At times, it seems like the Washington Redskins controversy is a joke in and of itself. For years, Native Americans have asked the NFL to change the name and mascot of a team, and in return, the NFL has done absolutely nothing. Every excuse is somehow more ridiculous than the last, and at this point, it doesn't look like much will change any time soon.
The Daily Show with Jon Stewart has been poking fun at current events for years, but the success of the show is based on the fact that, despite the comedic setting, the cast and crew actually tackle real issues. The ability to balance comedy and serious social commentary is what makes the show effective, and why it's so popular in the first place.
Having The Daily Show tackle the Redskins controversy was really just a matter of time, but it seems that some are already upset with the show's take on the issue. A number of Redskins fans were interviewed on the show, but when confronted with actual Native Americans, the interview took a turn; the fans are now claiming they were 'misled' and 'ambushed.'
During the interview in which the two sides met, things were said to have gotten heated. The actual argument is left out of the segment, but it's clear to see that the debate wasn't a calm back-and-forth discussion. Kelli O'Dell, one of the interviewees, stated that the situation was so tense that she had to leave the room, and supposedly alerted the police.
"It was disingenuous. The Native Americans accused me of things that were so wrong. I felt in danger. I didn't consent to that. I am going to be defamed," O'Dell told The Washington Post. Another Redskins fan present at the interview, Brian Dortch, claimed that he and his fellow fans asked producers if they would speak directly with Native Americans, and that the answer was "That would be too serious for Comedy Central."
Reportedly, the fans weren't the only ones who were caught off-guard. While filming a portion of the segment at the Washington Redskins home opener, several of the Native American panel claimed they were mocked by fans, who threw obscenities and insults at the group. One of the Redskins fans reportedly shouted "Thanks a lot for letting us use your name, boys!"
The controversy over the Redskins' mascot was reignited during the 2013 NFL season, but the debate over the name goes much further back in time. Fans claim that the team's deep heritage is enough reason to keep the name, but as the segment pointed out, the Washington Redskins were originally the Braves, and the team was located in Boston. The name has already been changed once, though it seems the NFL is determined to avoid changing it again.
Supposedly, Kelli O'Dell had asked Comedy Central not to air the piece. Her request was clearly denied as the segment aired intact, though it remains to be seen if O'Dell will take any further action against The Daily Show or Comedy Central.
The Daily Show with Jon Stewart airs Monday through Thursday at 11:00 p.m. EST on Comedy Central.
Photo: Keith Allison (cropped)
