309)

“ Writer-marian did a very good job with my paper, she got straight to the point, she made it clear and organized ”

+84 relevant experts are online

Hire writer

Activism played a pivotal role in urging the Washington Redskins to address the concerns surrounding their name. Native American activists, such as Suzan Harjo, led campaigns to highlight the offensive nature of the Redskins' name and logo. The involvement of prominent advocacy organizations, like the National Congress of American Indians, added weight to the argument that the team's name was a racial slur, promoting an environment conducive to change (Smith, 2020).

Legal challenges against the Redskins' name contributed significantly to the organization's decision to change.

The cancellation of the team's federal trademark registration in 2014 due to the name's disparaging nature (Pro-Football, Inc. v. Blackhorse et al.) marked a turning point. This decision signaled a shift in the legal landscape and emboldened opponents of the name, bolstering their case for reevaluation.

The Washington Redskins recognized that maintaining their name had the potential to tarnish their reputation. As society progressed and became more inclusive, the team risked alienating a significant portion of its fan base and potential sponsors. Forbes (2021) reported that the change in the Redskins' name was a strategic move to reposition the franchise in alignment with the evolving values and expectations of their stakeholders.

The decision to change the Washington Redskins' name was driven by a combination of societal pressures, cultural sensitivity concerns, activism, legal challenges, and the need to adapt to an evolving image. The team acknowledged the offensive nature of their name, recognizing the impact it had on Native American communities and the broader public perception.