American news outlets boycot 'racist' Washington Redskins title
An American football team is facing a media blackout after the online magazine Slate, owned by the Washington Post, and the Washington City Paper have announced that they will henceforth refer to the team solely as ‘Washington’.
The Washington Redskins have been a staple fixture of the NFL for over 80 years but in that time has come under growing pressure from Native American groups who take issue with its name and branding.
Founded in Boston and subsequently relocated to the American capital the team have amassed three Super Bowl wins and an estimated £960m fortune but have come under fire from Native American groups angered by its name and depiction of a ‘redskin’ in its logo.
Announcing his decision Slate editor David Plotz said: “Changing the way we talk is not political correctness run amok. It reflects an admirable willingness to acknowledge others who once were barely visible to the dominant culture, and to recognise that something that may seem innocent to you may be painful to others.”
Redskins owner Dan Snyder has previously remained adamant that the club would never change its name under his watch, telling USA Today earlier this year: “We’ll never change the name. It’s that simple.”