Readers React: That Washington NFL team? Don’t even say its racist name

To the editor: You write the following in your editorial: “‘Redskins’ certainly is offensive to Native Americans and demeaning to the team and its fans. We have urged the owners to find a new name.” (“Even if the name ‘Redskins’ is hateful, it deserves 1st Amendment protection,” editorial, May 4)

I would believe in your sincerity if the offensive word didn’t constantly appear in your own Sports section. Perhaps The Times and other media outlets should move themselves into the 21st century and refrain from using such an “offensive” and “demeaning” term, thus putting more pressure on the team.

At least “Washington football club” is being faithful to its proud history in that it was the last professional football team to integrate. This was only after the U.S. Department of Interior threatened to ban it from District of Columbia Stadium, which was on federal land in 1961.

Steven Maleski, Huntington Beach

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To the editor: This is a joke, right? What has happened to America? Have we finally reached the point of political correctness where anything written or spoken can be deemed insensitive?

Saying “Redskins,” I almost gag getting that hateful word out. “Buffalo Bills” is obviously a slap in the face to the Bobs of America. As for the Fighting Irish, I’m Irish and I don’t fight. “1984” has arrived late, so hopefully we can make up for lost time. Hate speech, racism, sexism or xenophobia — whatever it is, I feel your pain.

Patrick Kelley, Los Angeles

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