The Washington Redskins refuse to give up their team name despite growing complaints about its derogatory connotation. In response to the growing controversy, the Redskins recently released a promotional video featuring a number of Native Americans who expressed positive or indifferent opinions toward the team name.
"It actually makes me feel proud," said Mark Beasley, a Redskins fan and member of the Navajo Nation. "It uplifts my spirits, reminds me of my cultural background and my heritage and where I come from."
Others pointed toward the greater problems facing the Native American community as more critical issues to serve—such as healthcare, crime, alcohol and drug abuse, unemployment and housing.
"I feel like it's too insignificant when there are bigger topics to talk about in Indian country," said Amanda Kay Not Afraid, a member of the Crow Nation.
Washington's owner has stated he would never change the team's name. He grew up cheering for the team and thinks "that the Redskins fans understand the great tradition and what it's all about and what it means," he told USA Today in 2013.
The name came under fire again in June when the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board canceled six federal trademark registrations owned by the team. The board ruled that the term "Redskins" was disparaging to "a substantial composite" of American Indians, according to USA Today.
The ruling could cut into the team's merchandise sales, but it can't stop the team from continuing to use the logo or defending itself from others who try to profit off of it.
A few of the Native Americans interviewed in the video referred to the term as a "powerful name, a warrior name."
"In the emblem it shows a strong warrior and our ancestors have always taught us to be strong and be proud of who you are," said Megan Yellowhorse, a Redskins fan and member of the Navajo Nation.
Other professional sports teams using Native American imagery for their logos include the NFL's Kansas City Chiefs, the NHL's Chicago Blackhawks and the MLB's Atlanta Braves and Cleveland Indians.
