“Chief Zee” shakes hands with a young Redskins fan in 2009. (Getty Images)
You know that old cliche that says, “the first step in dealing with a problem is recognizing there is one?” Well, consider Washington Redskins owner Daniel Snyder “recognized.” The team sent out an online survey to ‘Skins fans recently that addressed the long-standing notion that the name “Redskins” was racist, according to DC Sports Bog.
Among the questions asked:
Which traditions about the Redskins do you like most?
– The Hogettes
– Hail to the Redskins
– The Hogs
– The Redskins marching band
– The Cheerleaders
– The “Redskins” name and what it stands for
Which of the following statements about the Washington Redskins name do you agree with most?–
– The name is rooted in racism and is outdated and offensive
– The name is a unifying force that stands for strength, courage, pride and respect
– It is just another team name and doesn’t really matter to me all that much
According to the independent Annenberg institute poll of nearly 1,000 Native Americans, 90 percent of Native Americans DON’T find the Washington Redskins name offensive … and …. Ten members of Congress called on the team to change its name because they considered it offensive … Should the Washington Redskins change their name?
– Yes
– No
You can bet that the people receiving this “poll” were purposely selected so that Snyder would get the answers he’s looking for, all of which stem around the word, “no.” But still, the fact that the Redskins would address this controversial issue says something. Mark it down on your calendars: July 10, 2013 – the day Daniel Snyder looked better in the public eye than Robert Kraft.
Follow Metro Boston sports editor and columnist Matt Burke on Twitter @BurkeMetroBOS
