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Sports Teams Facing Renewed Calls To Change Team Names Based On Racial Slurs | TODAY
A big example is the Washington Football Team, formerly known as the Redskins. Many felt the name was offensive to Native Americans.Activists and Native groups said it was perpetuating stereotypes about their culture in a negative manner. They demanded that the team do away with the name, and as public support increased along with this, pressure from large companies- the team said in 2020 that it would shed the old name. The team is now known as the Washington Commanders, revealing that indeed, collective action can truly lead to big leaps in the world of sports.
Similarly, the Cleveland Indians baseball team was so condemned concerning the name and the mascot. Others felt that offense was due to the name, and only in 2020 did the team change the name to the Guardians. This is part of a whole movement where teams review names so as not to hurt some community. It also points to the social justice nuance concerning respect for everybody.
Some like the new names; they feel that it is important to be respectful and kind to everyone. Others are far from thrilled. These people are close to the former names and are afraid the history and memories tied up in these teams are being lost. So, in this kind of debate, shows how the matter is not easy—people want progress, but people also want to hold onto their traditions.
Such an ongoing debate has in turn reached other teams such as the Kansas City Chiefs and the Atlanta Braves. There is a clamor for both of these names to be changed as well. Both teams have so far maintained their names but are ensuring that people learn about Indigenous cultures.
The significance of respect for different cultures through NFL team names as this controversy goes forward to urge even greater dialogue on identity and inclusion is sent through these controversies.
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