POLL: Should the word ‘Redskins’ be banned from TV?

In the words of rapper “Turbo” in the 1990 hit “The Power” – “it’s getting kinda hectic!”

“Hectic” in that now the FCC is weighing action to issue sanctions against broadcast stations that use the term “Redskins” to refer to …well, the Redskins.

And in doing so, “Redskins” will become the “8th word” that George Carlin so eloquently pointed out in his routine about the “7 words you can’t say on TV!”

Listen here, but remember, it’s not safe for work, nor for those easily offended.

According to this story,the FCC’s consideration of the issue comes about from a filing by a law professor, claiming the name “Redskins” violates rules barring indecent content on broadcast TV.

FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler says he’s reviewing the filing, but isn’t sure whether or not the use of the term is illegal – even though he personally opposes it.

And perhaps that’s the point.

In other words, if public pressure becomes too much to bear for Redskins owner Dan Snyder to change the name of the team – that’s his decision and his decision alone.

Has the continued use of the mascot and name hurt attendance? That along with the loss of the copyright might convince him. Then again he’s been steadfast in keeping the name.

Which, at this point, is becoming something of a Mexican standoff.

(Can I say that? Oh, what the hell!)

Perhaps it would be prudent to see if the FCC bans the use of the phrase “N***a” used by African Americans in popular rap songs – or if the FCC will ban references to the Japanese as “J**s” in old World War II movies and not allow those movies and such to be broadcast. Italian Americans could justifiably take offense at the term "Guido" forcing the FCC to ban VH-1 from rebroadcasting episodes of "Jersey Shore!" And what would become of the "Fighting Irish" of Notre Dame? Should that not also be banned since it describes Irish Americans as being prone to brawl?

It’s a brave new world out there – and not for the better.

And yes, it is like Turbo states in “The Power.”

"It’s gettin’ kinda hectic!"