Did you hear about the announcement of next year's NFL expansion teams? Inspired by the team that currently hails from our nation's capital, you may see the following three teams break onto the scene in the upcoming season:
- Washington Negros
- Washington Eses
- Washington Orientals
Before I go any further, let me first say that I am a fan of the Washington Redskins. My household has a couple jerseys that we occasionally wear. I get into debates with my brother, who is unfortunately a Giants fan, about which team is the best. Here are some pictures from my man-cave.
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Rightly or wrongly, I don't currently have a strong opinion regarding the team's name and logo. The primary issue that I have with the Washington Redskins is their consistent inability to be good. They had a chance with RGIII a few years ago, before they snapped his leg backwards in a playoff game that he shouldn't have been playing in, but that is a different debate for a different time.
Despite all of this, however, I can't help but to see the irony in the existence of the Washington Redskins' moniker during a time period that is known for pushing social sensitivity almost to a fault. Sure you can shoot an unarmed black person in the streets with little to no consequences, but social media would normally have a field day with the use of a name or symbol deemed insensitive featuring a person of color. Look at what happened to Virginia Governor Ralph Northam. A 30 year old photo surfaced of individuals in black face and a KKK hood, and he admitted to being in that photo. This image wasn't even recent and the calls for his resignation were deafening. You don't even have to use a lasting visual symbol, to spark outrage; colorful language will also do the trick. Papa John got caught seemly auditioning for 12 Years A Slave with his use of the 'N' word on a conference call, and that was enough to land him in hot water. So how has such questionable intellectual property been allowed to fly for so long with the Washington Redskins, and so many other sports teams when it comes to Native Americans (Tomahawk chop, anyone)? I'm not asking out of outrage, but out of shear curiosity. How did they find the loophole in our social consciousness? Some PhD student needs to write a paper on this topic, and thank me later for the idea when you receive your degree.
Until we figure it out, why not create these three new expansion teams? Admittedly, there has been no official announcement for these teams, yet (Surprise!), but I think it would be interesting to find out if the intolerance for insensitive imagery stops at Native Americans or if it just stops for all groups at the door of sports teams in general. Read a little more about each team below.
Washington Negros
Justification: The term negro has been used proudly by blacks in America, and it is steeped in history as a term of empowerment. This team name is not derogatory, but instead honors that strength.
Team Souvenirs: Afro Picks
Team Call/Rallying Cry: Right on, jive turkeys!
Washington Eses
Justification: Ese is simply a slang term similar to saying bro. We are all brothers on this team, so it represents everything that we stand for.
Team Souvenirs: Bandanas
Team Call/Rallying Cry: Hey holmes!
Washinton Orientals
Justification: Oriental means "of the Orient" or "east". It represents geographic origin and pride. Much like it is believed that the first Redskins coach was Native American with no aversion to the name, the first coach of this team will be asian.
Team Souvenirs: Nunchucks
Team Call/Rallying Cry: Hiyaa!
