Daily Talker: Native American Tribe Airs Anti-Redskins Ad
The debate over whether the Washington Redskins should change its name went before basketball fans Tuesday night.
The Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation of Northern California purchased a 60 second ad during game 3 of the NBA finals in select cities across the country. Boston was not one of those cities.
"Native Americans call themselves many things," a man's voice says on the commercial, followed by a list that includes "Indian", "Navajo", "Sioux", "Spiritualist", and "strong".
After the announcer says "The one thing they don't," the voice trails off, and an image of a Redskins' helmet next to a football appears.
"The 'Change the Mascot' movement is larger than Yocha Dehe or any one tribe," said James Kinter, the Tribal Secretary of the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation. "It's about all tribal people and non-tribal people raising their voices in protest."
The Washington Redskins have been the target of criticism over their nickname, which some have called racist. Redskins owner Daniel Snyder has called the name a "badge of honor" in the past.
What's your reaction to the ad? Should the Redskins change their name? Share your comments below, and watch for them on WBZ News in the Morning from 4:30 to 7:00 a.m.