By Milt Harris ——Bio and Archives--August 13, 2023
American Politics, News | CFP Comments | Reader Friendly | Subscribe | Email Us
“Stay in your lane” is an expression that means someone should “stick with what they know.” More bluntly stated it means, “mind your own business.”
Back in 2020, the professional football team in Washington D.C. came under fire (again) for its nickname, which at the time was the Redskins. This caused the woke left to lose their minds. Never mind, that “Redskins” had been the team nickname since 1933 when the team played in Boston, (they moved to Washington in 1937) in 2020 it was eliminated by “cancel culture” and for two seasons the team was simply known as the “Washington Football Team.” In 2022 the team changed the name to Commanders and has suffered under that moniker since.
I’ve always been of the opinion that nicknames, or any term should be judged based on the intent that it is used. The same can be said for visual symbols such as statues. Tearing down statues of civil war generals, no matter what side they fought for is ridiculous. Granted, that was a difficult time in American history, but it shouldn’t be forgotten or “cancelled” just because a group of perpetually offended snowflakes get their feelings hurt. How small minded do you have to be in order to become offended by something that you had nothing to do with. Not to mention that in 99 percent of the cases, the loudest protestors have absolutely no idea what the real story is behind what they’re screaming about.
Which brings me back to the Redskins as a nickname. The nickname was never at any time meant to be derogatory in any way. Again, the intent means everything. The name was meant to honor and represent the strong, fearless native American warriors. Even as a kid growing up, when I heard the name I thought of Native American warriors. Never, even as an adult, did I ever meet anyone that was offended or thought of the name as offensive.
Seriously, think about this in a common sense fashion, which by the way automatically eliminates the left. This is a professional football team. Of course they want a name that exudes confidence and strength. Why I never heard that argument by team management is disappointing. The left enters every fight expecting the opposition to roll over and sadly in many cases they do.
That being said, it doesn’t appear that this fight is over. The Native American Guardians Association (NAGA) is stepping onto the playing field and demanding that the team change the name back to the Washington Redskins.
The group tweeted that they have sent a letter to the “Washington Commanders ownership and Key Leadership Formally Requesting The Team Revitalize its Relationship With The American Indian Community & Rightfully Change Their Name Back to “The Redskins.”
The letter didn’t mince any words, calling out “cancel culture” as the culprit for upending something they have NOTHING to do with. It went on to emphatically emphasize the:
“steadfast role in American history, including serving as counselors to the Founding Fathers in the creation of the U.S. constitution. At this moment in history, we are formally requesting that the team revitalize its relationship with the American Indian community by (1) changing the name back to “The Redskins” which recognizes America’s original inhabitants and (2) using the team’s historic name and legacy to encourage Americans to learn about, not cancel, the history of America’s tribes and our role in the founding of this Great Nation.”
“Should we need to encourage a national boycott similar to what happened with Anheuser Busch (Bud Light) which is now down $27 billion (note: not one brick thrown, not one highway blocked, not one bridge burned) … WE WILL DO JUST THAT.”
Support Canada Free Press
The stirring letter ended with a truism that we all know to be true, but leftist radicals are oblivious to:
“this oppression and arbitrary and capricious recognition of U.S. history and Constitutional rights is not acceptable. If you don’t acknowledge history, we are doomed to repeat it.”
I find it curious that Caucasians are referred to as white, although many, in fact most, are not truly white in actual skin color. Negros are most commonly referred to as blacks, although many in skin color are not actually black. In those instances no one takes any offense because it is widely understood that the terms white or black are not meant to be offensive. Yet, the term redskin is deemed to be negative.
The Native American culture is fascinating in its history and beliefs. NAGA understands that the name typifies the depth of that history, as well as the strength and resolve that still beats in the hearts of all Native Americans to this very day. It isn’t stated or portrayed in any way that indicates weakness or ridicule, instead it invokes memories of that independent spirit and determination.
NAGA understands that the name Redskins to the uneducated “thin skins” that make up the cancel culture mob may sound offensive to their delicate sensibilities, but this isn’t their fight.
The name should be restored for what it means to the people that understand its true meaning and not destroyed by those who can’t mind their own business.
View Comments
Milt spent thirty years as a sales and operations manager for an international manufacturing company. He is also a four-time published author on a variety of subjects. Now, he spends most of his time researching and writing about conservative politics and liberal folly.