In today’s New York Times, there’s a very enjoyable little guide to determining whether your team’s mascot is offensive. By Neil Irwin, I recommend reading, “ A Super-Simple, Step-by-Step Guide to Determine if Your Team Mascot Is Offensive.” Like the best comedy, there is essential truth lying underneath. My favorite part was his second step:
Step 2: Is your team mascot an inanimate concept? You’re in good shape here, too. If you are the Boston Red Sox, your name is fine because it is a color of footwear. Miami Heat? You are named for thermal energy, which does not have an opinion on whether it is an appropriate name for a basketball team.