Washington Redskins: Offense or Defense?

• Washington (CNN) -- In his first extensive comments about the controversy over the name of Washington's pro football team, owner Dan Snyder penned a letter to fans defending his decision not to change the Redskins name.
  "Our franchise has a great history, tradition and legacy representing our proud alumni and literally tens of millions of loyal fans worldwide," Snyder wrote. "We are proud of our team and the passion of our loyal fans. Our fans sing 'Hail to the Redskins' in celebration at every Redskins game. They speak proudly of 'Redskins Nation' in honor of a sports team they love."
  Critics have been pressuring the Redskins organization to consider a name change, arguing that the term is an offensive racial slur that causes serious social and mental stress to Native American communities.
  But Snyder -- born and raised a Redskins fan -- has remained resolute in his opposition to a new name.
  "After 81 years, the team name 'Redskins' continues to hold the memories and meaning of where we came from, who we are, and who we want to be," owner Dan Snyder wrote to fans.
  "When I consider the Washington Redskins name, I think of what it stands for. I think of the Washington Redskins traditions and pride I want to share with my three children, just as my father shared with me -- and just as you have shared with your family and friends," Snyder said.
  Snyder has until now been reluctant to even address the issue; his most extensive comments came last spring when he emphatically told USA Today last spring that he will "never" change the name.
  But recent attention has made it more difficult to ignore the issue.
  A group led by the Oneida Indian Nation launched its "Change the Mascot" media campaign last month. And President Obama weighed in last week, telling The Associate Press that he would "consider changing the name," if he were the owner of team whose name offended a group of people.
  NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has also expressed a need for dialogue.
  At the NFL's annual fall meeting Tuesday, Goodell reiterated that as a Redskins fan, he does not consider the name derogatory, but "whenever you have a situation like this, you have to listen and recognize that some other people might have different perspectives."
  "We all want to do things to honor people and not to do anything in a negative way," Goodell said.
  Snyder says he is listening, but the name is not going away.
  "I respect the feelings of those who are offended by the team name. But I hope such individuals also try to respect what the name means, not only for all of us in the extended Washington Redskins family, but among Native Americans too," Snyder said, citing several polls conducted in recent years that show that a majority of people do not want the name changed.
  "After 81 years, the team name 'Redskins' continues to hold the memories and meaning of where we came from, who we are, and who we want to be in the years to come," Snyder said.
  But Oneida Nation representative Ray Halbritter told CNN Monday that poll numbers don't matter as long as anyone is offended by the name.
  "It's a dictionary defined offensive racial epithet. You shouldn't be using that to sell a national sports team to America or to the rest of the world," Halbritter said.
  The NFL confirmed on Monday that it would send representatives to meet with Oneida leaders at a later date. It is unclear whether Snyder will be part of those meetings, but Halbritter said he hopes Snyder will come because "it is clear from Mr. Snyder's letter that he does not understand (the) consequences" of using Redskins as a team name.
  "In the spirit of the dialogue that Mr. Snyder says he is willing to engage in, we are inviting him to join the NFL delegation in its upcoming meeting at our homelands," Halbritter said Wednesday. "During his visit, we will organize a special meeting of Oneida Nation families where Mr. Snyder can personally explain to them why he believes they deserve to be called 'redskins.'"
  So that's the latest news in the Washington Redskins name controversy in a nutshell. Blah Blah Blah... You get the gist. 
  Now here comes my slant, if you will, on this hot topic. Y'all might want to buckle up. I'm not here to pull any punches. I'm just gonna give it to you straight. 
  As a comedian and writer, you can probably figure out by the title of my blog, I don't take myself, nor others, too seriously. Life is too short for all that. 
  Keep in mind, I grew up with racist adoptive parents, extended family members, teachers, and peers. Hell, I'm a minority who grew up in suburban America. I know firsthand what racism feels like. It sucks. 
  One of the most important lessons I learned growing up is to never ever allow the opinions (or words) of others to define who you are as a person. We always have a choice to take offense or not. The older I become, the more I find myself choosing the latter. At the core, they are just words. Life is too short to spend energy feeling offended, angry, or sad over things out of our control.
  Yes, I realize we live in a different time where the PC Police (mostly comprised of White people) are out in full force, quick to pounce on their own for a slur or derogatory word towards other ethnic groups. Or for not being opposed to changing the Redskins name. In short, they are getting all worked up on our behalf, which although noble, is also somewhat bothersome. 
  I mean, why do we (as minorities) need protecting? Also where the fuck were all you post-racial White people when I needed back-up as a kid? But, seriously. Why do White people think it is their duty to save us? What if we (as minorities) aren't even bothered by said slurs or derogatory words? Every person of color I know (myself included) has a mouth and knows damn well how to use it. We can speak for ourselves just fine, thank you. 
  By becoming offended on our behalf, do  you realize you run the risk of enabling minorities to the role of victim in society? I mean, I no longer consider myself a victim, thanks to years of therapy. I now realize I am a survivor, as are all minorities. We have endured many hardships and we are stronger than many of you give us credit for. Please don't take that away from us now.
  White people are the only race that continuously gets offended on behalf of other ethnic groups. Why is that? Is it because they are afraid of being labeled racist? Is the whitey guilt that strong? Or is it because it makes them feel good to stick up for minorities in the way it feels good to donate to charity? Both instances draw the attention back to the do-gooder but, let's be honest, in a very self-serving kind of way. Like a pat on the back or an atta boy! All I'm saying is just admit you're doing all of this for YOU. Because it makes YOU feel better. It doesn't do much of anything FOR us.  
  Seriously, if you really want to do something good out of the kindness of your own hearts for Native Americans... or any other ethnic group, how about volunteer your time and/ or services at the grassroots level. On a reservation or an after-school program for inner city kids. Make a donation, but do it anonymously. Get involved rather than policing your own over social media on our behalf. Shaming each other over a team name isn't going to solve anything and certainly isn't going to set the stage for open and honest dialogue that needs to happen in order for any positive changes to come about. 
  That said, I am personally in favor of keeping the team name, as I don't find Redskins offensive. Wait. Does that make me a racist? Nor do the handful of Native Americans I know personally. Are they racist? The answer is No. My point is this: the intent behind the name was not created out of malice, rather as a positive image. I'm also an avid football fan and I respect its tradition and history. Although I will say I think the fact the NFL is willing to enter into discussions with Native Americans is a step in the right direction. 
  If it were up to me, I'd say settle on a compromise. Keep the name. Change the logo on the helmets to a baby red potato. Although I'm sure even that would offend some poor potato farmer somewhere. Can't you just hear it now? Well, why is the skin red, huh? Wait, it's because my potato skin is brown, isn't it? Isn't it?! Like I said before it's always a choice. He can either choose to let it roll off his back or go fuck himself into a tizzy for all I care. Either way, I've said my peace. It's late. And this slope is tired. I'm out. Til next time. Deuces, Bitches!
  
  

  

  
  
  Follow me on Twitter @onefunnygook.