Thinking people have different opinions about whether sports teams should name themselves after Native American tribes or terms, as in the Cleveland Indians, Chicago Blackhawks, and Kansas City Chiefs. But can't we all agree that outright racial slurs should not be tolerated? Isn't this an obvious case of common sense joining hands with common courtesy?

I'm speaking, of course, of the Washington Redskins, who are in danger of having their trademark revoked. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office ruled four years ago that the team's name violates a 1946 federal law banning the registration of offensive trademarks. The team appealed that ruling, and recently U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly indicated that she will soon rule on the case. If she rules against the team, they stand to lose millions of dollars annually in merchandising rights, which would effectively force the team to change its name.

Attorney Robert Raskopf, who represents the team, argues that "what is ridiculous is the claim that the Redskins' [trademark] ridicules anyone. ... Do some groups think that our famous football team's name is disparaging? Apparently. Fine. They're entitled to their opinion. ... But it has to be a high level of Native Americans. It can't be 7, or 70, or even 1,000."

This line of reasoning warms my heart for two reasons. First of all, the team has apparently accepted that it is the members of a group, and not society as a whole, who have the right to determine what is and is not offensive to them. Second, "a high level" of Native Americans has already determined that the term "redskin" is a disparaging racial slur. I challenge anyone who disagrees -- this means you, Robert Raskopf -- to head out to any reservation here in the West, walk into a bar where you are the only non-Native American, and start tossing the term "redskin" around. Free advice: wear comfortable running shoes.

At this point, various empty-headed types start snickering and asking, "What's next? Will the Minnesota Vikings have to change their name? We don't want to offend Norweigians, don't you know." Don't waste my time. Neither Scandinavians, Catholics, nor Irish people find the team nicknames "Vikings," "Padres," or "Fighting Irish" offensive, generally speaking, meaning that those names fail the racial slur test as described above.

So if Washington loses the case, what should be the team's new name? Click here to read Tuesday Morning Quarterback's excellent suggestions.

+posted by Lawrence @ 8/29/2003 06:48:00 PM