Whenever the Washington Redskins come to play the Vikings in Minnesota, there is always a very vocal group of protesters outside the stadium. These protesters are out there to raise awareness for the movement to change the mascot of Washington’s team because they feel that the name “Redskins” is offensive.
While there is always a loud voice of protest regarding this topic at these games, expect that voice to be VERY loud on Sunday before the football game.
Oct 12, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; A Washington Redskins fan gestures to native American indians as they protest the Washington Redskins name prior to the game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
A group called Change The Mascot has already organized a protest for the morning of the game. At 8:30 am, there will be a rally that is followed by a march to the stadium. At 10 am, it is said that 14 different organizations will be represented at the stadium in protest. And it is already looking to be hugely populated. According to the group’s facebook page, over 1,400 people have committed to joining the event with many more likely to attend because of the group’s commercials and word of mouth.
Here is one of Change The Mascot’s recent videos:
Minnesota is a state that is rich in Native American history and culture. Because of this, the movement has found even more supporters than just Native communities. In fact, one of Minnesota’s State Representatives, Betty McCollum will be joining the protest on Sunday.
This is a peaceful protest, so fans shouldn’t be alarmed. Their safety should be in no way threatened. But this group does hope to raise awareness for their cause in hopes that they can achieve their goal in getting Washington a new mascot. Remember to be respectful to the sensitivity of this issue if you attend the Vikings game on Sunday and give yourself a little extra time to get to the stadium before the contest.