Should the Edmonton Eskimos have to change their name?

[Valmy]

Indians? Do you mean Injuns?

[garbon]

Why not change the name of the team to the Inuit?

This is a joke, right? Korean humor?

[viper37]

So, Edmonton's CFL franchise is called the Eskimos.  While there have been long controversies about using aboriginal names and symbols for sports franchises, Edmonton always had a ready response when asked about their name - "we've never had any complaints".

But that ended last week, with a major Inuit organization called on the Eskimos to change their name.

I'm not quite sure what to think, as the Eskimos situation is a bit different than other sports franchises.  For starters it's not a blatant slur like Redskins is.  For second the Eskimos do not rely on any Inuit or aboriginal characters or symbols.  Their logo is a simple Double E, and their mascot is a polar bear.

Even the word Eskimo has a curious history.  It's true that "eskimo" is not how the far northern aboriginal people call themselves.  Their own preferred term (at least in Canada) is "Inuit".  Supposedly, the term eskimo comes from the Cree word for "raw meat eater".  It's like calling a Hungarian a Hungarian, even though their own term is Magyar.

So what do you think Languish?

And for discussion purposes, here is the team mascot:



The team logo:

Next time, name your teams for birds, animals or better yet: climate.  These will never complain

[Barrister]

Next time, name your teams for birds, animals or better yet: climate.  These will never complain

Tell it to the late 19th / early 20th century.

Clearly no one would name a team this way now.  But can some leeway not be given to historical names?

[viper37]

But can some leeway not be given to historical names?

Unless it has become a racial slur, like "Savages" or "Negro", which were used by everyone, without malice, to designate indians and blacks, I would tend to agree with you.  But I am not the one being offended here, so it's hard for me to judge.

I'd say the team should discuss the issue with those concerned, hear them at the least, in a one on one dialogue.
Also, Edmonton Inuits, EI, would be problematic for French speakers, as it's the french version of ISIS (État Islamique)

[Martinus]

Next time, name your teams for birds, animals or better yet: climate.  These will never complain

Tell it to the late 19th / early 20th century.

Clearly no one would name a team this way now.  But can some leeway not be given to historical names?

Not according to garbon. Time to purge any historical figure that does not conform to today's exacting standards.

[Eddie Teach]

Also, Edmonton Inuits, EI, would be problematic for French speakers, as it's the french version of ISIS (État Islamique)

So don't abbreviate it.

Anyway, don't expect ISIS to survive forever.

[Barrister]

But can some leeway not be given to historical names?

Unless it has become a racial slur, like "Savages" or "Negro", which were used by everyone, without malice, to designate indians and blacks, I would tend to agree with you.  But I am not the one being offended here, so it's hard for me to judge.

I'd say the team should discuss the issue with those concerned, hear them at the least, in a one on one dialogue.
Also, Edmonton Inuits, EI, would be problematic for French speakers, as it's the french version of ISIS (État Islamique)

Zero chance they'd ever name it the Edmonton Inuits.  Like I said, they don't use any Eskimo/Inuit figures or imagery.

I'm sure they'd want to keep the "Double E" and pick some other name starting with E.

[Valmy]

Edmonton Enraged Polar Bears

[Barrister]

Edmonton Enraged Polar Bears

Let's see how it works with the Fight Song.

We're cheering fight, fight, fight on Enraged Polar Bears

We're marching right, right, right on Enraged Polar Bears

We're charging down the field for all to see

And shouting rah, rah, rah, fight on to victory

We're fighting on 'til every game is won

The green and gold is bold and when we're done

We'll tell the world we're proud of Edmonton

And the Edmonton Enraged Polar Bears.

  Needs work.

[crazy canuck]

Next time, name your teams for birds, animals or better yet: climate.  These will never complain

Tell it to the late 19th / early 20th century.

Clearly no one would name a team this way now.  But can some leeway not be given to historical names?

Since the injustice the Inuit point to is historical I am not entirely sure it would be wise to rely on the name being grounded in that unjust historical context. 

[PRC]

I'm sure they'd want to keep the "Double E" and pick some other name starting with E.

The Edmonton Excessive Cold Warnings!

[The Brain]

Edmonton Ex-Eskimos?

[Malthus]

Edmonton Ex-Eskimos?

Edmonton Ex-imos. 

[Eddie Teach]

Edmonton Edmontoners. Because they're as uncreative as Philadelphia.