Change the Mascot is a national campaign to end the use of the racial slur “redskins” as the mascot and name of the NFL team in Washington, D.C. Launched by the Oneida Indian Nation, the campaign calls upon the NFL and Commissioner Roger Goodell to do the right thing and bring an end the use of the racial epithet.
This is what the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) wrote in an email to Indian Country Today Media Network:
This week’s celebration of football is exactly why we need to keep talking about the D.C. mascot. Cheering for a football team should never include the casual use of a racial slur. It is important for all teams and all of their fans that the name of the D.C. team is changed.
This is what NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said at his annual State of the NFL address on Friday right before today’s Super Bowl:
I spent the last year talking to many of the leaders of the Native American community,” Goodell said. “We are listening and we are trying to make sure we understand the issues.
“But let me remind you: This is the name of a football team, a football team that has had that name for 80 years. That has presented the name in a way that is honorable to Native Americans. We recognize that many don’t agree with the name. And we respect that.
“But if you look at the numbers, including the Native American communities, the Native American community poll, nine out of 10 prefer the name. Eight of 10 Americans in the general population would not like us to change the name. So we are listening and being respectful to people who disagree.”
He paused before adding, “But let’s not forget that this is the name of a football team.”
The NCAI is asking supporters to let their opinions be known to the following profiles on social media:
The DC football team:
@redskins
Team’s Facebook page
Roger Goodell & the NFL:
@NFL
@NFLcommish
NFL’s Facebook
Washington Post: “DC’s hometown paper is still using the R-word in its coverage of the team.”
@WashingtonPost
@PostSports
Washington Post's Facebook
More information about the campaign can be found here.
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