The Teen View Forum

Shreya Sunil, 15, - I believe that the current push to rename various sports teams is justified. Some team names such as the Redskins, Braves, and the Indians represent a very harsh past of this country and represent them poorly. But we also have to realize the other side of the argument that these sports teams have gone years with these names, acquired a countless number of fans and supporters, it is not right to steal that very identity that has made them unique for the past years. I also do understand that the current names used are racist and offensive to Native Americans seeing how it revitalizes the harsh treatment they endured. So I would suggest a compromise to try to eradicate all forms of offensiveness associated with the names and instead try to glorify the Natives who taught us how to live on this soil a few hundred years ago. Use this as an educational lesson and teach our children about what has happened in our past and improve on this topic .

Austen Wyche, 15, - The push to rename sports teams such as the Redskins and the Indians is long overdue. They are blatantly offensive and should not be glorified and mocked as the name of an organization. Imagine the outrage if there was a team named the “White People” or the “ Blacks” or “Asians”. There would be total public outrage, so why are a lot of people not condemning and calling for the renaming of these sports teams? The names are racist, and glorify the treatment that Native Americans have gone through while covering up who committed those acts upon them. The teams must be renamed, and all racist practices, such as the Braves’ “tomahawk” should be swiftly ended. While we change the names of these teams, we should educate society in our schools about the treatment of Native Americans, to ensure future generations are informed of the racist legacy that plagues the Native Americans in all walks of life. The United States is becoming very sensitive in many cases, but I do not believe this is one. The clear demagoguery against Native Americans must end. 

Khushi Patel, 15, - I don’t think there is anything hypersensitive about renaming sports teams to be respectful to the native people of America. It is important to rename baseball teams like the “Washington Redskins” and “Cleveland Indians” because by keeping those names, we are unknowingly instilling casual racism to Native Americans; which is disrespectful and offensive. In this generation, it is important to be aware of what is tolerable and what is not. Racially-inspired names for sports teams are unnecessary and unacceptable. Discrimination towards any group of people should no longer be tolerated in this generation and future ones to come after. If we want to educate Americans of the native peoples’ past, we should do so in history classes and museums. A sports team’s name is not going to educate anyone, but rather glorify the discrimination on Native Americans. Many people think Americans are becoming hypersensitive, but I disagree. I strongly believe that in order to bring true change in our society, it is important to be intolerant of anything that can be potentially harmful to any group of people; even if they are words or actions that might be considered “minor” or “negligible” to many. 

Abby Percy, 15, -  I am happy to see a change being brought to controversial team names such as the “Redskins” football team or the “Cleveland Indians”. It’s not right for people who are not Native American to dictate what’s oppressive and what’s not. While, in some cases, I do believe Americans are becoming hypersensitive, this has been an ongoing discussion among the Native American community for years. It changes nothing about the game, players, or team. 

Jackson Quarles,17, -  The world changes every day. While some changes are for good and some are for bad, as an American Society we should strive for everyone to feel equal and appreciated no matter the circumstances. The current push for the renaming of sports teams such as the Washington Redskins and Cleveland Indians is vital for pragmatic change in today’s society. The publication of the matter regarding the naming of teams who have been accused of racist practices has been on the table for about two years.  While Native American names and symbols have long been used by all types of American sports teams at the professional, college, and high school levels. In my opinion, the current movement for the renaming of these teams does not exemplify hypersensitivity, but rather a sense of compassion for the feelings of everyone. A  poll has been used to review the issue from over 500 Native Americans across the country. Studies show that 9 in 10 Native Americans are not offended by the name.  While this is ethical, what about the other 10%?  American society is so significantly diverse. With different political views, religions, and cultures, the one thing we can harmonize over is our love for sports. This being the exposition, the relics and naming of sports teams should be taken into substantial deliberation from now on. The history of the name ‘Native American’ derives from Christopher Columbus naming the people he met "Native Indians." Columbus referred to the resident peoples he encountered there as "Indians" reflecting his purported belief that he had reached the Indian Ocean. Yes, we have come a long way in society. Supporters of the team name have said that the name honors the achievements and virtues of Native Americans and that it was not intended in a negative manner, but we must always take into account the 10%. While the name may reflect how far we have come as a nation, we have to learn to respect and value everyone’s outlook. If that means renaming sports teams to accommodate that 10%. So be it.