NO MORE REDSKINS

[gvidas]

It's either imperialistic or a complete failure of language to call someone by a derogatory slur and then say, in response to their offense and in all seriousness, "I'm honoring our shared cultural history."

I'd accept the point if the owners of the team were being ironic, or even a little introspective -- if the whole thing was being done to call attention to the rapacious conquest of North America by European colonists. But it's not. It is a continuation of that same conquest, concurrent with denying it ever happened.

Native Americans are entirely justified in saying 'I know better than you how to commemorate my part of our shared history together.' That's the point.

[sexobon]

Originally Posted by gvidas

It's either imperialistic or a complete failure of language to call someone by a derogatory slur and then say, in response to their offense and in all seriousness, "I'm honoring our shared cultural history." ...

"Someone"?! Which someone are you talking about? The football team calls itself the Redskins and they're not complaining about being offended. They're not pointing to any living Native American and saying You're a redskin. How history addresses groups of people who have passed on before us is not the purview of any one culture. Also, honoring is not the same as commemorating. People commemorate both successes/triumphs and failures/disasters, the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat. The only failure in language I've seen here is yours.

Originally Posted by gvidas

Native Americans are entirely justified in saying 'I know better than you how to commemorate my part of our shared history together.' That's the point.

That's only half a point. They don't get to make that decision for everyone, it's too subjective, it's too political. They do have input just like everyone else ... one person, one vote. They can sway as many votes as they're able; but, the polls aren't in their favor. Their recourse is to sway small groups of people in key positions as did the people they despise.

Originally Posted by gvidas

I'd accept the point if ...

Considering your level of understanding, your acceptance is not required.