Write Lightning is a blog from writer Deb Thompson.
Everyone is welcome here.
(Some links or topics may not be completely kid-appropriate.)
Everyone is welcome here.
(Some links or topics may not be completely kid-appropriate.)
Wed, Sep 22 2004
There Are Redskins And Then There Are Redskins: What Does It Mean?
Should the state be able to forbid schools to call their sports teams "Redskins"? Governor Schwarzenegger says no.
I would need to know a lot more about the history of this term than I do now, in order to really take sides. I do find it interesting that the assemblywoman had tried to get this ban with a longer list of forbidden names in the past, and later whittled her list down to the one word. Did the original list have some names that were less offensive, and how does one arrive at such conclusions?
I have heard more than one story on the origin of the term "redskin". One thought is that it was used as a description of basic skin undertone. (I have to say this makes little sense to me. I've met people of other origins with a lot ruddier skin tone than any American Indian I've known.) Another thought is that the term "redskin" was actually a step up from the use of the word "scalps" in the bounty placed on slain American Indians. If that's true, I would think the term "scalps" might also be considered taboo. (Somehow, it doesn't get the same negative reaction.) Or, was "redskin" taken from a term used to refer to the red clay that some American Indians used to paint on their skin? The professional sports team, the Washtington Redskins, has dealt with this issue, as have other teams, communities and businesses.
It's tough to blend folklore and history into the politically correct present without some high emotions on all sides. I do find it admirable that people are talking about the issue, especially in the local settings, and especially with the American Indian citizens' best interests at heart. A law isn't always the answer. A law can't change hearts and it can't change minds. But coming together with good intentions can change everything.
posted at: 13:27 | category: /Politics | link to this entry
Should the state be able to forbid schools to call their sports teams "Redskins"? Governor Schwarzenegger says no.
I would need to know a lot more about the history of this term than I do now, in order to really take sides. I do find it interesting that the assemblywoman had tried to get this ban with a longer list of forbidden names in the past, and later whittled her list down to the one word. Did the original list have some names that were less offensive, and how does one arrive at such conclusions?
I have heard more than one story on the origin of the term "redskin". One thought is that it was used as a description of basic skin undertone. (I have to say this makes little sense to me. I've met people of other origins with a lot ruddier skin tone than any American Indian I've known.) Another thought is that the term "redskin" was actually a step up from the use of the word "scalps" in the bounty placed on slain American Indians. If that's true, I would think the term "scalps" might also be considered taboo. (Somehow, it doesn't get the same negative reaction.) Or, was "redskin" taken from a term used to refer to the red clay that some American Indians used to paint on their skin? The professional sports team, the Washtington Redskins, has dealt with this issue, as have other teams, communities and businesses.
It's tough to blend folklore and history into the politically correct present without some high emotions on all sides. I do find it admirable that people are talking about the issue, especially in the local settings, and especially with the American Indian citizens' best interests at heart. A law isn't always the answer. A law can't change hearts and it can't change minds. But coming together with good intentions can change everything.
posted at: 13:27 | category: /Politics | link to this entry
