Here's proof that "Redskins" isn't as inherently offensive and always a pejorative; Guilty, white liberals haven't created a euphemism for Redskins. They will write or say Redskins without the slightest pause.
I constantly hear "Redskins is like 'The N Word' and it's always offensive." That's absolutely false. One of my closest friends, and her mom (who are both UBER LIBERALS), had me over for dinner last weekend. The first thing she said was "What do you think about the Redskins changing their name?" I said, "How can you say that?" She replies "Say what?" I said "You said '... the Redskins changing their name." She was puzzled, and says "Well, aren't they?" I said "I dunno. But, you said 'Redskins', and never hesitated." She says "So?" I said, "Okay, say Niggger." Her mom gives a snide smile... and says "He got you there."
I never use the word "niggger" except to explain how just saying it, with no qualifier, is NOT racist. The word itself is totally innocent. And, Redskin(s) is the same way. If you use it with the intent to be cruel, or insulting, or malign someone, then it's "bad." I gotta say, I've rarely if ever heard the word Redskin used, in my entire life, when it wasn't being used to refer to the Washington Redskins... or some other sports team that used Redskins. When I was a kid, The University of Miami of Ohio were also the Redskins. I thought it was cool that they used the same name. It was a totally positive association.
The fans of the Braves, the Seminoles, the Indians, the Chiefs, the Warriors, the Redskins, the Illini, the Blackhawks... whatever-the-synonym... are supporting the team that they have chosen to support- for whatever reason- and they have no ill will toward the ACTUAL native tribes of the North American continent. In my case, it was sort of inherited, and I loved the Indian theme. I thought it was the coolest looking helmet logo. I still think it's by far the coolest helmet logo!