Rocky Landing

I brought up the Hollywood stereotype because that was the connotation the name had when the team was named, in 1933. I think it's an important historical context to this discussion, because so many have pointed to the team name's origin as if it had been done out of respect. In 1933, Native Americans had no national voice, and were viewed largely as that negative stereotype, as evidenced by the overwhelming depiction in media from that time as uncivilized, savage, and violent. The only way Snyder could educate people to the favorability of the name would be for him to rewrite history (which, sadly, some people seem more than willing to do). I think this does a disservice to all parties involved.

...not to waste your time, but:Three years? You mean, if EJ lays an egg this year, he's still going to be here in 2015?

Excellent point (I hope). What I am wondering is if EJ has shown improvement in these OTAs. I read what Marrone says, and it all sounds very political-- exactly what you would expect him to say. Then, there are all the tweets... which just have me nibbling on the line. The one constant is the oft-repeated refrain, "it's just OTAs." But, as I mentioned in another post, we have no problem crowing when someone has a stand-out performance during the same OTAs. Is there any consensus on how EJ is progressing?

I think this would be quite a stretch for Snyder. The name, most likely, was originally a term of respect, but became derogatory in the early 1800s. It has since been associated with scalping, and genocide. In 1933, when the name was changed, the connotation for mainstream America was that of the "Hollywood" indian, typically portrayed as violent, uncivilized, and most often "bad guys." This was well before Native Americans had any sort of unified voice. And, the story that G.P Marshal changed the name to "honor" their coach, has been debunked. So, for Snyder to try to "educate" Native Americans on their own heritage, and the history of what is, without a doubt, a racial slur would surely backfire. I think that the question has really been more about whether the supporters of the name are either aware of its history, or willing to acknowledge it.

I don't believe that anybody has argued its legality-- only its decency.

Hmm. I suppose the argument could be made. But, I would disagree. To me, a single shot of their helmut on the playing field illustrates the issue without any other context. It doesn't say anything about intent, history, attitude, or anything else. It doesn't mention, or allude to any individual, or individual action. How else can a commercial protest Washington's use of the name without somehow alluding to the team? And, how could that element be inserted into the commercial in any less of a confrontational way?

Let's not forget that this thread is about a television ad, placed in prime-time during the NBA finals, by the National Congress of American Indians, which represents several hundred tribes throughout the United States including Alaska. This isn't some internet campaign, it is a very well-conceived, and expensive national spot, easily hitting seven figures, produced by Native Americans. Nor does it "slander/demonize/discredit the Redskins Organization" in any way. Intent is not everything in this case, because intent does not erase history.

I think McCown in TB has a lot of talent, and should be comfortable under Lovie Smith. I also think Fitz is being a bit underrated by some of the folks on this board, and could end up being more than a stop gap in Houston.

I think the truth probably lies somewhere in the middle. Certainly, there was some frustration on the field. I doubt, from the way things were going, that they wee taken out as a reward. Sometimes, a diversion like this lets people step back and reboot a little bit.

Certainly a better stop gap than Kolb was for us!

The National Congress of American Indians (which sponsored the commercial) was founded in 1944, and represents several hundred tribes throughout the United States including Alaska.

Interesting that you went for two rookie QBs. I have wondered how EJ would have fit in this rookie class? I think most would agree that it was stronger than last year's class, in which most pundits did not place EJ very high.

Interesting that Fitz seems to be garnering the most votes. Jax gets my vote. Then Minnesota, and Cleveland. Then, I would have to say us.

"Who Has the Worst QB Situation?" Now, that would be a popular thread! Who has the guts to start that one???

Not sure why you would assume I was a fan of any of the things you mentioned, but I did notice that you conveniently didn't answer the question: What level of negative connotation would "redskin" have to possess before a name change became a question of common decency, and not political correctness?

It seems like a simple question. What level of negative connotation would "redskin" have to possess before a name change became a question of common decency, and not of political correctness?

Out of curiosity, at what point would the situation be about common decency, instead of political correctness? For example, I would imagine you would agree that if the team name was the Washington N*****rs, you would consider a name change to be simple, common decency. What level of negative connotation would "redskin" have to possess before a name change became a question of common decency, and not political correctness?

Buffalo Bills primed to snap 14-season playoff drought in 2014 http://www.koolaid.com

Apparently...

The person most commonly regarded as the foremost authority on the subject is a linguist named Ives Goddard, who studied the word extensively. He writes that the word was originally intended as a term of respect, but became derogatory in the early 1800s. It was, for a time, used to describe scalps. More to the point, however, is its current, accepted context in which it is generally regarded as a racial epithet. The racial epithet is given further derogatory prowess when considering both the historical context of genocide, and that of the team's location- our nation's capital.

The weirdest thing about this post is that you seem to be the most offended person in this thread. Be that as it may, who are you to tell the National Congress of American Indians, and the many other Native American organizations that have come out against this name, with what they should, or shouldn't be offended?

I think any time a seasoned vet gets a camera stuck in their face, they play the "good teammate." But, at the same time, it's OTAs. I don't think he's thinking about his next contract just yet. And, I don't see any reason not to take his enthusiasm as genuine.

This is less of a "poll," and more of a "troll."

The metaphor that has been used over, and over again, "all in," is really quite apt for this situation. What happens when you go all in, and don't win the hand? There is no plan-B at that point. Thad Lewis, while a decent back-up, is not a plan-B. If we can't win with EJ, we aren't going to win with Lewis or Tuel. Or, am I wrong? Could Lewis break into the next level? Stranger things have happened.

Possibly the most depressing quote in this thread.