Introduction
For over 80 years, the Washington Redskins have been one of the most iconic football franchises in the NFL. The team has won three Super Bowl titles and has a loyal fan base that spans the country. However, the team’s logo has been a subject of controversy for decades. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the old Redskins logo, its history, and the controversy surrounding it.
The History of the Old Redskins Logo
The old Redskins logo was introduced in 1972 and featured a Native American man with red skin and feathers in his hair. The logo was designed by Native American artist Walter “Blackie” Wetzel, who was a member of the Blackfeet Nation. Wetzel wanted to create a logo that would honor Native American culture and traditions. The logo became a symbol of the team and was used on everything from helmets to merchandise. The team’s fans embraced the logo and it became a part of the team’s identity. However, not everyone was happy with the logo.
The Controversy Over the Logo
Over the years, there have been many protests against the Redskins name and logo. Many Native Americans have argued that the name and logo are offensive and disrespectful. They argue that the use of the term “redskins” is a racial slur and that the logo perpetuates negative stereotypes about Native Americans. Despite the protests, the team has refused to change its name or logo. In 1992, the team’s owner, Jack Kent Cooke, said that the Redskins name would “never” be changed. However, the controversy continued to grow and in 2013, ten members of Congress sent a letter to the team’s owner, urging him to change the name.
The Future of the Logo
In 2020, the team announced that it would be retiring the old Redskins logo and name. The team’s owner, Dan Snyder, said that the decision was made after “a thorough review of the team’s name and logo.” The team has yet to announce a new name or logo, but many fans are eagerly anticipating the unveiling of the new design.
Conclusion
The controversy over the old Redskins logo has been ongoing for decades. While some fans argue that the logo is a symbol of tradition and pride, many Native Americans see it as a symbol of discrimination and disrespect. In the end, the team decided to retire the logo and name, signaling a new era for the franchise. It remains to be seen what the new logo will look like, but one thing is for sure – it will be a topic of conversation for years to come.