What’s In A Name?

I’ve been watching how we are tearing down some of the symbols that divide us. Most recently, the name of a football team. The Washington Redskins.

As I type that last divisive word, I wonder Why did it took so long to change?

Maybe, it’s because it’s part of the vernacular. It has become so much a part of our everyday use that somewhere along the way we forgot how awful a word it really is.

The Washington Post has a great piece on the history of the name and the team. How we got here.

For years, there have been complaints about the name, but team ownership never seemed willing to do anything about it.

Then, along came 2020.

The Black Lives Matter movement. Protests about racism. This year has changed our perspective. Things we accepted as normal, we now see as wrong.

A paradigm shift is what I like to call it. A fundamental change in how we approach things.

When the protests started over the death of George Floyd, I wondered how long they could last. Would this movement run out of steam? Clearly, it hasn’t. In fact, it has gained momentum.

Changing the name of the Washington football team is a clear indication of it, too.

In a statement, the team said it will “develop a new name and design approach that will enhance the standing of our proud, tradition rich franchise and inspire our sponsors, fans and community for the next 100 years.”

So what will it become? For now, the ownership will come up with a new name for the team.

The Navajo Nation also released a statement saying, “July 13, 2020, is now a historic day for all Indigenous peoples around the world as the NFL Washington-based team officially announced the retirement of the racist and disparaging ‘Redskins’ team name and logo.”

So, here we are. A professional sports team changes its name and logo. A reflection of the changing times. No doubt, more will follow.

What else will 2020 give us? As long as it seems like this year has been, it is only half done. Think about that for a minute.