U.S. Senator Steve Daines (R-Mont.) has revealed that discussions are underway with the NFL and the Washington Commanders to potentially reinstate the team’s former logo, which was retired in 2020 amid a wave of criticism over its depiction of Native Americans. The logo, which featured a profile of a Native American man, was officially dropped by the team as part of a broader cultural reassessment, but recent developments suggest a potential return, bringing with it both support and protest.
Senator Daines, a vocal proponent of restoring the logo, confirmed that “good faith negotiations” are progressing with both the NFL and the Washington Commanders to bring back the controversial emblem. He argued that the logo, designed by Walter “Blackie” Wetzel, a member of the Blackfeet Nation, carries cultural and historical significance that should be honored. Daines, who has long advocated for the return of the logo, has also tied his support for potential legislation involving a new stadium for the Commanders to the restoration of the iconic image.
Daines pointed out that Wetzel’s design was meant as a tribute to Native American culture, specifically to Blackfeet Chief Two Guns White Calf, whose image was used in the logo. According to Daines, the logo represents an important piece of Native American heritage that should be preserved and respected.
The Redskins logo, which was in use from 1965 until its retirement in 2020, has been a flashpoint for debates about cultural appropriation and the use of Native American imagery in sports. While some supporters argue that the logo was a well intentioned tribute to Native American heritage, others accuse it of racial insensitivity and a perpetuation of harmful stereotypes.
However, for decades, social activists have long criticized the team for its use of the term “Redskins,” which many consider a derogatory and offensive term to describe Native Americans.
In 2020, after years of pressure from advocacy groups, sponsors, and public figures, the Washington team retired the logo and changed its name to the “Washington Commanders.” The team’s decision to retire the logo was part of a broader reckoning with Native American imagery in sports, which also included the removal of similar logos and mascots from teams like the Cleveland Indians (now the Cleveland Guardians) and the Kansas City Chiefs.
A 2016 poll conducted by the Washington Post found that a majority of Native Americans surveyed did not find the term “Redskins” offensive. The survey revealed that 9 out of 10 Native Americans felt the name was either not offensive or had no impact on them personally. This finding has been cited by some supporters of the logo’s return, who argue that the term was not widely viewed as derogatory within Native American communities. They suggest that the controversy over the logo was driven more by external advocacy groups and media attention than by the Native American community itself.
I always thought the Wash. logo was a depiction of a grand chief and meant toward respect and culture. The term redskins could be construed as derogatory, but if a vast majority of those asked say it didn’t bother them, means it was a low minority that induced the changes. That’s not how things are supposed to work. The Cleveland Indians’ name, on the other hand, isn’t offensive, but the mascot/logo of Wahoo is not a good depiction of Indian culture. They shouldn’t have changed their name, but got rid of the logo instead.
If it’s offensive to anyone, leave it off.
But I could never understand how the Land O’Lake girl could be offensive. She was lovely!
When I was young, my son thought it was me on the Sun-Maid Raisin box. I hope she never goes away!
Bring the name back too let the liberals pound sand