The Washington Redskins: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO)

How is that team still called The Washington Redskins?
Oh, it's because their owner Dan Snyder doesn't want to change his way of life.
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[@icelore]

"Chief Runs Without Moral Compass" I just...I can't... That's excellent.

[@extraterrestrial46]

Please, can you explain

[@viktorajstein]

@John O What's wrong with you? Why do you have to be such a dick?

[@viktorajstein]

@@extraterrestrial46 Native Chiefs often (at least in popular perception) get named according to what they're known for. For example Chief "Sitting Bull" or whatever (that's real name btw). So he calls him Chief "Runs without moral compass", because he doesn't care about the moral problems that come with the name "Washington Redskins".

[@MWSin1]

Washington Warriors. Just throwing that out there.

[@StardustLegend]

That even sounds like a COOLER name

[@wrighj]

Just copying gsw....

[@ChrisR-uz4jq]

lmao yeah cause GS was the first time to ever call themselves the "warriors" hah

[@LetumComplexo]

Hell, they could even keep the Native American theme if they wanted.

[@zla360]

+Chris R (cr91) yes, they are actually. Have you noticed there are ZERO American professional sports teams with the same name? There's a reason for that. Warriors wouldn't work

[@muskyoxes]

That never gets old. "It can't be racist, it's been around forever!"

[@stoodmuffinpersonal3144]

Same people? "Racism is all in the paaaast!"

[@dogcam8492]

@@stoodmuffinpersonal3144 same people white lives matter too asshole

[@erikjohnson8031]

You are aware that when they asked ACTUAL natives what they thought about the name, the absolute majority was PROUD of it? :) Libtards like you would never ask them, though. Since you know better.

[@dogcam8492]

@@erikjohnson8031 but the same thing can be said about the n word because black people say it all the time

[@shinysnivy5903]

They can’t be racist they’ve been saying that forever

[@goodguy...badrep.]

This aged like a fine wine. 6 years later...2020 sucks BTW.

[@thisguy9819]

Message from 2021, stop investing in Bitcoin.

[@tiffanyroberson9773]

@@thisguy9819 message from 2023: stop investing in crypto

[@Crazy_Diamond_75]

This whole discussion feels a lot like the concurrent discussion of catcalling that is going on. One group insists constantly that they are paying a compliment or a tribute, and deafens themselves to any protest otherwise from the group "being complimented," no matter how much they hate it or feel belittled. In reality, the first group is just clinging on to old-fashioned attitudes about societal dominance. So my question is, if the majority of people from the group to which you are "paying homage" tell you to stop, and if you claim you respect them, then why won't you stop?

[@SeemsLikeSomething]

If you noticed in that quote from the owner, he talks about the teams heritage. Almost mockingly. He only cares about the team history. He’s a short sighted bigot. Pretending it’s a compliment is like rubbing salt in the wound. This guy should be forced to change it AND forced out of any position of authority or profit. Your last point is exactly right. It’s not homage when the very people you’re claiming to pay homage to say they don’t like it. They should always have final say in matters that are specifically about them. That’s what respect is. We shouldn’t even have the power to say we aren’t changing it. I shouldn’t say “we” since I’m not even American lol (Edited for spelling)

[@DaytonaRoadster]

they dont have to change their name, just change the logo to one of those little red-skinned potatoes i get with my roast, problem solved

[@DaytonaRoadster]

Why, then its named after a potato...whos going to be offended?

[@DaytonaRoadster]

well when they have a civil rights movement, get affrimative action promotions, and reach status where they cant be blamed for anything by anyone because of their red skin, you let me know

[@thetrollslayer6960]

Brass 'n Barrels Firearms Channel Those damn potatoes are all the same! :D

[@michaelmadrid]

AND it works doubly well because the majority of NFL fans are couch potatoes anyway.

[@michaelmadrid]

LilOrphan TwelveGauge Heheh, and I'll fight for the Potato's right to have babies.

[@shubisharanraghavan2296]

The one negative of the name change is that Native American's won't get revenge on Cowboys twice every year Please note that was a joke. I am for the name change.

[@DuranmanX]

Change it to the Washington Romans and Dallas Carthiginians

[@emersonreid7455]

Adrian Duran I might watch football then

[@Billbert33]

The sad part is the cowboys will win, until they play against the most patriotic bird in America that will fuck up Jerry Jones twice a year and beat Tom Brady's overrated ass

[@aggressivelyamicable5987]

@@Billbert33 This comment has not aged well

[@fredrikhurtig920]

Change the vikings name too i think its quite racist

[@jeffmagoun1640]

As a Native American seeing John cover this topic made my day. Here locally there was a newspaper article about a petition to change a local highschools mascot from the redskins to ____.

[@breezyashell]

I'm wondering, is this really the first time native Americans get defended on this issue in 80+ years? It seems so straightforward to me, just change the name from a racial slut to anything else really.

[@leeleeisgay]

If it's "just a name" as the commenters are saying, what's the problem with changing it then? Is it really worth hanging on to even?

[@nwttp]

Cool story. Why dont you change your name? Its just a name.

[@therealtarunkandaswamy]

Ballsrog it is just a name...which is why i wouldnt change it dumbass

[@selahanany5645]

@@therealtarunkandaswamy if for you its just a name, and for other people it means more, why not change it?

[@selahanany5645]

@@therealtarunkandaswamy you again didnt answer the question. its just a name right? so change iit. it doesnt matter to you so change it.

[@therealtarunkandaswamy]

Sela Hanany theres no reason to change it if its just a name. If its not broke dont fix it. Its just more work and money to change it all for something that u agree doesnt matter. Again, ur a stupid bitch, get a hobby

[@warrcoww6717]

If you don't learn to play the recorder, you're fucked.

[@marleyandmitchg4204]

*my elementary school years in a nutshell*

[@borntobebroken]

I don't understand the joke :/

[@kylestubbs8867]

+Nick Jupp I had to learn how to play the recorder in 4th grade. Does that help?

[@borntobebroken]

Kyle Stubbs no..

[@VirtuallyEothingas]

Many schools teach kids how to play the recorder. It is not an essential skill for future life. Therefore, the humour is in the idea that someone is saying that this non-essential skill is actually essential, which is a difficult point to argue, which stays along the same lines as the other points that were difficult to argue.

[@affablevagrant]

Here's a compromise. Change the Redskins' mascot to a redskin potato and keep the name.

[@spicemint80]

This need to be done.

[@Thomas-tq8us]

Seeing as they play about as good as one, I support this lol

[@Zenitself]

More accurate name

[@sagesheahan6732]

lmao

[@ras_krystafari3333]

Brilliant

[@Ambidexgame]

"It is a symbol of everything we stand for: strength, courage, pride and *RESPECT*" Oh stfu

[@poestasis7]

It still blows my mind that people still call Native Americans, Indians. The REAL Indians live in....you guessed it. INDIA.

[@zachmeyn3460]

poestasis7 did u pay attention in history class? They pretty clearly explain it when you learn about Christopher Columbus.

[@nicholaslewis8594]

Zack Meyn, exactly. Columbus was an idiot who committed genocide on many areas he found. So maybe not use the name he used.

[@MrGlenp24015]

That's funny because I know Native Americans who refer to themselves as Indians. And, the misnomer came from Columbus believing he was in the West Indies, not India.

[@nitinpandey6037]

@@MrGlenp24015 even the west Indies is named after India

[@alexanderweibruch8070]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/oZmbaZmMhZd5jbM

[@ShannaBerryBlast]

Upon reading some comments, I have to share my thoughts. It sucks, changing the name to a football team, I love football, and would severely dislike changing my favorite team's name. However, it offends what is left of a proud nation, a nation we savagely massacred. With over 150 different massacres that we know of. Not to mention the plague, spread by Europeans, killing at least 90 percent of the native population, which before Europeans the estimated population was anywhere between 20 and 100 million. These HUMAN BEINGS, according to scientific research, occupied North and South America for between 14,000 and 16,000 years (some research points to 50,000 years). 8 year "legacy" vs 16,000 year legacy. Doesn't it seem like it's the very LEAST we could do?? It would set an example for our younger generations, that it's never too late to rectify the past, even with something as mundane as changing the name of a sports team.

[@AgehanaNina]

This comment age well

[@happy_thinking]

I just came from this other video and basically 20 comments in a row from native americans said they love the name and love the team and apparently nobody is offended and the whole thing is a media attack to cause division.

[@ZhangtheGreat]

Honestly, I haven't heard one reasonable argument for keeping the name intact. "Tradition" doesn't mean "decency." It's a tradition for the Faroe Islands to mass kill whales annually and color the seas with their blood; who's still for that or considers that decent? I know the origins of the name come from the practice of certain local Native American groups painting their skin red as stated by the George Preston Marshall (the original owner of the team) and isn't meant to be derogatory, but sometimes, origin doesn't supersede the negative connotations that come with it. That's like arguing the name "Nazi" should be perfectly fine because its origin is simply the shortened form of the German word "national," regardless of whatever else the name has come to mean since its inception. The argument that this is just another example of "political correctness run amok" is beyond absurd. Those who keep playing the "anti-politically-correct" card have a complete misunderstanding of free speech. If they believe that they should be able to "say whatever I want, as I want, and not face any consequences for what I say, because freedom of speech is supposed to protect me from that," then they're mistaken. Freedom of speech only protects you from LEGAL ramifications, not socio-economic ones. The argument that other teams with Native American symbols should also change their names also doesn't hold up. Those names (a) aren't offensive/derogatory (i.e. the Chiefs), or (b) some groups/schools have special relations with Native American groups that have given their blessing to use those names. When Florida State was pressured to consider changing its mascot from the "Seminoles," guess who stood up and defended them? The actual Seminoles themselves. The Redskins, however, don't have the blessing of anyone other than their fans and their owner; the best response they have from some Native American groups is that they "don't mind." That's hardly a strong endorsement for the name. Plus, the team sucks donkey balls now anyway and their owner is a complete and collosal douchebag, so why would you EVER side with him? GO EAGLES! =) Edit: Typos.

[@ZhangtheGreat]

radbarij Did I type dolphins? That was an accident. Thanks for the correction. I'll get that edited.

[@ZhangtheGreat]

radbarij I wasn't thinking 100% clearly at the time. It happens.

[@Fomantistoboggan]

+ZhangtheGreat FSU disrespects everyone with their god awful fight song they are WAY too fond of playing.

[@rainick]

+ZhangtheGreat That is not the origin of redskins

[@ZhangtheGreat]

rainick It's not the origin of the TERM, but it is the origin of the team name according to its founding owner.

[@BifronsCandle]

I don't think people are focusing on the bigger picture here. We should focus less on the naming of a football team, as offensive as it may be, and focus more on the little knowledge the average american has of the Indian wars. Then the potential name change might come more easily.

[@johnbanks4761]

SlyBiffrons trying to force a team that for decades has been named one thing to change to something else because you think it might get you votes or make you look PC doesnt change the fact that a whole nation of people were robbed of their rights and their home, but politicians etc are hoping this will make some native indians happy

[@BifronsCandle]

john banks It's less of simple appeasement and more a "those who don't learn from the past..." sort of thing. The genocide that occurred was brutal but lots of times, people try to pass it off as "disease killed most of them off!".

[@mylesjs5326]

john banks And course all the Indians were as pure as the driven slush.

[@mylesjs5326]

john banks Do u also view those who cross our borders illegally as "invaders"?

[@mylesjs5326]

SlyBiffrons Fundamentally I think it's a good thing that Western, Christian civilization came to the Americas.

[@AussieTVMusic]

Change the name to the "Washington Foreskins"

[@BakaHoushi]

And every time they lose a game, I can see the headlines. "Foreskins Get Clipped By Giants" "Dallas Circumcises Washington"

[@TheBluntsworth]

thats fucking original

[@kyy7774]

He can't. It's literally against his religion.

[@EgyptNewFascistRev]

@@kyy7774 What his religion got to do with this? I honestly do not understand?

[@davis54748]

This comment really got me off-guard, just hilarious

[@vyli1]

If I'd be a native american, I'd have no fucks left to give about this.. Why does anybody care about how they're called? Everybody keeps getting offended for stupid things. It's like those funny pictures of Muhammad, suddenly everybody started rioting for that. Chill out people.

[@nathan3dwilkes]

And you don't get it. At all.

[@vyli1]

No I don't... I'm not talking about the video btw, I'm talking about commenters

[@DavidGonzalezSamudio]

Shut up! you random stupid non-native american. you don't give a fuck about them, we don't give a fuck about you. You are stupid, so please don't get offended.

[@theflagrespawns7695]

Oh look, another arse-hat going for the old victim blaming routine!

[@Coastfog]

IF... IF you'd be a native american... Starting your statement with that should be a dead giveaway not to say anything at all. Some fine examples: "If I were gay, I wouldn't give a fuck about people hating on me and trying to fix me though I am not broken" "If I were Black, I wouldn't give a fuck about people making fun of me loving fried chicken. It delicious, isn't it? What's to hate about it!?" If you're not in their place, don't question where they're coming from. Even if it's not a crime to be racist or otherwise fond of discrimination, everyone can do their part to end that crap.

[@FreshTillDeath56]

As a casual Redskins fan, I would be absolutely fine with "The Washington Hogs"

[@zeusbark]

South Park really trashed the Washington Red Skins team and logo in their episode "Go Found Yourself"

[@DannyandPatty]

Washington Redskins, go fuck yourself.

[@Muzikrazy213]

+zeusbark eviscerated is the term i prefer

[@mylesjs5326]

+zeusbark No surprise that a disgusting, tasteless show like that would do so.

[@Cursed_Mark]

+Myles Schachter People swear, get over it granny.

[@mylesjs5326]

+Nathan Zimmerman That show is disgusting and tasteless on every level. Is that why you like it?

[@BTCKYLE]

Six years later: "We are reviewing the name of our football team"

[@christophermanley3602]

Max Antony Looks like they were serious.

[@thechosenone1533]

@@christophermanley3602They are getting hurt in their wallets. of course they will be serious.

[@benhaushalter5067]

Well here we are, living through history.

[@mc76]

I am watching this a week after the team changed its name to "Commanders." It only took eight years.

[@probablygayattorneys6556]

One of the first times I’ve been *glad* to see that an ad is dated. Long live the Washington Commanders!

[@willt.9654]

Possible new names: The Warriors, The Tribe, The Redtails, The Renegades

[@InuKun2008]

Shitskins is what is most appropriate, given they can't even play well. Not to mention that they, and the local DC Media, insist every Fucking August that the team are "Going to the Superbowl this year", and yet in the 20 years I've been stuck here, that hasn't happened once. They continue to say that all the way through November, at which point they change it to "We'll be at the Superbowl next year".

[@LakeFX]

Here after the announcement of the name change...

[@EhabAlatipi]

6 years later, finally happened

[@bm373]

This aged well 👍

[@joao_gomes]

Update: they are now the Commanders. You finally done it John Oliver!

[@poison03nae]

talk about more native issues like the natives protests going on with the oil line! please will mean alot to natives!

[@FallenPhoenix86]

"Chief runs without moral compass".... turns out shooting hot coffee through your nose while laughing uncontrollably hurts

[@Iusethis4comments]

I feel very dumb but is there something about this joke that I’m missing? Is it a reference to something or is it just the implication of such a funny title?

[@JanMichael-Vincent]

This is hilarious given the recent news

[@Falcrist]

A few years ago the University of North Dakota was forced to change it's name from "The Fighting Sioux" despite some dissent from the local native American tribes about the actual offensiveness of the name. Many of them actually liked the name, since it actually does represent the history of the Sioux tribe (kinda). When I heard that I was like "well that's note REMOTELY as offensive as 'Redskins'.", which is basically just a racial slur. Yet here we are, years later and people are actively fighting to keep the name. How about adopting the name of a local tribe (with their permission of course)? I think that would honor both the team and the natives of that area. Crazy concept, huh?

[@johnnypatriot652]

It finally happened.

[@williamedward1666]

Words fail me. The name 'Redskin' is supposed to symbolize respect?

[@DapaChrons]

@@russ7009 wrong cause

[@terriblepain]

I'm Native American, yeah it might be racist to some and not to others but in the long run I don't really care because its fucking football. Just go out there and have fun. Yeah I edited this and turned off replies. Also they should have never gave people the ability to edit post, some stupid comments should stay around.

[@andrearawson3160]

The redskin name was given to Native Americans on wanted posters offering money to anyone that brought in redskins.

[@AtenRa]

I wonder how much pride and respect a team called the Whitefolks would have.

[@tristanandreas3234]

lol. What would their mascot be? Andrew Jackson? (… that would be horrible, maybe even worse than Redskins due to context). I see your point though.

[@YuenHsiaoTieng]

Kind of like Yankees.

[@kylefleming7926]

July 13th 2020 anyone?

[@littlesupergamer]

They interviewed actual native Americans and they said they don’t care about the name but a bunch of white people seem to find it offensive so we should change it right?

[@paullempges7860]

Interesting, because I've seen many natives protest against it not wanting to be a mascot, whilst whites are seemingly speaking for them to say they don't mind

[@henrymudgett2646]

The Spanish don’t speak for the French, the Germans, Poles, English, or Hungarians, so why should a Choctaw speak for an Iroquois, Blackfoot, Haida, Navajo, Cree, Osage, Inuit, or the Salish?

[@littlesupergamer]

@@henrymudgett2646 I have a couple of buddies who are natives (Iroquois) and they told me no one they know or them gives a fuck about the redskins.

[@henrymudgett2646]

@@littlesupergamer Okay that’s one. Now how about the thousands more?

[@littlesupergamer]

@@henrymudgett2646 I don’t know a thousand others and I doubt you do either, just saying what I know.

[@Daenym]

Going back through old episodes and seeing all of the shit that's finally being addressed years later is kinda satisfying. I mean, I wish it didn't take the world ending to make it happen. But the bright side etc

[@martymcfly5842]

The Redskins logo was designed in 1972 by a Native American. It was made by a member of the Blackfoot tribe to display a Blackfoot warrior. Taking the name away was, in itself, racist. Way to go people lol

[@taylormarie1526]

Literally not racist. There’s a huge difference between having a logo designed by a Indigenous person, and having a racial slur as a sports team name

[@wyfyj]

This has aged so well

[@khadarabdullahi6471]

They did it Finally.

[@mikecamera99]

Washington United!!!, Thats the new name.

[@JoseLuisGandara]

What’s funny is that the DC team said their renaming will honor both Native Americans and the military, but the American military is inherently anti-Native. American militias were formed to attack and steal land from Native peoples and the American War for Independence was fought in large part because of anger against British laws that prevented westward expansion past the Appalachians (see: Quebec Act). The American military was then predominantly used to systematically move Native people off their land (way more than any international conflicts “defending” Americans). In fact, the very idea of “defending our homeland” operates on the basis that this land is stolen from Native people. So any support of our military is inherently anti-Native. You. Can’t. Do. Both. So maybe we don't replace one problematic name with another one and just settle on something that's catchy, not problematic, and related to DC. Maybe the Washington Lobbyists. Just a thought.

[@pavarottiaardvark3431]

I think the "honor the military" thing is a sign that they are going to pick "Warriors" or "Red Tails". It's main effect is that Snyder will be able to claim "I didn't back down, I did it to SUPPORT OUR TROOPS"

[@LisaBeergutHolst]

Kind of puts the lie to the whole mythology of the revolution being fought to end "tyranny" and secure "freedom" for the people.

[@thechef2245]

6 years later, it finally happened

[@GeronFletcher]

Decades later honestly

[@LisaBeergutHolst]

@@GeronFletcher True.

[@harjatalonen3467]

Sadly...

[@jknotrowling7079]

They changed it.

[@almightykue3914]

Hey look its the Washington Football Team.

[@Earthstar_Review]

I feel personally attacked by that last part. Weasels are adorable!

[@FirstLast-di5sr]

July 2020 it's finally happening!!

[@michaelmata9171]

who else is watching this as the Redskins are about to change their name

[@roxanne410]

"Redskins" and "Indian" when referring to a native American or Canadian is a racial slur. The fact that the team's mascot or name isn't gone by now is beyond me. They are human beings- they aren't a mascot.

[@roxanne410]

roxanne410 ** Though I realize many people refer to native americans as 'indians'- in a historical sense it's okay. But it is considered offensive to them, as it was a critical error made when the Americas were first explored (thinking they landed in India).

[@lexuscaldwell1]

It only took 6 years for it to finally change. There's at least one good thing in 2020.

[@JetsFan-is5rc]

6 years later, they got the name change!!

[@notmyuseristolethis]

I say change the name to the Warriors. You get to keep the mascot, and it automatically becomes not offensive.

[@stavharari1]

Maybe you could just not use a native american as a mascot. We're not here to sell your sports. Ugh, why is this so hard to understand?!

[@notmyuseristolethis]

Are you denying that Native Americans had warriors? Saying you can't do that because they're Native American is like saying you can't name a team The Spartans cause they were white.

[@stavharari1]

I just don't understand why you need to use the Native population as mascots at all? The Spartans sound like a lovely name. AND they're all dead so there's no one to offend. However, when a population uses the image of the people they helped slaughter and subjugate for hundreds of years to market their product, it just doesn't sit right. Is that hard to get?

[@notmyuseristolethis]

Stav Harari There are no Spartans alive today, but would it be offensive to call a team that if they were? Of course not. Plus it's not like any Native American warriors are alive today. We got teams named after Mayans, ancient African tribes, and so on; yet nobody is offended by that. If you got a problem with a team having a mascot that also happens to be a historical figure or icon, then you're just too sensitive.

[@stavharari1]

Lol, well, you definitely know nothing about me. And no, not wanting my people to used by white men...yet again...doesn't make me sensitive. It makes me pissed. So fuck you very much :)

[@GirlDad97]

Why dont they just change it, but get together with some of the native americans so that they get a name that is respectful and they like.

[@StonedSoup]

"Well since I'm .00001% Indian and my Indian blood is Cherokee royalty.I don't understand what the problem is." says every white guy that's an idiot.Change the name to "wont make it to the playoffs anyways".Go eagles!!!!

[@kallehaavisto1775]

Congrats to Redskins. Finally you won! And now John Oliver can have fun with your expense! 😏🤣

[@JasonBrown-tx4lq]

"Every flight needs more babies" 😂

[@whensomethingcriesagain]

Instead of getting rid of the name, let's change the logo to a REDSKIN POTATO. Also, let's get rid of the Cleveland Indians logo, because it's pure condensed offensiveness.

[@martabaker5052]

Sam Geuvenen As someone from Cle, as far as I know, the Chief Wahoo logo has largely been discontinued in favor of a blue C. As a Cleveland fan, I definitely agree that Wahoo is a highly offensive caricature of Native Americans, but the only place I think it's located is on old Indian paraphernalia.

[@sayabukanhasan]

Sam Geuvenen change the logo into a gandhi looking guy, bring back the real indians

[@andrewtogold6348]

Yes. A redskin potato. That would literally fix everything. Also i hate the clevelnd indians name and logo so much. And I live in cleveland. In moving some day

[@coreylineberry8557]

Don't worry... Chief Wahoo is getting put down after this season.

[@caedencekuepper]

You do realise they did a poll and 90% of native Americans said they didn't care about the name of the football team.

[@mitchelllantz8797]

yah because they definatly went around to every native american and got their vote! ok.

[@caedencekuepper]

I don't know exactly how the poll was conducted, but I'm pretty sure it was legit. Anyway, do you have a poll that says otherwise besides the 5 people featured in that add and all the butthurt SJW's on college campuses?

[@JLee_Mercury]

Random statistics from the poll: 56% weren't part of a native American tribe, 52% didn't know anything about the debate, and 51% were football fans. (From the Washington Post poll done in May 2016)

[@KagemaruHitokiri]

On the one hand, I am one quarter Cherokee, and I absolutely do not care about the team name (mostly because you would have to pay me if you wanted me to give a shit about sports). It doesn't really offend me personally. Then again, I have friends who occasionally joke with each other regarding race, sexuality, etc. because we find it funny. On the other, it IS a fucked up team name. If people--whether or not they're Native Americans--feel it's an insensitive title (or absolutely terrible), I think they're justified in wanting it changed. The only people it will affect negatively are the people overly attached to the title "Redskin," which is an old racial slur anyway. Can you imagine how much worse it would sound if it was any other old slur?

[@TheCruzan26]

+Caedence Kuepper Lol at legit. The sample size was like 5 native Americans that actually work for the Washington racial slurs. Lol jk

[@ShadowDrakken]

I love how a bunch of white people are deciding what may or may not be offensive to Native Americans. I've yet to hear an actual Native American's view on the team using the name Red Skins, which is sad cause their opinion is the only one that matters in this issue.

[@NeilFennell]

"I've yet to hear an actual Native American's view on the team using the name Red Skins..." Oh, you mean that huge ad paid for and distributed by Native Americans, that was prominently featured in this video?

[@ShadowDrakken]

Neil Fennell it doesn't mention that in the video or in the ad, so... yeah. Also, as mentioned in another comment here, the ad is wrong because Oklahoma means "red people", and is the name of a tribe... Which makes me suspect the claim that this ad is made by Native Americans anyway.

[@rebekabranagan1117]

"The Yocha Dehe Wintun nation of California has paid to air a 60-second commercial during halftime of tonight's NBA Finals game calling for Washington's NFL team to change its nickname." www.slate.com/blogs/the_slatest/2014/06/10/washington_nfl_ad_nba_finals_yocha_dehe_wintun_nation_purchases_air_time.html

[@ShadowDrakken]

Rebeka Branagan ah, missed that. But that means the ad is flat out lying, since there is a tribe that calls themselves red people. Heh, oh well. I don't see what the big deal with changing the team name is, just change it, other teams have changed name without any political pressure. I don't see what the big deal is not changing name either though tbh. We're all becoming overly sensitive about such trivial nonsense in the US. It's not like they were named Red Skins as an insult, it's football, they clearly wanted a powerful name. If someone named a team "white boys" I'd just laugh at it.

[@davethedude1234]

There's been numerous polls done on Native Americans nationwide over this. 80%-90% of them don't care, depending on which poll you look at. The ones that do are a small but loud minority. The only poll that doesn't support keeping the name is one published in a magazine run by that minority, and they didn't make public their sample size or wording/order of questions; That's probably because releasing that information would have shown that it was not an accurate poll.

[@Mymomsaidiwascool]

I have been a Washington football fan for as long as I understood football...im 42 now. The reason I chose them is because they were Indians. I love Native Americans. Loved the way they lived.... loved how they prayed to the god of the buffalo for killing one to live. Loved how they only left footprints and nothing to harm the earth. I never wanted to disrespect in anyway. I'm sorry for supporting them but please know I didn't understand I was a kid I only did it because I always wanted to be a native American. When we played cowboys and Indians I was the first to say I'm an Indian. I'm sorry. The first game I remember was the cowboys playing the Indians....and I cheered for the Indians. I'm sorry I didn't realize the pain you felt. I do now and have for awhile. I'm glad they are finally changing the name.

[@shannond7437]

This! 🙌

[@theguywhoisaustralian1465]

You may have not hear of this if you're not Australian. But recently a cheese brand over here called Coon Cheese recently changed its name. The thing is though, Coon was the last name of the man who started the company about 80 years ago. I didn't care either way, and if they wanted to change it I was fine. I just think it's an interesting conversation when in this case, it really was just a name.

[@WDSimp]

There was a report in the Washington Times today, which I have heard is something called a "news paper", that suggests changing the name of the team to the Washington Reagans. Seriously. Moreover, I happen to think that's kind of brilliant, and would be totally behind such a team name.

[@Wyattearpp]

Would their mascot be a jelly bean?

[@Pinkfloydisme63]

You shall notice that the three last Presidents , of the four ones who paid visits to the Amerindians , are Democrats . Where are you , my dear Republicans ?

[@TheCruzan26]

Well it should be no surprise that they don't give a fuck. Unfortunately.

[@LetumComplexo]

It is no surprise that it was the pre 1940s democrats (who would be modern day republicans) who championed the elimination of the Native Americans (though the pre 1940s Republicans sure as hell didn't stop them).

[@fawnjenkins5157]

Honey, Republicans are busy with real issues that are immediately affecting our economy and lives. not some fuckers running casinos. lol

[@LetumComplexo]

Fawn Jenkins Nice casual racism. You could at least *try* to not be a stereotype you know.

[@Jaxymann]

Is that so? I didn't realize defunding women's health services, trying to repeal the ACA 54 times and not bothering to stop Zika outbreaks in your *own fucking country* were "real issues." Oh yeah, and they *still* haven't decided to let Merrick Garland take the Supreme Court vacancy. Obstructionist much?

[@JoeGreen03]

Who’s getting this recommended in 2020?

[@washkabe9179]

I’m Cherokee and everyone who wanted to keep that name can go fuck themselves with a cactus

[@MrOutlawhockey]

"if you don't learn to play the recorder, you're fucked." best line I think I've ever heard. Bravo John Oliver. Bravo.

[@zenjon7892]

Ok, I'm going to start a team called "The Mississippi Blackskins"...let's see how she flies!

[@theakraft6733]

Umm camping is actually fun you just are not doing it right lol also I know this is off-topic but just needed to be said

[@KnightFire919]

I disagree entirely and believe the team should and has the right to keep the name. I've never heard a First Nation person or Native American referred to as "redskin" derogatory or otherwise. This is just political correctness going too far yet again.

[@shindean]

LOL, just because you're too scared to go to a reservation and start calling people Redskin doesn't mean your census is correct.

[@Ryu62Alpha]

Its not "political correctness going too far" this has been a derogative term used for centuries to oppress and dehumanize a people. Just because YOU don't think its offensive, doesn't mean they don't (and they do).

[@KnightFire919]

shoubydoo It's actually not the same at all. Try growing up before responding next time kid.

[@KnightFire919]

shindean LOL! Yeah that's it. How old are you 12?

[@KnightFire919]

Minh P You're full of shit stop lying to try and prove a point you look stupid.

[@neond6740]

New team name idea: Washington Jackrabbits.

[@nxdiuh]

Native Americans are hands down the most overlooked and oppressed ethnic group in this nation and it's so sad.

[@DavidGonzalez-sy8jv]

im glad this got recommended today

[@VincenzoPlayGames]

I am a serious opposer of the name. It is outdated and derogatory.

[@uegvdczuVF]

+KATRINA HAUER Or name like "Browns" because thats just outright fucking racist, right? O, wait, don't they play for Cleveland?

[@callmetony4399]

+uegvdczuVF the browns where named after paul brown a coach not an explicetly racist name.

[@holahula85]

John Olivers red face would be a great logo for the "Redskins". Maybe that could be a compromise????

[@TheYasmineFlower]

+Holahula puffin The only compromise is to change the name and get rid of the racist logo. Racism doesn't get a compromise.

[@pigbenis2611]

compromise....well neither does this countries history, history is that we called em red skins because of the color of skin they had. oh well the truth hurts. if you don'[t like what we already have established LEAVE. no body will stop you. fuck your liberal jew view and realize this countries all fucked up now.

[@benjaminortola5756]

+Rick C We called black people (racial slur) because it sounded like the color of their skin. Up yours, you insensitive shithead.

[@benjaminortola5756]

Rick C "and moved on with my life." Hilarious. Nice rage post you got there. Can't even bother to use basic spelling or grammar, yet you say I am the dumb one.

[@pigbenis2611]

Benjamin Ortola intensive haha i could give 2 fuck. don't be mad at me be mad at the parents who raised such a OVER sensitive PUSSY. this is the real world asshole, real shit happens. get over it. their are classes of humans some WORTH more than others. YES this is how the world works. 35% of the world still uses slaves dumbass. only our 1st world bs does not allow it.

[@BOBTHEBERT]

As a Ravens fan, I couldn't care less. Maybe that's just because whenever anyone even mentions the redskins I immediately lose interest because of how much the NFL was making us try to like the Redskins up until 95.

[@rhettcujo9006]

This aged pretty well lol.

[@THEJIGGADREWSHOW]

this guy is good..very funny and speaks more truth then ANY other talk show host. thumbs up and cant wait for more episodes.

[@Xencryptous]

Now, I'm all for the name change. However, to be completely honest, the only people I have seen complaining that the Redskins name being offensive, is everyone that isn't part of a native American tribe.

[@SeanLaMontagne]

You wouldn't support keeping the name of it was the Washington N words... right?

[@youngking2503]

I'm a Native American, and I like the name. I root for the Redskins. I mean who else am I supposed to root for..... The Cowboys no fucking way man.

[@TheYasmineFlower]

But if you root for them because of their gameplay, then what does it matter if they get a name that's less offensive to over 80% of Native Americans?

[@lewatoaofair2522]

Interesting claim. Of course, historically, there have been terms that have been used as derogatory, but over the time, the targeted people took it in pride. A prime example of this would be the word Yankee.

[@podemosurss8316]

I'm remembering a story about a jacket my father bought in the 1980s as an exchange student in the US depicting a native American with a defying face for the team "Salamanca warriors" (after the US town of Salamanca, which was coincidentally named after a Spanish town). My grandmother, who doesn't know any English, nicknamed them "Guarros de Salamanca", a homophone which would translate as "Salamanca piggies".

[@specialpatrolgroup92]

I love how Dan Snyder's struggle was portrayed on South Park :)

[@nuahS]

Even if you believe Native Americans represent courage and bravery, their image is not yours to hijack, use, and define. And, considering our country was built on top of what was essentially the holocaust of the Native Americans, perhaps we could exercise the basic decency of not humiliating their cultural icons and skin color as sports mascots for our pride and entertainment. Native Americans were NOT a part of American history: their slaughter was...and their suffering is not your badge of honor.

[@iamfredrick]

who's watching in 2020, they might actually change it

[@admiralvibe]

Ohh shit, is that THE Standing Rock? Oh god.

[@SB-ki3jw]

I cant believe I actually, completely agree with John Oliver.

[@kaylea155]

Just watching the beginning, I feel proud to be a Canadian. Now, we did some horrible, terrible, awful shit to our First Nations people. No denying that, it was terrible. But that's the thing about Canada-- we don't deny that. It's weird that only 4 presidents have visited reservations. Canada has active efforts to revitalise First Nations communities and languages, acknowledge lands stolen, help rectify the past, and give them active role in government. Nothing will ever fix the past (and there are certainly still things wrong with the present), but at least there is a strong and active effort to let the First Nations communities have a place in our future.

[@ManiaMac1613]

What's odd about this is that, from a business perspective, Dan Snyder's choice doesn't make much sense. Changing the team's name wouldn't be much of a hassle, and it would really help to improve his public image. The only people who would be offended by the teams (very, very racist) name being changed would seem like total asshats for doing so. Now, it's true that not all Native Americans find the term 'Redskin' offensive, and it's also true that they came up with the term themselves. What you need to consider, though, was that the term was used back in a time when Native Americans barely qualified as people in the eyes of white Americans, and the fact that well over two-thirds of people who identify as 'Native American' don't live on reservations and don't sympathize with their ancestor's social issues. The fact that some Native Americans aren't offended by the term 'Redskin' is NOT an adequate justification for keeping the name when some of them clearly are, and for good reason. That's like saying "Since I'm a black man, and I'm not offended by the pejorative 'Negro', then that means other African Americans who are offended by the term are obviously wrong". I don't know about people's feelings in other states, but Native Americans here in Washington, my own state, either don't approve of the term or vehemently oppose it. That seems like ample justification for changing the damn name. Well, that and the centuries of government-sanctioned injustice, of course.

[@sasca854]

If the name of a football team is the worst injustice you ever have to face, I'd say you are living a pretty damned comfortable life. Quit whining.

[@FlyingGold]

Oh come on it's a great fucking name for a team. What else are they gonna call themselves?

[@DaveXL495]

Washington Indians

[@hockeyhubbub]

So.... You would like to be on a team called: "Washington WHITESKINS???" Does that work for you?

[@higgenbotham]

I think the Washington Indigenous Peoples of the Americas has a nice ring to it.

[@jhazemusic]

its an offensive name, its racist and it can be easily fixed. whats so hard to get about that?

[@cuddles-ii6ns]

With a swear word in your response I wonder how that makes you sound smart saying it is ok to be racist.

[@MrClean9090]

FINALLY!!!

[@vikmanphotography7984]

And the name they finally came up with after all these years? "The Washington Football Team"

[@vikmanphotography7984]

They have creativity in spades.

[@susancioban-dwyer2569]

That's not the final name. It's the name for the 2020 season.

[@vikmanphotography7984]

@@susancioban-dwyer2569 Still. This controversy has been around for decades. Their branding team and upper management had more than enough time to at least think of a fallback, even if they were to only use the name temporarily.

[@deepvybes]

Maybe the fans should vote on a equal but more suitable name...?

[@ecksVeritasgaming]

Yeah, you don't crowdsource shit like this. The masses are not to be trusted with really...anything. They constantly vote against their interests, and tend to have a hive mind. Not a good idea.

[@deepvybes]

Earl Cabala You make it sound like I'm asking the fans to disarm a nuclear bomb

[@Jobother]

Haha you're funny kid, so naive, this isn't a democracy, this is capitalism, a dictatorship!

[@WillyWillis1965]

No, the current one is fine.

[@wigglywalsh]

ooooo i got one how about the REDSKINS? what do you think?

[@mendoza2083]

Unless you are of the culture being depicted you opinion on the name is invalid

[@Eljonno]

"Washington Warriors" .. come on, it's _that_ easy.. now pay me

[@NapoleansWalrus]

How are non-Native Americans able to tell Native Americans what's racist and what's not? It seems to me that if the people who are supposed to be honored by the name are offended, then something should be done.

[@livingoctopus]

My school actually has permission to use apaches as our school symbol from the white mountain apaches, this is because we donate money and stuff to their community every year that they need and every 4 years they visit our school and perform traditional dances for the students