EmailIt is not exactly clear what Washington Redskins Quarterback Robert Griffin III (aka RGIII) was referring to when he sent a frustrated tweet about political correctness Tuesday afternoon.
But one possible explanation has to do with the decades-long effort to make his team’s name and its distinctive logo featuring a Native American with feathers in his hair more politically correct. From Redskins to Red Tails?
Here’s what RGIII tweeted:
In a land of freedom we are held hostage by the tyranny of political correctness
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) April 30, 2013
He later added:
Tyranny- “a condition imposed by some outside agency or force <living under the tyranny of the clock” or political correctness….
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) April 30, 2013
The Red Tails idea, proposed by D.C. City Councilmember David Grosso, would urge the team to alter the team name that has long been considered as derogatory to Native Americans and make it an homage to the Tuskeegee Airman, the barrier-breaking World War II African American aviation unit.
Over the decades-long debate over the Redskins name, the team has argued it honors Native American heritage.
The Redskins don’t even play in Washington any more – they train in nearby Virginia and play in nearby Maryland – but they’re still the team from Washington. The city council doesn’t have the ability to force the team to change its name.
A more painful enticement for the Redskins could come from Congress or the Federal court that oversees U.S. trademarks.
A three-judge panel for the court in Alexandria, Virginia heard arguments last month in a case brought by 5 18 year-old Native Americans that the name is offensive and therefore not eligible for a trademark.
The court might not rule for a year, but if they voided the Redskins trademark, it could cost the team a lot of money.
A bill to strip the team of its Trademark has also been introduced with the support of D.C.’s delegate in Congress, although it is not clear when or if it will get a vote.
rg 3 is one smart man
Posted by: catman | May 1, 2013, 10:41 am 10:41 am
Why does anyone care what this idiot has to say. isn’t this the same person who slammed the refs after his beloved college women’s team lost in the NCAA tournament? Talk about lack of class. Why is he think he is so entitled?
Posted by: Billy Bob | May 1, 2013, 10:46 am 10:46 am
Huummmmmm . . . . .
I don’t think Red Tails is a very good idea.
It makes a full blooded heterosexual think of some po-rn star’s to-ush.
Maybe the Washington Brown Boys would be better.
Posted by: Noz | May 1, 2013, 10:47 am 10:47 am
Good lord, enough is enough with the PC forced upon everyone by the liberals! Native Americans need to be proud of the fact they are being honored like that by a sports team. Get over it and move-on!!
Posted by: Gunner__59 | May 1, 2013, 11:19 am 11:19 am
Gained a fan RG3, too bad your forced to play in the epicenter of political correctness.
Posted by: T | May 1, 2013, 11:24 am 11:24 am
for a second I thought it said a 518 yr old native american
Posted by: eric | May 1, 2013, 11:27 am 11:27 am
Please do not buckle in to a weird wolf crying prejudice. If anyone is offended then let them stay away and allow the rest or majority to enjoy the game. Whenever some idiot cannot get his/hers way they cry prejudice. To hell with you. Go away
Posted by: Douglas | May 1, 2013, 11:29 am 11:29 am
Umm I think either RG3 either doesn’t know what he is saying or everyone on this list doesn’t understand. When he refers to the “tyranny of political correctness” is arguing against being PC. he believes that we as citizens are held captive from our freedom because of political correctness, at least that’s what his words reflect–whether or not he actually meant to write that remains to be seen. If we are held captive by something then that something is preventing us from doing something we want or need, in this case he believes that being PC restrains our freedom. If that is the case then he wants to keep the Redskins name not change it. If he meant the opposite then he either had someone else write his tweet or he is a complete idiot.
Posted by: CMIchas | May 1, 2013, 11:30 am 11:30 am
those damn liberals…always thinking about respect. wishing those damned indians would get over themselves and be grateful for all the good things they have.
Posted by: john | May 1, 2013, 11:33 am 11:33 am
If they bow to political correctness, it’s easy … The Washington Jellyfish !!
Posted by: pogiman | May 1, 2013, 11:36 am 11:36 am
See how fast the politicians change their tune if Dan Snyder decides to change the name to The Richmond Redskins
Posted by: Tom | May 1, 2013, 11:39 am 11:39 am
RG3 should take a crash course in the history of Native American Indians before he starts running his mouth about PC for a Football team name. I mean how outrage would folks be if the team had the racial slur of Kike ,Cracker, the N word, Chink or any other offensive cultural slur to a Race. I guess for some folks it just don’t matter because they are not Native American Indians. If you ask me RG3 should keep his mouth shut and do something with that horrible mop head of hair he is wearing!!!
Posted by: JC | May 1, 2013, 11:41 am 11:41 am
Oh so let me get this straight.. DC Politicians want to remove a Native American “name” from the football team and now replace it with something that represents Black People? I am native American and that DOES offend me. What the heck is going on with this Country??? removing everything with history, heritage or standards only to deep everything a Black thing? This is completely absurd. The USA is the only country in the World doing this PC mess to extreme. It is ruining society and giving certain people advantage in life. 100% wrong. This needs to end. Wealthy people are using every tactic necessary to keep the struggles, issues and sensitive topics stirring in everyday society so you focus more on fighting with each other, versus noticing that wealthy people are screwing you. But honestly? Redskins to red tail? nigg@ pleeze. Now we really find out the political message behind the name change.. Take away native American reference, and rename it for black people to get votes.. yeah I see where this is going..
Posted by: Dw | May 1, 2013, 11:43 am 11:43 am
and RGIII is 100% – Political correctness is out of hand.
Posted by: Dw | May 1, 2013, 11:45 am 11:45 am
RG3 is a breath of fresh air
Posted by: JW | May 1, 2013, 11:45 am 11:45 am
The 5 18 year olds need to be concerned with other more pressing problems on the reservation, and quit with this political correct bs. They are called Indians in my family because that is what they are. As for RGIII, he knew what he was talking about, he a=is a smart articulate educated man. Just because he is a jock doesn’t mean he is stupid.
Posted by: Marvin Thayer | May 1, 2013, 11:48 am 11:48 am
What if the name were the Washington Blackfaces? I wonder if RGIII would feel it was “tyranny” to change the name then?
Most of these comments are absurd in their crying about the overstepping of “political correctness.” Having a professional football team called the Redskins is legitimately racist. You just don’t hear anyone complaining about it because the Native Americans were basically eliminated. I guess if we wipe out any other ethnic groups, we can start naming teams the racial slurs that you slack-jawed yokels used to reference them and it would be A-OK.
Posted by: Joe | May 1, 2013, 11:51 am 11:51 am
since when is honoring indians for their bravery a racial slur? should we change the name of the white house? this america filled with americans…at least it should be.
Posted by: catman | May 1, 2013, 11:53 am 11:53 am
Will it be necessary now to change the names of the Army’s helicopters: Blackhawk, Apache, Kiowa? No Indian names allowed anymore?
Posted by: Perplexed | May 1, 2013, 11:54 am 11:54 am
Political correctness is completely out of control but, on the other hand how would he feel about playing for say.. the Atlanta Blackskins? I hate political correctness but in this case I have to say “redskins” is a bit offensive. Chiefs, Warriors, Indians seem ok to me but Redskins…?
Posted by: kasey clarke | May 1, 2013, 11:57 am 11:57 am
Americans have double standards. If the team were called the Black skins the name would have been changed 50 years ago!
Posted by: rod | May 1, 2013, 11:58 am 11:58 am
Why hasn’t the NAACP changed its name?
Posted by: JJ | May 1, 2013, 11:59 am 11:59 am
Let’s call them the Washington Spooks (or some other less-publishable derogatory name for blacks) and see if he is still singing the same tune.
Posted by: bill | May 1, 2013, 12:04 pm 12:04 pm
How about we name them the Washington People Who Totally Got Screwed Over By The Government. That would transcend historical and racial boundaries and would include everyone except politicians, their cronies, capitalist elitists and Wall St. scions.
Posted by: Paul | May 1, 2013, 12:08 pm 12:08 pm
or how about changing the san fran 49ers to the 69ers.
Posted by: catman | May 1, 2013, 12:23 pm 12:23 pm
keep the Redskin name and change the logo to a redskin potato…problem solved.
Posted by: Jeff | May 1, 2013, 12:24 pm 12:24 pm
Change it to the Pigskins. But then you have to deal with irate pigs. You already have the fans wearing dresses and pig noses. You can still call them “The Skins”. Sausage and bacon companies would have a sports team to promote their products with and the BBQ cook offs would skyrocket. The only real downside is the requirements for the cheerleader squad might need to be a little less weight conscious. We do not want to leave anyone out now do we?
Posted by: Ken | May 1, 2013, 12:26 pm 12:26 pm
“Change it to the Pigskins.” – Ken
That’s good but how about the Washington FourSkins since there are 4 quarters to a game?
Posted by: Noz | May 1, 2013, 12:54 pm 12:54 pm
He is holding a grudge against Natives since his team lost against the Louisville womens b-ball team!
Posted by: Jack | May 1, 2013, 1:31 pm 1:31 pm
Redtails? Dumbest thing I’ve ever heard of. Sexual connotations all over it (no surprise that overprivileged, overpaid, underworked, intellectually-challenged politicians came up with that name lol). Political correctness? Needs to flushed down the toilet life all xenophobic far-left stupidity. Let’s be truthful about it, which is what RG3 was getting at. PC and the far left wing quackery that comes with it is nothing but communism, oppression, and slavery in disguise. And to the many liberals out there, some of which I personally know, who have long had a problem with the Washington “Redskins” name…are you forgetting something? The land on which your feet rest, your house or apartment building, or even your workplace sits…was likely once tribal land. Coming at this issue from that angle, you can take your liberal PC hypocrisy and cram it up your tail.
Posted by: anti-pcpolice | May 1, 2013, 1:31 pm 1:31 pm
It was quite clear what he was talking about. Just read a few tweets prior to that.
Unreal, it had ZERO to do with this topic. The author of this article should be embarrassed and ashamed at the muck racking he is attempting.
Posted by: Gatorskins | May 1, 2013, 2:04 pm 2:04 pm
“That’s good but how about the Washington FourSkins since there are 4 quarters to a game?” – Noz
Can you imagine what they’d have to change their mascot to?
Posted by: Noz | May 1, 2013, 2:07 pm 2:07 pm
so now he wants to make it a racial issue this just proves that nobody will ever be happy to many little pitiful complaints about names on sports franchises why don’t we just call them all the same thing sports nutz team #1-115
Posted by: ed | May 1, 2013, 2:08 pm 2:08 pm
He is merely expressing what the majority feel. The liberal BS and intolerant actions toward those who do not agree with gay marriage, amnesty, obamacare, gun control and the rest of their agenda they are trying to push down our throats. Its nice to see him speaking out but watch he will be attacked by the intolerant liberals and news organizations.
Posted by: LaTunna | May 1, 2013, 2:10 pm 2:10 pm
Good for RGIII! The Liberal PC crowd are dividing this country. Very Devisive on allmost every issue! This is just nonsense and RGIII is calling them out! As a Ravens Fan, I’m proud of the Other Beltway QB! Cheers!
Posted by: theeightiesruled1 | May 1, 2013, 2:16 pm 2:16 pm
i am cherokee/choctaw and have no problem personally, but all the others talkn about natives need to be just shut up… let me put it like this rename them the little black sambos or white honky crackers. jmo tho
Posted by: RDK9 | May 1, 2013, 2:54 pm 2:54 pm
RG III I dont really have fav team bc IM more of a players fan but now im a redskins fan. to show my support of the team mascot and yes my skin is red i am an oklahoma cherokee/choctaw redskins fan now yeah GO SKINS!!
Posted by: RDK9 | May 1, 2013, 3:09 pm 3:09 pm
What a terrible idea. Why don’t we just remove any mark on history that native americans have. Is this supposedly an olive branch to native americans hundreds of years after the genocide? What purpose does that serve now. So, now, in being sensitive to native americans, we attempt to wipe out any historical reference to them? My wife is native american (Oneida, Crow) and is totally against this lame idea.
Posted by: Chris | May 1, 2013, 3:17 pm 3:17 pm
Stereotypes goes very far in this country because they derive from racism. The name and symbol of the team deliberately ignores and degrades the image and culture of a group of people that truly aren’t understood. If the team was named the black skins or the watermelon eaters and had a logo of uncle Tom he would feel much different.
Posted by: JJ | May 1, 2013, 3:43 pm 3:43 pm
i am a (redman),and this is not racist….i am a fan of the redskins, and i think RGIII is right 100%. and if thats your only point then what about the BROWNS, OR SINCE THERE ARE NO 49S LEFT HOW BOUT WE CHANGE THERE NAME AND O THERE ARE NO LIONS IN DTOWN SO, I THINK THAT NEEDS E CHANGED TO…no we are the forgotten ones and things like the name REDSKINS will never let you forget, thats why they want the name change and that my friends is RACIST…
Posted by: WILLIESHELL | May 1, 2013, 3:46 pm 3:46 pm
The United States as we know it is almost dead, killed from the enemy within! Just look at all the bad things in America these days, for example if you are a wealthy white christian male you are bad for three reason, your wealth, The fact you are white and the fact you are christian! I see a civil war on the horizon and it will make the last civil war look like a bad weekend in Chicago! Yes that was gun reference Chicago has a Gun ban yet one of the highest death rates by guns in the country! Maybe we should make a law that all criminals must register thier guns.
RIP USA!
Posted by: RIP_USA | May 1, 2013, 4:06 pm 4:06 pm
More wasted tax dollars! Do we really need congress to tell us whether a football team’s name is OK to use? What a joke! Our political correctness is out of control! I always thought the Redskins were a tribute to the great American Indian, otherwise why would they have named it that in the first place? I don’t think it was chosen to be hateful or derogatory. We seriously need to get over our hypersensitivity about skin color! Some people are white, some are black, some are brown, some are yellow, some are red, and all are BEAUTIFUL! Embrace it, be proud and move on! Way to go RGIII! I agree and you just gained one more fan!
Posted by: CC | May 1, 2013, 4:41 pm 4:41 pm
Actually, I think we need to change the name of the White House! I think it clearly suggests white power! And I think anything related to those nasty, murdering pirates is totally offensive, so we need to change all those sport team names too!!! LOL! Totally kidding, but illustrates the slippery slope argument! This country has gone seriously MAD!!!!
Posted by: CC | May 1, 2013, 4:55 pm 4:55 pm