Paintrain's all encompassing 'discuss all things offseason' thread (Version 2.0)

[Starry Plough]

For what it's worth, I was brought up a Roman Catholic in sectarian Northern Ireland. Now, as I got older I learned not to buy into organised religion on any level, and instead interpret things in my own personal way, but whatever, I won't get into that.

Anyway, there are a number of slurs exchanged between Protestants and Catholics here due to beliefs be them religious, political, or indeed tribal. Two in particular I find particularly offensive to Catholics (and I'm not alone) then are Taig and Fenian.

As the latter was often used to describe an Irish warrior, I've met folk from outside of Ireland who would therefore interpret it as a term of endearment as someone who fought against oppression and tyranny. Something to be proud of if you will. Unfortunately however, that is just not the case, and if someone suggested a team in any area of sport was to be dubbed the Fenians, I guarantee there would be international condemnation.

Now, if I get criticised as not understanding or appreciating what it means to grow up following the Redskins, then of course I get that. There is an identity by association, even, and in some cases especially where team sport is concerned (I know families who live and die by Gaelic football). I guess I'm merely saying I can empathise with concerns within the Native American community, but if the team name were to change, then I'd still follow them regardless.