THE COASTER can’t let go of football season despite the calendar screaming baseball (and soon, the World Cup). We went native this week and asked Shore area residents, “Do you think the Washington Redskins should change their name?” – and here are their replies:
Otto Williams, Newark – Actually, no. It’s a sport. I’m familiar with the controversy. Some are saying it’s racial because of an indian being called a redskin instead of a native American. But it’s been called that for years. And now everything had to be politically correct. It’s gone too far.Tony & Barbara Anzano, Farmingdale – We say no, they should not. It’s attached to a team that’s been around for a very long time. And it’s a football team. And the term, we don’t feel is racial or offense in any way.Jeannine Blewitt, Ocean Grove & Lauren Freda, Wall – Jeannine: I say, although it’s historical, that if it does offend a group of people, I can see the need for change. Lauren: I say no, because it is historical and that should be enough for it to remain as it is. It should be recognized as such and not influenced by outside forces.Charles Formato, Belmar – Hell no!.Keep a tradition a tradition. The Redskins are a good thing. Keep it.Christopher Halligan, Asbury Park – No, I don’t. There’s a little too much political correctness going on right now. If they didn’t have a name, I wouldn’t name them the Redskins, but I wouldn’t change it now.Kerri & J.C. Herring, Ocean – Absolutely not. People have got to relax. It’s a football team, not a political party. Chill-out, relax.Lisa Iron-Shooter w/Storm, Sage & Skye, Ocean – As a native American, I say yes. The logo is bad, too. It’s humiliating to native Americans. A lot of others teams are changing their logos, too. Maybe they should be connected with the government, or the White House. We’re Oglala Sioux, Lakota Nation.Janet McGillis, Jayne Vogler, Joyce Vogler w/ Roxie, W. Allenhurst – We think it’s silly to change the name, absolutely. We’re sorry, but we don’t think we need to be politically correct about everything. It’s been the Redskins for umpteen years, it doesn’t need to change.Stewart Mills, Neptune – I think they should keep their name. It’s sports, nothing personal. It’s all about fun. The Washington Redskins football team It’s about the sport, not about people.Lou Mitchell, Ocean Grove – No. I don’t see any reason why they should. That’s all.Brian Molyvade, Jersey City -I think the name is a little inappropriate. I think they should change it. I’m also a Giants fan, so Washington has that working against them, too.
