I Have Another Controversial Topic I’d Like to Discuss

We’ve talked a lot about the controversy over the use of Redskins name. At this point I’d say 90% of the folks I talk to believe another name should be used. They don’t necessarily find it offensive themselves (yet?) but they recognize that it is considered offensive by some and therefore for should be dropped. I recognize this percentage may not mirror national polls but I’m just talking about folks I speak with/write to who are living in DC.

Which leads me to my next question – can we extrapolate this to mean that it is insensitive (at the very least or flat out racist at the worst) to wear Redskins gear? I ask because I know many progressive people – pro gay marriage, pro marijuana legalization, pro affordable housing, pro you name it – and I see them wearing Redskins gear. I’m not gonna name names but some are well known in the community and it’s something I personally wrestle with as well. I think I’ve seen on TV a very prominent newscaster who has publicly stated he is against the name wearing Redskins gear also on TV. So, and I know it will be difficult to keep poor play jokes out, but do you think people who wear Redskins gear in 2015 are being insensitive (at the least) or are just sports fans supporting their team?