U.S. patent office cancels Redskins trademark registration, says name is disparaging

[Kevin]

Originally Posted by DrPhil

Newsflash to Kevin, American Indians can debate amongst themselves but don't need to reach a consensus and definitely don't need permission from non-American Indians to be offended.

But if 10% of them find something offensive, the full weight and force of the government needs to line up behind a small vocal minority and force billion dollar corporations to make changes?

And some would consider the term "Indian" offensive.

[DrPhil]

Originally Posted by Kevin

But if 10% of them find something offensive, the full weight and force of the government needs to line up behind a small vocal minority and force billion dollar corporations to make changes?

As MysticCat said, read that article again.

And, yes, the government doesn't need polls and require certain percentages before acting as deemed necessary. Or did you not know that?

Originally Posted by Kevin

And some would consider the term "Indian" offensive.

Just as some people within the diverse cultures and collectives consider the term "Native American" less than desirable because it is a more regional or location title that does not capture the range of cultures, ethnicities, and heritages.

Since you are learning new things, research the reasons behind varied use of "American Indian" and "Native American."

[MysticCat]

Originally Posted by Kevin

But if 10% of them find something offensive, the full weight and force of the government needs to line up behind a small vocal minority and force billion dollar corporations to make changes?

Where do you get this 10% Kevin? From the article you linked? It said 90% of people surveyed, not 90% of American Indians.

In 2004, the National Annenberg Election Survey asked 768 people who identified themselves as Indian whether they found the name “Washington Redskins” offensive. Almost 90 percent said it did not bother them.

But the Indian activist Suzan Shown Harjo, who has filed a lawsuit seeking to strip the “Redskins” trademark from the football team, said the poll neglected to ask some crucial questions.

“Are you a tribal person? What is your nation? What is your tribe? Would you say you are culturally or socially or politically native?” Harjo asked. Those without such connections cannot represent native opinions, she said.

Leaving aside whether the the survey had a reliable sample or asked necessary questions, the opinions of 691 people =/= the opinions of 90% of American Indians. I'll see your 691 people and raise you 70+ tribes and American Indian organizations that have officially registered opposition to use of the name "Redskins." These tribes and groups include the Cherokee Nation (Oklahoma), the Comanche Nation (Oklahoma), the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma, the United Indian Nations of Oklahoma and the Inter-Tribal Council of the Five Civilized Tribes.