Following in the shadows of one of the best Trumpisms ever, MAGA, the group calls itself the Native American Guardians Association (NAGA). Registered as a North Dakota-based nonprofit organization, they started a change.org petition to bring back the team name “Washington Redskins.” Currently, they have over 100,000 verified signatures, and people want to see the honor restored.
In their petition, they claim the restoration of the name would benefit “the team, its loyal fanbase, and the legacy it represents.” The petition goes on to explain just how valuable the legacy of this team name is.
- “The name ‘Redskins’ carries deep cultural, historical, and emotional significance, honoring the bravery, resilience, and warrior spirit associated with Native American culture. It was never intended as a derogatory or offensive term but as a symbol of respect and admiration. Changing the name abruptly disregards the positive legacy that the Redskins name has built over the years and disorients the passionate fans who have invested their emotions, time, and unwavering support in the team.”
With numerous larger tribes who had signed off on this decades ago, it is only the newfound “Natives” who suddenly find it offensive. Many of those who objected to the name were never fans of the game anyways, but this was something new for them to find offensive, so they took up the cause.
Unfortunately, the fans have begun leaving the team after decades of buying merch and showing support. The Washington Commanders just doesn’t sound as strong. It doesn’t sound as storied. Given the liberal lifestyle that is in command now, they sound more likely to steal your playbook they claim discrimination when you catch them. It just…falls flat.