The Redskins name debate has became an increasingly pervasive topic, especially in this age of political correctness. Those opposed to the name cry that it misrepresents Native American people, fencing them into being a one-dimensional ethnic stereotype. However, it should be noted that the Redskins' name is strikingly similar to other sports teams' names, including the Cowboys, Vikings and Cavaliers. All refer predominantly to a single ethnicity and can be interpreted as violent - ax swinging pillagers, referring to Vikings, and bow and arrow wielding savages, referring to Redskins. However, the controversy that surrounds the Redskins is nonexistent towards the Vikings- the general public simply doesn't view the term "Vikings" as an ethnic stereotype while it does Redskins. Thus, the desire to change the Redskins' name is attributed to political correctness. Simply because Native Americans are a minority group, people, with undoubtedly good intentions, seek to eliminate sources of Native American stereotypes while leaving Caucasian stereotypes untouched. Consequently, the desire to use "politically correct language" creates "messy moral dilemmas" (Kakutani): by singling out a source of Native American stereotypes while ignoring one of Caucasian stereotypes, opponents of the Redskins' name further separate Native Americans from their Caucasian counterparts, a form of racism called micro aggression. Thus, an action intended to reduce racism results in compounding it.

The Washington football team was originally named the "Braves" but changed to the Redskins to honor William "Lone Star" Dietz a player and coach who was of Sioux descent. Hence, the original purpose of the name change was to enshrine a legend of the game. The name Redskins, thus, acts as a source of pride for Native Americans and does not imply that Native Americans are violent. Rather, it is a positively connotated nickname, intended to inspire feelings of comradery, strength, and pride. Now, as "[language is] a means of saving face" (Pinker) rather than a channel for expression, the word protrudes as offensive and rude, contrary to today's culture of political correctness. Because of this, the true purpose behind "Redskins" is lost. By changing the name, opponents of "Redskins" will desecrate an attempt to honor Native Americans, failing their original purpose to eliminate racism.