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Carol DeVito: Team names a source of pride, not meant to be offensive

Why are people offended by team names such as Redskins, Chiefs, Braves, etc.? It seems to me that the team is named to represent an aspect of the state – the Cardinals (state bird), the Oilers or the Steelers (state industry) – or to represent strength and prowess, like the Redskins, etc.

You certainly don’t call your team by a name that you feel is a put down or insult. These teams have these names because they represented something good – something you would be proud to be called. How is that offensive?

Carol DeVito, Merced

This story was originally published January 19, 2016 at 12:30 PM with the headline "Carol DeVito: Team names a source of pride, not meant to be offensive."

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