An overwhelming majority of Native Americans say the Washington Redskins name does not offend them, according to a new poll Thursday that found the national movement to change the name fell flat with actual Indians.
About 90 percent of Native Americans said they were OK with the football team name, a Washington Post poll said.
The results were identical to a 2004 survey of Native Americans by the Annenberg Public Policy Center.
The new poll found broadly consistent views about the Redskins team name, regardless of age, income, education, political party or proximity to reservations.
What’s more, 70 percent of Native Americans told the pollsters they did not feel the word “Redskin” was disrespectful to Indians. And 80 percent said the would not be offended if a non-Indian called them a “Redskin.”
The Washington Redskins have been pressured to change their name by a national movement that has targeted teams with Indian-themed names, which some people deem an offensive stereotype.
President Obama and leaders in Congress have joined the effort in Washington.
• S.A. Miller can be reached at smiller@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.