Quit Telling Me What I’m SUPPOSED To Be Offended By!

So if you haven't heard already, the U.S. Patent Office has canceled six federal trademarks that the Washington Redskins were granted between 1967 and 1990, ruling that the term "Redskins" is "disparaging" to "a substantial composite" of American Indians.

Here's a question: Why?

Now before you instantly label me as ignorant or racist, keep in mind that a group of people is forming MY opinion for me since I'M PART INDIAN! (Potawatomi Tribe. And while I'm at it, I'm okay with the term "Indian", too.  I don't have to be called "native" to know I'm American.).  I could care less if a football team calls themselves the "Redskins."  To be honest, I'm getting tired of a select group telling me what I'M SUPPOSED to offended by.

Am I the only one???

I also have Norwegian ancestry in my blood.  To anyone reading this in Minnesota, keep in mind what of our professional football team's name.  According to the latest census figures (wikipedia), 868,361 Minnesotans identify themselves as Norwegian, or of Norwegian descent, so does that mean we're all SUPPOSED to offended by "The Vikings"?

I hope not.

I grew up with identical twin brothers as best friends.  Does that mean they're SUPPOSED to offended by the Minnesota Twins?

The average high temp (Climate-Zone) in Miami, FL is 82.8 degrees, does that mean everyone is Miami is SUPPOSED to be offended by the Miami Heat?

You get where I'm going with this.

If football fans in Washington DC are so incredibly offended, why aren't they deciding with their dollars by not showing up at home games or by not buying their merchandise?

I understand that those who are fighting for the name change are well-intentioned, but why are others getting to decide what is "offensive," even when I'm part of the group that SUPPOSED to be offended?  And if you are offended, that's okay,  I'll give you some advice that my mom taught me when I was four years old; "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me."

And if you're offended by my opinion, that's okay, too.  You're entitled to be upset just as I'm entitled to give my opinion, whether you agree with it or not.  Wanna give your opinion on this story?  Awesome!  That's your right, too!  Might you offend others in doing so?  Possibly.  But then again, when was  "being offended" against the law?