After last December’s brouhaha over Bob Costas exploiting his NBC halftime commentary slot to roll out a controversial rant about how “Handguns do not enhance our safety” shortly after the death of Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Jovan Belcher, one might think the Lecture Series would be on hold. But on Sunday night, Costas offered another liberal rant with no rebuttal – against the term “Redskins.”
For the first 90 seconds, he tried to sound reasonable, tried to stipulate that most people like “Redskins” just fine, including a majority of Native Americans. They all mean well. But they’re all wrong. “Redskins” can’t possibly be acceptable in today’s world, he proclaimed. He talked about how many college teams have knuckled under and removed Indian names -- again, in many cases despite majorities of Indians saying they didn’t mind. (Video and transcript below)
COSTAS: And the Miami of Ohio Redskins – that’s right, Redskins – are now the Redhawks. Still, the NFL franchise that represents the nation’s capital has maintained its name.
But think for a moment about the term “Redskins,” and how it truly differs from all the others. Ask yourself what the equivalent would be if directed toward African Americans, Hispanics, Asians, or members of any other ethnic group.
When considered that way, Redskins can’t possibly honor a heritage or a noble character trait. Nor can it possibly be considered a neutral term. It’s an insult, a slur, no matter how benign the present-day intent.
It’s fair to say that for a long time now, and certainly in 2013, no offense has been intended. But if you take a step back, isn’t it easy to see how offense might legitimately be taken?
You people who don't want a name change? None of you have "taken a step back." None of you can overlook your "benign intent." This is classic, patronizing NBC, and even more classic Comcast-owned NBC -- the same sensitive folks who give Al Sharpton a nightly forum. The majority is wrong. Leftist “diversity” cops are kings. Bob Costas thinks he is the wisest, most sensitive man in all of sports.
Saying "for more, go to our website" is no one's idea of a debate or a discussion. It's a lecture.
[Hat tip to Dan Gainor for the video, and to our former colleague Erin Brown for the original tip. Erin reports local NBC-owned station WRC replayed some of the Costas lecture after the game at 11:57 pm.]
