The issue of cultural sensitivity and corporate responsibility has once again taken center stage as Native American groups and their allies are actively supporting a consumer boycott of FedEx Corporation. This action stems from FedEx’s continued sponsorship of the Washington NFL team, whose former name and associated imagery have long been considered deeply offensive and disparaging towards Native Americans. The boycott aims to pressure FedEx to reconsider its association with the team and, more broadly, to take a stand against racism in professional sports. This article will delve into the reasons behind the boycott, the arguments presented by both sides, and the potential impact of this movement.
At the heart of the controversy lies the former name and mascot of the Washington NFL team. For decades, Native American organizations and civil rights groups have protested the use of the term, arguing that it is a racial slur that perpetuates harmful stereotypes and contributes to the erasure of Native American identity. These groups contend that the term has a long history of being used to dehumanize and marginalize Native people, and its continued use by a major sports franchise is unacceptable.
The movement to change the team’s name gained significant momentum in recent years, fueled by increased awareness of social justice issues and a growing recognition of the harm caused by racial stereotypes. In 2020, facing mounting pressure from sponsors, fans, and advocacy groups, the Washington NFL team finally announced that it would retire its former name and logo. However, the team’s ownership has been resistant to choose a new name that honors Native Americans. The team is currently known as the Washington Commanders.
Despite this change, the controversy surrounding FedEx’s involvement persists. As the team’s stadium naming rights sponsor, FedEx maintains a significant financial stake in the franchise. Critics argue that by continuing to sponsor the team, FedEx is tacitly endorsing the team’s history and perpetuating the harm caused by its former name.
In response to FedEx’s continued sponsorship, a coalition of Native American parents and their supporters launched a pledge drive on Change.org, titled "Pledge to Stop Using FedEx While They Still Quietly Support the Washington ‘Redskins’ Shameful Mascot." The pledge encourages consumers and investors to boycott FedEx products and services until the corporation drops its sponsorship of the Washington NFL team.
The pledge highlights the fact that the team’s former trademark was previously canceled by the US Patent and Trademark Office due to its disparaging nature towards Native Americans. It also notes that over 200 civil rights organizations and the majority of Native American Tribal Nations have condemned the name and mascot.
The boycott is predicated on the belief that corporations have a social responsibility to avoid supporting racism and discrimination. Supporters argue that FedEx’s sponsorship of the Washington NFL team sends a message that the company is willing to prioritize profits over the well-being of Native Americans.
The movement has garnered support from a variety of individuals and organizations, including prominent Native American activists and sustainability analysts. Reed Montague, a Sustainability Analyst at Calvert Investments, stated, "As times change, so must our language. Given the historic and present connotations of the name, turning real people into caricatures and mascots or insulting a portion of our population with an offensive name is no longer acceptable in this day and age. We strongly encourage FedEx to address and examine its role in perpetuating and supporting such stereotypes."
Longtime Native American Rights activist Suzan Shown Harjo has also spoken out on the issue, emphasizing the federal government’s role in granting exclusive privileges for profiting from the team’s name. "It didn’t interfere with free speech, it wasn’t even forcing a decision. What it’s saying is, ‘Here’s what the federal government will or will not sanction.’ Because, it’s the federal government’s role to grant the exclusive privilege of making money off this name."
However, FedEx CEO Fred Smith, who is also a personal owner of the team, has reportedly declined to address the concerns raised by the public regarding the negative reputation that FedEx is incurring due to its sponsorship of what is considered a racial slur with a genocidal association against Native Americans. This perceived lack of responsiveness has further fueled the boycott movement.
The ongoing consumer boycott against FedEx highlights the growing importance of corporate social responsibility and the power of consumer activism. As consumers become more aware of the social and ethical implications of their purchasing decisions, they are increasingly likely to hold corporations accountable for their actions.
The situation involving FedEx and the Washington NFL team underscores the complexities of navigating issues of cultural sensitivity and corporate responsibility. While some argue that the team’s former name was simply a matter of tradition, others contend that it was a symbol of racism and oppression.
The boycott also raises questions about the role of sponsors in shaping the behavior of sports teams and other organizations. Should sponsors be held responsible for the actions of the entities they support? And what steps can sponsors take to ensure that their partnerships are aligned with their values?
The Native Americans Support Consumers Boycotting FedEx Corporation Over Sponsoring Racism in NFL movement is more than just a protest against a sports team’s name. It is a broader call for recognition, respect, and justice for Native Americans. It is a demand that corporations and institutions take seriously the harm caused by racial stereotypes and discrimination.
The long-term impact of the boycott remains to be seen. However, it has already succeeded in raising awareness of the issue and putting pressure on FedEx to reconsider its sponsorship. Whether FedEx will ultimately respond to these concerns remains to be seen.
Ultimately, the Native Americans Support Consumers Boycotting FedEx Corporation Over Sponsoring Racism in NFL serves as a powerful reminder that businesses must be held accountable for their actions and that consumers have the power to influence corporate behavior. The outcome of this boycott could set a precedent for future activism aimed at promoting social justice and challenging corporate complicity in perpetuating harmful stereotypes.
The boycott against Native Americans Support Consumers Boycotting FedEx Corporation Over Sponsoring Racism in NFL is a powerful demonstration of how consumers can use their purchasing power to advocate for social change. By refusing to support companies that engage in unethical or harmful practices, consumers can send a clear message that they will not tolerate racism and discrimination.