What about the Irish?

h/t Bunky Echo Hawk

I think the Washington Redskins are disgusting. The application of that name, Redskin, to a football team is not an honorarium. Sure, you are supposed to cheer for the Redskins, but that doesn't clean it of its derogatory nature.

I don't want to get bogged down deciding which racial slur is worse. I hate playing "oppression Olympics". Let me just write it and we'll discuss.

You wouldn't allow the Washington Niggers to be a team. There will never be the Washington Kikes.

Again, I hate discussions about which group had it worse, but I do think this is an apt observation. Redskins is a slur that offends millions of Native Americans. It perpetuates a stereotype and reduces an entire people to mascot status. It is a relic of a less-sensitive society that didn't know any better and it needs to go away.

With that, let's dispense with the Cleveland Indians, the Chicago Blackhawks and the Atlanta Braves. It is time. We need to clean up our language, too. Phrases like "off the reservation" need to be retired. Until we do this, we cannot begin to step outside of our privilege and truly be societal equals.


What about the Irish? Why aren't anyone raking muck about the practically ubiquitous icon mascot of the leprechaun with his dukes up (see photo)? I think this little guy probably needs some attention as well. Are all Irish people violent little men in pointy yellow shoes? Why are they fighting? Too much to drink? It is a silly mascot whose is, again, representing an entire people.


Am I reading this wrong? No one cares about this one. Is it because the Irish are no longer seen as a group of inferiors and now the beneficiaries of white privilege? Maybe. You know, some folks like to talk about reverse racism. They like to bring up the name cracker and claim it carries the same weight as nigger. Naw, son. It doesn't. Maybe the Irish are letting this foolish representation go by because they are privileged enough for it not have any affect.

Uhg, I am loosing the steam of my rationale. Help! Discuss.