Donald Trump has never been someone to hide how he feels about anything. There’s also never a dull moment on his Twitter account. Whether it’s bashing the competition, calling out news outlets for “fake news” or just spewing his opinion out there for the world to see.
This time, it’s about professional sports teams and changing names. It’s safe to say that Donald Trump is against the Washington Redskins and Cleveland Indians changing their names. He took to Twitter to say the following:
They name teams out of STRENGTH, not weakness, but now the Washington Redskins & Cleveland Indians, two fabled sports franchises, look like they are going to be changing their names in order to be politically correct. Indians, like Elizabeth Warren, must be very angry right now!
Claiming both franchises as fabled may be a bit of a stretch. The last time Cleveland won the World Series was in 1948. They did make the World Series in 2016 only to lose 4-3 to the Chicago Cubs. Washington last made the Super Bowl in 1991, winning against the Buffalo Bills. Historically I’ll admit that they are good franchises, however recently is another story.
Regardless, Donald Trump is very clearly against these franchises changing their names. My only question is why? The term “Redskin” is a dictionary defined racial slur. It makes so much sense for Washington to find a different name for their franchise, especially now. As for bringing Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren into the mix, that was uncalled for. By wording it as “Indians, like Elizabeth Warren, must be very angry right now” he not only singles her out, but it also makes it seem like.
A. He is assuming how these people feel which is it’s own issue and incredibly insensitive.
OR
B. He is telling these people how to feel. Which is also incredibly insensitive.
Regardless, it’s incentive. Calling a Native American an “Indian” or “Redskin” is nowhere near a compliment, it’s an insult.
Washington beginning the process of changing their name the Cleveland looking into it signals movement and progression as a society. Whether Cleveland changes their name or not, Donald Trump’s voice does NOT belong in any discussions on the matter. Nor is it his place to talk about how Native Americans feel about these teams changing their names from a racial slur to something different (In Washington’s case).
