Hayes: Don't stop with the Redskins

Friday, January 3, 2014

I agree with some politicians and our Native American population: I am highly insulted by the racially charged name of the Washington Redskins. One might argue that to name a professional football team after Native Americans would exalt them as warriors. Apparently, this is not so.

We must be careful not to offend. So, let's ditch the Kansas City Chiefs, the Atlanta Braves and the Cleveland Indians. And if you are insulted because of the reference the name Redskins makes to skin color, then we need to get rid of the Cleveland Browns, too.

The Carolina Panthers obviously were named to keep the memory of the militant Blacks from the 60's alive. This is offensive to white folk.

The New York Yankees offend the Southern population. Do you see a team named for the Confederacy? No! There is no room for any reference to that tragic Civil War that cost this country so many young men's lives.

Some may also be offended by the blatant references to the Catholic religion among our football team names. It is totally inappropriate to have the New Orleans Saints, Los Angeles Angels, or the San Diego Padres. And just because there are birds on their shirts does not protect the Arizona or St. Louis Cardinals either!

Then there are the team names that glorify criminals who raped and pillaged as their way of life. I am talking about the Oakland Raiders, the Minnesota Vikings, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and the Pittsburgh Pirates!

Now, let's address those teams that clearly send the wrong message to our children -- and it's all about the children. The San Diego chargers promote irresponsible spending habits. The New York Giants and the San Francisco Giants promote obesity. The Cincinnati Reds promote downers/barbiturates. The Milwaukee Brewers promote alcohol.

So, there you go. As you can see, anyone can be offended by anything. We need to support any legislation that comes out to rectify this travesty, because the government will likely become involved with this issue.

Gary Hayes is an Air Force retiree who lives in Ooltewah.