Native Names

This article turned out to be really informative to me. Not once did I ever think of team names like the Cheifs, Redskins, or Braves were offensive to Native Americans. Like Ted Turner I thought it was all in fun and that nobody cared about it. Apparently people do. Ward Churchill opened informed me just how offensive it is. “We need an NFL team called the Niggers to honor African Americans, halftime activities might include stewing of the opposing coach in a large pot as players and cheerleaders dance around it, garbed with leopard skins and wearing fake bones in their noses.” (537) That to me is really offensive to African Americans it actually disgusts me when people say racist things like that. Well the Indian’s probably feel like that every time they see the Indian chop on T.V. or a chief walk out onto the field at half-time. So what are we to do? First off I think people need to be aware of this. I had no idea what an offense this is to Native Americans and now I support the removal of these team names. Why not name them the Kansas City Cyclones, or the Washington Thunderstorms? Something relevant to the city yet catchy. Second Native Americans shouldn’t give up on this cause. They may be outnumbered but if they truly want to change this they will get it done.