Team Names

In his article “Bury the Tomahawk Chop” (Commentary, Nov. 1), Colman McCarthy raised some valid issues regarding racist implications toward American Indians. I agree that the name Redskins is tantamount to calling the Washington team Negroes, that the condition of today’s tribal people is for the most part deplorable and that the sports fans’ “tomahawk chop” is indeed exploitation of a culture.

However, the Atlanta Braves is a name that brings to my mind the fearless and courageous virtues of Indian warriors, which are certainly appropriate qualities to which a sporting team should aspire. I do not believe any and all allusions to American Indian history should be summarily condemned; rather each instance in question should be examined and judged in the light of historical fact and modern cultural awareness.

WAYNE DeBORD, Covina