I think we also have to understand the context of when the names of these teams were created. The Blackhawks and the Redskins were founded in 1926 and 1932 respectively. Socially, Native Americans were only just legally recognized as US citizens. Prior to that, the nation was only a generation removed from when we were forcibly assimilating young native american children by taking them from their tribes and entering them into boarding schools where they would study Christianity, wear shoes, ties and blazers, and only speak English. The US nation was actively trying to eradicate the native culture and identity.

Think about how absurd it is to create sports teams named the Braves, Redskins, Indians and let's be honest, the Black Hawks. There was no intention of "honoring" these people. More so, the Redskins is literally a derogatory slur for native indians. The Indians logo is a goddamn cartoon of an Indian with RED SKIN. The intentions are what is important. These team owners were merely thinking of absurd stereotypes as they chose these names: the noble savage or the uncivilized child that came with the white-man's burden. Look at what we're doing to an incredibly diverse group of people; you render them down to a one-dimension caricature and include them with other cartoon images like a Pirate, a Bear, a Lion, a Giant, or a Wizard.

As less offensive as the Blackhawks may be compared to the Redskins, it still is a vestige of the past filled with racism and hatred. It's only fair that we look at these mascots and names with historical context and not in an isolated vacuum. Those who cry for maintaining history and tradition must understand that the history and tradition they support is based on a very dark and cruel time.

I think the Blackhawks, if they want to keep their name, should actively support the native americans and raise awareness to their marginalization in this country. As for the rest of the teams, good luck with that shit. It's honestly stupid they even pretend like it's anything but offensive.