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As a coach for the Nepean REDSKINS, I find this ridiculous. It’s not as if someone chose the name to upset anyone (as Randall said this morning) The kids don’t see it as the way people are taking it either. Yes, I have learned why so many of you are upset. I understand that. At the same time, if I can see why you are all so upset by it and still see all the POSITIVES to the name, why can’t you? So, to support Randall Moore today, I have worn as much of my REDSKINS gear as I could find. Look at the bright side of things and stop being so uptight. This is ridiculous!
Coach for the REDSKINS
- Ms. RedskinsThere are POSITIVES associated with the ORGANIZATION but there is absolutely nothing POSITIVE about the NAME. It is no different than a team calling itself the Nepean N*ggers and having a black person’s head as the logo. No difference. And it has nothing to do with your ‘good intentions’. It’s really not about you or all the great things you do.
- Harry WilliamsI find the first comment is a strange defence.
No one is arguing about whether or not the name was ORIGINALLY chosen to upset anyone. What matters is whether people are upset now.
They’re changing team names at the youth level away from Redskins all over the US, for reasons that make sense. Here’s an overview: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Redskin_(slang)
I think it would show leadership for the Nepean Redskins to make the change by choice, for the right reasons, and not because controversy and protests eventually force them to do it.
- FinRandall, I’m with you 100% on this. What I wonder, like many things in our society (i.e. let’s not get started on Christmas and offending people)is that are the people who are possibly affected doing the complaining or the liberal do-good world savers who always need one cause or another? If the concensus amongst aboriginal peoples that this is wrong, unacceptable and highly offensive to them, than by all means change it. Like many issues, I wonder who is doing the actual protesting?
- MrBillIt looks like it is, in fact, aboriginal people who think the name is unacceptable and highly offensive to them: http://metronews.ca/news/ottawa/346234/nepean-redskins-should-change-racist-name-charges-ojibway-musician/
- FinHere is the one thing about that wiki article, it talks about a first nations people that support the name Redskin, because for them, it is a point of pride. Just saying. “In California, a bill presented by Assemblywoman Jackie Goldberg to ban the use of the name Redskins as a public school mascot was vetoed more than once. There were many opponents of the bill, including students from schools with the Redskin mascot – most prominently Tulare Union High School in Tulare, and Chowchilla Union High School in Chowchilla; as well as members of the Tachi-Yokut tribe who stated that schools having “Redskin” as a team name promoted a sense of pride among their people”
- ARCArc: Thanks for offering up the first remotely rational argument in favour of retaining the name.
But it doesn’t hold up to scrutiny. If there’s a controversy over a team having a racial slur in its name in Ottawa, then what matters is what people in OTTAWA think about it. Particularly the race of people targeted by the slur.
That’s what matters most here. Not what happened in California in 2005.
It’s also worth pointing out that’s the only paragraph that mentions opposition to changing the name. The rest of the article is about all the teams that have changed their names, and all the large American organizations that oppose the use of native images as sports symbols and mascots.
- FinFin: The article seems neither for or against the term, it just presents both sides. At any rate what happened in California is important to note because this Cause is being brought up to also represent the culture everywhere in North America, not just Canada. I have read much of what has been said on this specific matter, and consistently it is mentioned, and implied, this is being brought up on behalf of the whole of aboriginal people everywhere. So in doing so it must be acknowledged not everyone who is part of the cultural demographic, is accurately represented, as some are not offended by the term. Should then, the plaintiff, take offence if there is an aboriginal demographic who identifies with the term as a point of pride, and therefore should the plaintiff assume the term does not refer to him, since he does not want to identify with it at all, and is of a different first nation?
Just being a devil’s advocate.
As an aside there are all sorts of racial injustices in this country being done to other ethnicities, and perhaps this is why this issue has drawn the ire of so many. A sort of “get in line, you’re not the only ones” scenario. This last statement is offered as an observation and not as defense for either changing, or not changing, the name
- ARCYour strong defence on a team name without a doubt makes YOU, Randall, appear as a racist. So “You don’t view it as a racist slur” but THOUSANDS of aboriginals do. It seems to me like all you are getting involved in this for personal gain and for more people to listen to your sh*tty show, and your dull, drab voice. Tool.
- C SmitVery racist in fact. This term was used as long as anyone can remember…and we are still using it here today. How disrespectful and disapointing, not only to First Nations but to Canadians as well. We should be showing respect not racism, especially in 2012.
- StephARC:
No one is saying that *every* native is offended by the name. Only that many are, and that it’s commonly viewed as a racial slur. Try this test: would you call a native buddy a “redskin” to his face? I wouldn’t.
“As an aside there are all sorts of racial injustices in this country being done to other ethnicities, and perhaps this is why this issue has drawn the ire of so many.”
I appreciate your tone here but I think it’s wrong-headed to even bring this up. If the team deserves to keep the Redskins name, it should be able to make a strong argument on its own merits.
- FinIt’s not the same as Black Hawks, Chiefs or Braves. Those terms are not derogatory, they don’t describe a people by the colour of their skin. Black Hawk was a warrior and a leader. A great name for a sports team. Redskin, using first nation terms is fine, in my opinion, just not ones that are offensive. It’s no different than using Nepean Niggers, or Nepean Frogs, or Nepean Spics…. just change the name and use the changing as a way to teach kids. Help them understand why the name should be changed. Teach them mistakes can be made, and it’s okay to correct them.
TEACH THE KIDS!! Isn’t that one of the reasons kids are in the team…. to learn to be better people.
- RhysIt’s up to aboriginal people to decide if the name is racist or not. If they find it racist then it is. Change the name.
- JayI read this letter on an American site discussing the same topic:
Dear Editor; It was brought to my attention that some were asking if the term “redskin” was really offensive to Indians and that they would like to hear from us on this subject. Well, here you are…I am Blackfoot, Cherokee and Choctaw…and yes, the term is extremely offensive to me. Let me explain why. Back not so long ago, when there was a bounty on the heads of the Indian people…the trappers would bring in Indian scalps along with the other skins that they had managed to trap or shoot. These scalps brought varying prices as did the skins of the animals. The trappers would tell the trading post owner or whoever it was that he was dealing with, that he had 2 bearskins, a couple of beaver skins…and a few scalps. Well, the term “scalp” offended the good Christian women of the community and they asked that another term be found to describe these things. So, the trappers and hunters began using the term “redskin”…they would tell the owner that they had bearskin, deer skins….and “redskins.” The term came from the bloody mess that one saw when looking at the scalp…thus the term “red”…skin because it was the “skin” of an “animal” just like the others that they had…so, it became “redskins”. So, you see when we see or hear that term…we don’t see a football team…we don’t see a game being played…we don’t see any “honor”…we see the bloody pieces of scalps that were hacked off of our men, women and even our children…we hear the screams as our people were killed…and “skinned” just like animals. So, yes, Mr./Ms. Editor…you can safely say that the term is considered extremely offensive.
In Struggle,
Tina Holder
Mesa, Az.
I am not aboriginal, but I have sense and empathy. The name is disrespectful – change it!!
- CharlesIf I lived in the the Nepean area, I would not let my children play for the team – ones principles are non-negiotiable. What type of children are we raising when we tell them that it is fine to disrespect and disregard the feelings of a race of people as long as we do something positive in the community. Say that out loud! It sounds asinine doesn’t it.
Randall, Let’s have real on air debate. Doesn’t have to be on Chez 106. Could be the local Aboriginal show on college radio. ANYWHERE! I’m waiting patiently for a reply to my challenge. No response will only hurt your cause to keep the name “Redskins”.
- Ian CampeauI like that you call the team “Redskins” but call the Native population “Aboriginal” in the same breath. If you don’t see anything wrong with the name, why did you change the reference of the team “redskin”, to “Aboriginal” when referring to the people?
Do you know why the NFL team chose the name “Redskin”. It actually WAS to upset it’s fans and the lack of support they received during a championship game. They were called the Boston Braves originally and only because they adopted the name of the MLB team in the same city. No honoring. Just convenience. Which is the same reason for the Nepean Redskins. They chose the name Redskins because the colours of the NFL team was the same as the old team the “Buccaneers”. That’s it. No intent to “honor” the Aboriginal community. It was another choice of convenience. It’s time to change the name.
The Cleveland Indians name was actually chosen to make fun of the Aboriginal player on the Boston Braves team. There was nothing but malice when choosing that name.
Randall, please do some research before you spew your hate over the Ottawa airwaves. You actually have no idea about what you’re talking about.
- Ian Campeauoh my god.
randall, let me quote part of your rant verbatim:
“listen, you can call me every name in the book, that’s ok. you can even try to have me silenced. just don’t take it out on our kids, who’s only desire is to play a little ball with their friends, to try to fit in, be part of a team.”
i really need to stress that you said this in complete earnest. you really did. i heard the inflection in your voice.
i also need you to understand that this has got to be the sloppiest, most pathetically obvious way of coating a poor argument. it’s become something of a joke in contemporary america. i’d like to quote mr. burns, if i may:
“so, to summarize, say what you want about me. i can take the slings and arrows, but stop slandering poor, defenseless, blinky. good night, and god bless.”
get off the cross and realize that you’re the laughing stock of this city.
- DaveCrandall Moore, Giant of Journalism™
- Harry WilliamsSo first, this might be a stupid way of putting this but has anyone realized that the man who started this is native and is saying this word is offensive to him. He is raising children who he doesn’t want this term used on. Any Native person will say this term offends them and a person who is very white I am ashamed at how close minded some of my fellow “people” are being. As someone who was involved with city football for all my teenage years I did the fund raising and I also know what kind of passion these kids have for the game. Not the name of the team the game. Mr. Campeau is not asking for anyone to stop playing he would just like a term that is not offensive. Mr.Campeau is very dilligent in trying to improve the attitudes of people towards Native people, a people I might add who have been stereotyped for a very long time. He works towards improving the mentality of the youths towards themselves and what they can do, and has made great strides. Has anyone bothered to look into that aspect? Did anyone aposing the name change bother to put themselves in the position of being a minority and having these names thrown at you, or your children? Would you like your child to be called a racist plainly because that is how someone saw you? Does anyone of aboriginal descent deserve to be called names for any reason do their children? Would you let your child yell the N-word at another person? Would you want someone to scream a word at them that made them feel like less than what they should be. My child is raised to never use those words ANY of them, because that is where it starts with us the parents the decision makers the people who are charged with creating the future decision makers of this world. I think everyone including the football organization who are another group of people who are charged with molding the minds of our youths, would do well to actually be open to conversation about Mr.Campeau”s concerns you never know what may be accomplished. All I’m asking is if you wish to rant about the best interest of your children, look at them and think how would you feel if they were made to feel like less than who they really are because of a stereotype.How far would you go to make that hurt stop? That is the question you should be asking yourselves.
- Jennifer“Ms. Redskins”,
I respect that you’re a coach and involved in youth sports. That’s awesome. Good for you. Lots of respect for that.
With that said, you talk about “the kids”—what about this generation of aboriginal kids that are being raised seeing themselves referred to as “red skins” or whatever other ethnic slur? These things affect how kids see themselves, their sense of self-worth, and how they think society values them.
Yeah, your kids deserve to play football. No one’s denying you that right. But aboriginal kids deserve to grow up without hearing themselves referred to with disgusting, racist language.
We can make a difference in how the next generation turns out. Let’s start today.
- lucianoCry me a river…..
- lysai am concerned, like you Randall, for the small businesses that happen to be caught in the middle of that nonsense. They have good intentions, and that’s what counts. KUDOS FOR SMALL BUSINESSES, they are the back bone of the economy, (until the union stucks their nose into their business) PLEASE keep on supporting them, our children will thank you!!!
I am digusted with all of this!! Ian Campeau, you make me feel nothing but anger and hatred for you and your followers. I have never heard any aboriginal racism in the Barrhaven community or within the Redskins organization until now. Seems you have created the one thing you say you are trying to eliminate. Good job Ian Campeau!!!!
- Disgusted@Disgusted. I’ll take your view into consideration, but seeing that you’re the team treasurer, I think my arguing with you will fall unto deaf ears. I have tried to email people (you included, Evelyn) but have been met with silence. Why do you wish to bash me on comments, but not give me the common courtesy to email me back? I’ve used my name. Why haven’t you used yours? Are you ashamed to be associated with a racist team name? If you were a proud supporter, why the alias?
- Ian Campeau#CHANGETHENAME
- Ian Campeau-Disgusted. U are a racist!
Randall u should really take Ian campeau up on his offer for live discussion.
- ChefWhy are all the people who run this team hiding? No one’s answering the calls of the media. You obviously see something wrong with the name if no one is answering calls to try and explain yourselves, you’re making yourself look WAAAAY worse than I am!
- Ian CampeauTHE CITY OF OTTAWA HELPED PAY FOR THE NEPEAN SCOREBOARD IN 2010!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Your tax dollars at work!!!!
- Ian CampeauRacist?!?!?! really…give your granola crunching head a shake!! Maybe your the racist for thinking it’s racist!! think about it…where’s your mind set???? goofs
- Rob@Rob, stop the name calling. I haven’t called anyone any names. Now in every dictionary definition of the word Redskins, it’s described as “offensive”. Is it appropriate to call a youth football team a name that by the dictionary definition, is offensive?
Also, Stephen Dean has publicly said they might change the name!!!!!!!
- Ian CampeauThis wouldn’t even cross people’s mind if Ian Campeau didn’t bring attention to it. I’m sure it was not the intention of the team name to be racist. As we all know, Aboriginal/First Nations people are a huge part of Canadian history and I do believe that most people think of the team name as carrying that through and that it as pride. Holy crap stop trying to cause a ruckus over everything! No wonder everyone is so fucking jaded. Move on. Why don’t we “tackle” more important issues like bullying that is actually happening or the actual racism that is still prevalent in the South. No one was thinking of “Redskins” as a bad name til Ian decided he didn’t like it.
- Rob L.The word ‘redskin’ is an offensive racial slur especially when connected with a logo featuring the stereotype image of a First Nations person. Ian did not invent this issue. There have been campaigns all over North America to drop these types of slurs and stereotypes from football team names and logos. I have always found it offensive and I am white! As for focusing on ‘more important issues’, people are capable of multitasking in 2012. There is no need to stick our heads in the sand over this issue.
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