Washington NFL team bans fans from wearing Native American dress

[left-of-center2012]

The Washington Football Team, which dropped the controversial name Redskins last year, has now banned fans from wearing Native American headdresses and face paint at its home stadium. The new policy was among several the US NFL team said would help provide the "best possible fan experience for all".

The Redskins name and logo was retired by the franchise in July last year. It followed years of pressure from groups and sponsors who criticized the name as offensive to Native Americans. It said it was "excited to welcome everyone back wearing their burgundy and gold", but that Native American costumes and paint "may no longer be worn into the stadium".

Washington's NFL franchise was first named the Redskins in 1933, when they still played in Boston. It became one of the most famous names in American sports, with a logo recognized the world over.

The club has said a new team nickname will be announced next year.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-58099157

[hlthe2b]

1. Why are they waiting so long to decide on a new name? Is it really THAT hard?

[Hugh_Lebowski]

3. My guess is cause Dan Snyder is a dick and wants to annoy people (nt)

[Hugh_Lebowski]

2. Not that I imagine it's likely, but what if an actual Native person wanted to show up in one?

Be an interesting conundrum is all I'm saying.

All-in-all ... I like it.

[brewens]

4. It could get interesting. We have the Nez Perce tribe where I'm at. You never see them in full

native dress, but a lot have clothing, beads and jewelry that identify them as Native American. I hope they don't hassle anyone for coming in like they normally dress.

[luv2fly]

5. And then there are the Kansas City Chiefs

Who have basically given a big middle finger to native Americans.

[Hugh_Lebowski]

8. F the Chiefs!

Thing is, they could get away with keeping their name if they just change their iconography/get rid of the cultural appropriation.

Unlike the WFT who's name was outright offensive and inextricable from that inherent meaning.

[rsdsharp]

11. I never really understood their name.

They were originally the Dallas Texans. Their logo was the state of Texas with a star at Dallas. They couldn’t keep the name when they moved to KC, but their really isn’t anything about Missouri that screams native American to me.

[MichMan]

6. Are they prohibiting all fan clothing with the old name or logo on it?

[jimfields33]

7. Lets hope.

[Hugh_Lebowski]

9. That is going a little quickly IMHO, that stuff is REALLY widespread and that kind of gear

is typically expensive to buy.

Once they get a new name and couple years go by, then I think they should, but not this quick (year 2) when there's no other real name.

But if they DID, I wouldn't cry about it or anything.

[jimfields33]

10. I would think the native Americans should make that decision

I’d ask the local tribes if it would be ok to transition. If they say no, I guess people will have expensive rags to wash their car.