Washington Redskins owner Dan Snyder does not want to change the team’s name despite pressure that many people feel that the name is racist and derogatory to Native Americans. Now, it looks like he has a supporter in Matthew McConaughey.
The Academy Award winning actor recently sat down for an interview with GQ and talked about why he thinks the NFL team should keep its name. “Man, it’s twofold. What interests me is how quickly it got pushed into the social consciousness. We were all fine with it since the 1930s, and all of a sudden we go, ‘No, gotta change it’? It seems like when the first levee breaks, everybody gets on board.”
Although McConaughey grew up in Texas, he became a Redskins fan because he always rooted for the Indians when he watched Westerns as a kid. “I know a lot of Native Americans don’t have a problem with it, but they’re not going to say, ‘No, we really want the name.’ That’s not how they’re going to use their pulpit,” McConaughey added. “It’s like my feeling about gun control: I get it. You have the right to have guns. But look, let’s forget that right. Let’s forget the pleasure you get safely on your range, because it’s in the wrong hands in other places.”
Matthew McConaughey doesn't want Redskins name to change, but thinks it's inevitable ~ http://t.co/0WIWxbC101
— Kate Wykoff (@Kitwyk) November 30, 2014
Despite a petition being started, massive media backlash, and fan protests, Snyder insists on keeping his team’s name. “I’ve listened carefully to the commentary and perspectives on all sides, and I respect the feelings of those who are offended by the team name,” Snyder wrote in a letter regarding the matter. “But I hope such individuals also try to respect what the name means, not only for all of us in the extended Washington Redskins family, but among Native Americans too.”
What do you think of McConaughey’s stance?