New Girlfriend

[NAVYSKINSFAN]

So. I just started dating this girl. Everything was going wonderful and everything still us but... we were walking around Mac Authur center mall and went past the redskins store there. I went in to check out some stuff and she went without complaint. Here is the problem. She made a comment that the skins name was offensive to native americans. It was not big deal and she just kind of slightly metioned it, but I'm sure that one day soon its going to come up again.

So.. I am trying to get ready now cause I am sure that at somepoint (probally in the middle of a game) this topic of discussion will come up. How do you guys and gals defend against this kind of comment. I have not really given it much thought myself. I don't find it offensive but then again I'm not native americian.

Help out!

[ArtMonkDrillz]

Ask her if she finds Notre Dame's nickname and logo offensive.

[jbcjr14]

Get rid of her now....I forsee nothing but problems in the very near future.

[SmootSmack]

This is somewhat off topic, but does anyone remember that Seinfeld episode when Jerry likes Elaine's friend (I think her name was Whitney) and he's all cautious around her because she's Native American.

He wants to say he made reservations for dinner, instead he says he made "arrangements" Then when she wants to give something back to him he gets all upset and says "You can't take something and then give it back. That makes you an Indian giver!" Or the best part is when Kramer goes riding past them in the back of a cab holding a big cigar store Indian.

Man, that was a great episode.

[ArtMonkDrillz]

American Indians Among Admirers Of Redskins Name (washingtonpost.com)

This article, while a few years old, is very interesting. I think you have to ask her why she finds the name offensive. People give names/logos meaning, and if it's meant in a positive way, why is it offensive?
In this article Danny Boy has a nice quote:
Snyder, meanwhile, intends to keep the name, no matter the protests. "Frankly, we don't hear much from fans about this," Swanson says. "Words take power from their usage. We don't use funny mascots. We don't have tomahawk chops. We've always used the word in a respectful way, to mean tradition, courage and respect."

[cpayne5]

The term redskin (in terms of the Washington Redskins) does not actually refer to the skin color of Native Americans, but rather to the red warpaint that the Algonquins applied to their faces.

I can't find any information about this next part, but I'm pretty sure I heard it somewhere so take it with a grain of salt if you so desire...
An Algonquin man offered to donate himself for the logo. I believe his reasoning was because the team was actually honoring his people. Again, I can't confirm this, but I'm pretty sure I read it somewhere at some point.

So, the next time you're in the mall, pop those two arguments out on her, buy her a Cooley jersey and be done w/ it.

If she doesn't buy it, dump her.

[12thMan]

Originally Posted by cpayne5

The term redskin (in terms of the Washington Redskins) does not actually refer to the skin color of Native Americans, but rather to the red warpaint that the Algonquins applied to their faces.

I can't find any information about this next part, but I'm pretty sure I heard it somewhere so take it with a grain of salt if you so desire...
An Algonquin man offered to donate himself for the logo. I believe his reasoning was because the team was actually honoring his people. Again, I can't confirm this, but I'm pretty sure I read it somewhere at some point.

So, the next time you're in the mall, pop those two arguments out on her, buy her a Cooley jersey and be done w/ it.

If she doesn't buy it, dump her.

The part you mentioned was referenced in the Balitmore Sun about a year ago. But even that part, some people are saying the details were sketchy. But they ran a very long article in the Sun about the teams logo and history.

[TheMalcolmConnection]

Ask her if she's seen your domestic violence criminal record and then ask her again if she has a problem.

[Monkeydad]

Dump her now. You can't be sure how many other wacky liberal concepts she's bought into.

Find someone with Indian blood and have them tell her that they really consider it an honor to have the team named the Redskins (as most do...if they care) and them have him tell her that she's been dumped.

[SmootSmack]

Tell her it is offensive and that's why you like the name...then proceed to go on a 15 minute rant offending everyone, then kick some puppies

Daseal can help find the puppies for you. There are certain breeds that are better suited for kicking, but he's the expert on it. He's like our very own Dog Whisperer

[GhettoDogAllStars]

"...kick some puppies."

[Redskins8588]

Well first off, let her know that most Native Americans do not mind the name or even care. Secondly tell her that the head logo that we use is an actual replica of a real Native American Cheif. I remember watching it on redskins.com they said who the Cheif was, I cant remember... So apparently Native Americans really dont have that much of a problem about it...

[Schneed10]

Show her this MSNBC Poll. An independent research group (ie not the NFL and not the Washington Redskins, so there is no bias) polled 1500 Native Americans. A whopping 90% said the name was not offensive.

[dmek25]

get rid of her, quick. any women that would have that discussion in the middle of a redskin game isnt worthy

[Carnage]

Originally Posted by Schneed10

Show her this MSNBC Poll. An independent research group (ie not the NFL and not the Washington Redskins, so there is no bias) polled 1500 Native Americans. A whopping 90% said the name was not offensive.

exactly, emphasize that indians are not the ones with the problem, only bleeding heart types.