In 1972, Stanford University changed their mascot from the “Indians” to the “Cardinals.” St. John’s University changed their name from the “Redmen” to the “Redstorm” in 1995. Then, n 1997 Miami of Ohio changed their mascot from the “Redskins” to the “Redhawks” and in 2007 the University of Illinois retired Chief Illiniwek as their mascot. All of these changes demonstrate how the controversy over offensive names in sports has continued over the years. Recently, the Washington Redskins became the next topic of debate over its mascot and logo.

        In an interview with the Associated Press, President Obama joined the ongoing discussion, saying, “I’ve got to say that if I were the owner of the team and I knew that there was a name of my team — even if it had a storied history — that was offending a sizeable group of people, I’d think about changing it.”

        Julie Saladino, a freshman at Nazareth Academy, disagreed: “These names have been around for a long time. Since nothing is too offensive, in my opinion, I think they should not be forced to change their name. It is a tradition and could create conflicts within the team’s fans.”

Ethan Flanagan, a senior at Nazareth academy, supported what the president said stating, “I definitely agree with that,…if there’s a lot of people who are very offended over the team name then it’s definitely time to…change your mind and see what people think.”

        Clearly there have been mixed responses to the controversy over the Redskins specifically, but people have begun to wonder where the line is drawn. Many teams still exist with names and mascots that could be also considered offensive such as the Florida State Seminoles, Atlanta Braves, Kansas City Chiefs, Chicago Blackhawks, Cleveland Indians, Central Michigan Chippewas and the Golden State Warriors. Ethan voiced his opinion, “I think the University of Illinois, the Chief Illiniwek, a lot of people had spoken out against that because they found it offensive to the Illini tribe and I think it just really depends on what the people who are being marginalized feel, because if the people have, are fine with it and they tell the sports team that it is perfectly ok to use it then I think that’s fine.

Julie commented, “For the most part, I do not think other people are calling sports teams these names to be mean. They are just big fans of these teams. Some names may be offensive and stereotypical and I don’t believe it is okay for teams to get away with these names. Yet, I don’t think the line should be drawn unless someone or some group is put in harm or danger.”

        Bob Costas explained his point of view during the halftime of the Sunday night football game between the Redskins and Cowboys. He said that names like “Braves,” “Chiefs,” and “Warriors,” “honor rather than demean.” Names like “Blackhawks,” “Seminoles,” and “Chippewas” “can still be okay provided the symbols are appropriately respectful.” In regards to the name of the Washington Redskins, “‘Redskins’ can’t possibly honor a heritage, or noble character trait, nor can it possibly be considered a neutral term. It’s an insult, a slur, no matter how benign the present-day intent.”

Ethan agreed, “I think that it’s very true that..if it was directed towards any other major ethnic group, that people would be so up in arms about it..and I think another thing is that as…white people we don’t really understand what it is like to have…racial slurs directed towards us.. so we don’t really understand how hateful words can be.”

Julie Saladino responded to Bob Costas’ point of view, “Costas is merely stating his opinion. He thinks these name are offensive. I do agree that the names could be looked at in the wrong way and can be considered very stereotypical. Yet, I don’t think the name “Redskins” is intended to be harmful in any way, but I do think Bob Costas has a valid point.”

        The argument over the Washington Redskins name continues, with their owner refusing to change the name after all of the years and memories as the Redskins. Julie Saladino has beliefs along the same lines, “Traditions are traditions and should not be messed with.” With other teams that have Native American mascots or logos, it is clear that the controversy over the Washington Redskins is only the beginning.