[MRM]

Redskin is a racial epithet to Native Americans, somewhat similar to but worse than calling Jews Hymies, Italians Wops or Latinos wetbacks. It is along the lines of calling Asians yellow. The origin of the term is probably lost to history but it may have come from the colonial days when bounties were paid for dead Indians. The bounty was paid upon proof of a dead body, such as a scalp - a red skin. Calling Indians red men or Asians yellow people in general are offensive terms.

Ethnic names can be adopted respectfully, like the Fighting Irish, but they can also be offensive, like Chief Wahoo. There are a few million words in the English language. It shouldn’t be too hard to pick ones that don’t denigrate entire ethnic groups.