The Washington Commanders Bring Back Their Old Redskins Logo: A Controversial Move with Deep Historical Implications
In a move that has shocked and divided both sports fans and the general public alike, the Washington Commanders have announced that they will be bringing back their old Redskins logo. This decision has sparked a great deal of controversy, reflecting the complicated intersection of sports, history, and social issues. As the Commanders (formerly known as the Washington Football Team) take this step, they are reopening the wounds of a conversation that has evolved over decades, encompassing themes of cultural identity, historical erasure, and the push for progress in the 21st century.
A Look Back at the Redskins Logo
The “Redskins” name and logo were used by the team for over 80 years, from 1933 until 2020, when the franchise decided to retire both the name and logo in response to increasing pressure from activists, indigenous groups, and the public. The logo itself, a profile of a Native American man, was a controversial symbol, with critics arguing that it perpetuated harmful stereotypes and dehumanized indigenous people. Supporters of the logo, on the other hand, often claimed that it represented respect and homage to Native American culture.
The debate over the team’s name and logo reached its peak during the 2010s. As more sports teams, schools, and institutions began to retire similar imagery, calls for change grew louder. In 2020, after years of debate and growing societal pressure, the Washington Football Team, as they were temporarily known, decided to drop the Redskins moniker entirely. This decision was seen by many as a positive step toward racial sensitivity, but it also left a number of fans grieving the loss of an identity that had been a part of their lives for generations.
However, the announcement in late 2024 that the Washington Commanders would be reintroducing the Redskins logo has reignited this debate, with fervent responses from all sides of the argument.
The Historical Context
To understand the significance of the decision, it’s important to consider the broader historical context. The name “Redskins” is widely regarded as a racial slur, especially by Native American groups who see it as a derogatory term that perpetuates a colonialist mindset. The imagery of a stoic, noble Native American figure was often romanticized and stripped of its cultural context, failing to recognize the true struggles and realities faced by indigenous peoples. Instead of embracing native communities, these representations often reduced them to a monolithic caricature, ignoring the rich diversity of Native American cultures and their contemporary struggles.
The movement to retire such logos has been championed by indigenous groups for decades. Leaders such as Suzan Shown Harjo, who led a legal battle to change the team’s name, and the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI), have long argued that these symbols contribute to the erasure of Native American identities, and that they promote harmful stereotypes that have lasting negative effects on how indigenous peoples are perceived in society.
On the other side, there has always been a group of fans and former team supporters who argue that the name and logo were never meant to be disrespectful. For these individuals, the change represented an abandonment of tradition and a misreading of the team’s legacy. For many, the logo was seen as a symbol of pride—representing toughness, resilience, and a connection to a distant past. This group, however, tends to overlook the inherent racial implications of the imagery and the real-world harm that such symbols have on indigenous communities.
The Commanders’ Decision to Bring Back the Logo
The decision by the Washington Commanders to revive the Redskins logo comes at a time when the franchise has struggled to regain its footing, both on and off the field. The team has endured a tumultuous period of ownership issues, legal battles, and a decline in performance on the field. The reintroduction of the old logo could be seen as an attempt to reclaim some of the team’s former identity—an effort to reconnect with long-time fans who felt alienated by the name change in 2020.
However, the decision raises critical questions about the cultural and social responsibility of sports teams. Does the nostalgia and desire for tradition outweigh the need for sensitivity and respect for marginalized communities? Is it appropriate for an institution that has such a broad and diverse following to make decisions that seem to intentionally ignore the voices of indigenous peoples?
While some fans may see this as a victory, there is a large group of people—including native activists, social justice organizations, and those advocating for inclusivity—who view the move as a regression, a failure to acknowledge the evolving understanding of cultural sensitivity. The franchise’s decision to bring back the Redskins logo may signal a lack of genuine concern for the perspectives of those who have long called for change.
The Role of Commercial Interests
At the heart of the Commanders’ decision to reinstate the Redskins logo may be the influence of financial interests. The franchise has faced years of declining revenues, with a decreasing fan base and diminishing sponsorship deals. Reintroducing a familiar and beloved logo might be seen as a way to bring back some of the fan loyalty that the team lost when they rebranded in 2020. For some, this decision may simply be a pragmatic business move, aimed at revitalizing the team’s image in a highly competitive sports market.
The economic impact of such decisions should not be underestimated. While the team might gain support from a segment of their fan base who feel nostalgic for the old logo, they may also alienate others who are increasingly sensitive to issues of racial injustice and cultural appropriation. In an era where social media can amplify criticism and call for accountability, the team could find itself facing backlash from sponsors and the public at large.
The Impact on Native American Communities
The most significant and lasting impact of this decision will likely be felt within Native American communities. Many indigenous groups view the use of such logos and mascots as harmful, as they reduce complex cultural identities to mere symbols for entertainment purposes. For Native Americans, the decision to bring back the Redskins logo is not just a matter of sports history; it is a reminder that their voices, their experiences, and their rights continue to be marginalized.
This decision could also have a broader societal impact, particularly in terms of how Native American communities are viewed by the general public. By reintroducing a racialized symbol, the team risks perpetuating the stereotypes that have long been associated with indigenous peoples—stereotypes that many have fought for decades to overcome. The battle over the Redskins logo is not just about a team or a symbol; it is part of a larger conversation about how society grapples with its history of racism, colonialism, and the ongoing marginalization of indigenous peoples.
The Washington Commanders’ decision to bring back the Redskins logo is more than just a sports story—it is a cultural flashpoint that reflects the continuing struggle over identity, history, and the power of symbols. It is a decision that will have lasting implications for how sports franchises engage with their diverse fan bases and how they navigate the social issues that define modern society. While some will celebrate the return of a beloved logo, others will see it as a troubling step backward in the ongoing fight for justice and equity for Native American communities. In the end, the decision highlights the deep divisions that exist around issues of race, identity, and history—and the difficulty of finding common ground in a rapidly changing world.
