The Washington Redskins and an Ethical Discussion of a Name Change.

Though I travel the country quite a bit, as I live in South Carolina, I generally cheer for the Carolina Panthers. A good friend of mine likes the Buffalo Bills and another likes the Green Bay Packers.

As I begin this blog, I need to stress that in my reading and internet surfing I have not uncovered one letter of protest from a panther, anyone named “Bill,” or any butchers or meatpackers in regard to having football teams take on their names or professions.

However, many people who claim indigenous Native American roots are downright angry that in 2014 a football team still refers to itself as the “Redskins.”

Stop the Moaning

As I again approach the topic of doing the right thing as a function of good ethical behavior, I am able to hear the moans of certain sub-sets of America who want me to take my politically correct commentary and fade away. I won’t.

To those who claim roots to the indigenous peoples of this land, “Redskin” is an offensive word. It is more than just a descriptor of skin color – and this is where so many “moaners” are clueless. It is a characterization of a way of life; it is meant to demean; it is an intentional categorization that has ceased to become of use.

Whenever the debate flares, the usual defense of the name is offered by the “victors.” By people whose ancestors were never forced onto reservations or subjected to being second class citizens.

The Washington Redskins football team was founded in 1932; eighty some-odd years ago. The country and the world were then very different places. Words, expressions, humor, popular culture tolerated things then, that none of us would stand for now.

I would be banned from social media for life, if I were to now substitute offensive ethnic, religious or racially insensitive words for NFL football team names. All I can say is use your imagination. Think of a really lousy word someone used against “your people,” and substitute it for “Redskin.” Let me know how it feels.  Would anyone in the south stand for the NFL team in Charlotte being named the “Carolina Crackers”?

The Foundation

In an article for the Associated Press (March 25, 2014) entitled: “Snyder: Redskins to assist Native Americans,” writer Joseph White relates that Dan Snyder, owner of the team is about to start a foundation.

“TheWashington Redskins Original Americans Foundation will ‘provide meaningful and measurable resources that provide genuine opportunities’ for Native Americans. The announcement did not state whether Snyder will personally donate any money to the foundation and gave no other financial details.”

I had to read the statement over several times to let its full impact sink into my ethical sensibilities. The article goes on to describe a letter that “Snyder” had written to support his new-found compassion toward Native Americans:

“In the letter, Snyder said he and his staff visited 26 reservations over the last four months. He listed poverty, illness, drug abuse, violence and lack of basic infrastructure as among the problems faced by Native Americans.

‘I’ve listened. I’ve learned. And frankly, its heart wrenching,’ the letter said.’”

OK, I will believe him. That is, I believe his heart was moved. I will believe that despite his immense wealth and privilege, he was able to connect with something deeply emotional. Perhaps, if only for a few minutes, he realized that all of us occupy this place all too briefly and we must try to give back something to one another. But did that “something” also include diminishing his bank account by a few bucks?

Where it Counts

The challenge comes to the issue of the name change.  Do you keep the name even though we are in a more politically sensitive time or do you step up and change it, knowing that you’re impacting the brand.  At one level I want to say change the name, but at another (my business brain kicks in) I ask really?  What about Aunt Jemima as a Quaker Oat brand.  Is that brand offensive to African-Americans?

Maybe if you change the name you can begin to change perceptions that go far back; far beyond 1932 – maybe to 1832 and earlier, before smallpox and forced relocations and wars that didn’t need to be fought. Look instead to the Navajo Code Talkers or Colin Powell or Shania Twain or Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell who rose above poverty, illness, drug abuse and violence and made this country great.

Many would say start with the name, not the “Foundation.” There already exist excellent charitable organizations that support Native American causes. Donate to them. Even more noble, donate anonymously. Likewise many loudly say “Change the name”.

Keep the logo if you are afraid of losing tens of millions in sweatshirt sales. I’m sure your PR and advertising departments, the same people who suggested “TheWashington Redskins Original Americans Foundation,” can come up with a spiffy new team name.

I’ll leave everyone with a proverb that bears repeating. It’s Native American in origin:

“Never criticize a man until you’ve walked a mile in his moccasins.”

Many would say do the ethical thing, Washington. Walk in their shoes for just a few steps and change the name.  I guess, however, for me the issue is a challenge…do we become so sensitive that we change tradition?  Ethics is a function of doing the right thing based on all the relevant facts and circumstances.  Over time, it would appear that momentum is leaning toward changing the name.  Thank God we’re not yet too sensitive to the names of animals, otherwise the Carolina Panther, Chicago Bears and Seattle Seahawks would be in big trouble.

YOUR COMMENTS ARE WELCOME.