Blatant racism.

That is what Suzan Shown Harjo and a group of American Indians say they are trying to put an end to in the National Football League.

But the same system of government that significantly depopulated her race in its quest for westward expansion denied Harjo’s appeal to the Supreme Court on Monday to have the NFL’s Washington Redskins’ trademark declared invalid.

Harjo began her crusade in 1992, and the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office finally sided with her group in 1999 by canceling the trademark that protects the name of the capital city’s franchise.

But U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly overturned the ruling in 2003, citing the suit was filed long after the historic franchise had the trademark issued in 1967.

The case has become just another obstacle in the seemingly endless oppression of American Indians that has endured for centuries.

It is hard to even fathom how insulting it would be as a American Indian to watch a team that represents the nation’s capitol play under the banner of such an appalling term.

Undoubtedly, it is akin to a team in the Deep South charging out of the tunnel on Sunday, with a mascot painted in “black face,” called the Darkies.

How difficult is it to simply change the name?

Many universities around the country have ditched the American Indian euphemisms in favor of team names and mascots that reflect the progress that has been made by society to suffocate racial injustice.

They seem to be doing just fine.

If the opposition is arguing in favor of the tradition of the organization, is that the tradition they should aspire to?

Racial slurs, frankly, are not a tradition, and in this case, they are a frequent reminder that racism is alive and well in the United States.

Kollar-Kotelly issued a statement in writing to The Associated Press saying that her decision was not based on “the appropriateness of Native American imagery for team names.”

That is strange, considering federal law bars trademarks that “may disparage” people.

If “Redskin” is not a disparaging remark, what is?

It all boils down to the fact that Kollar-Kotelly should not have to decide whether it is appropriate. That responsibility should lie with the NFL.

The reprehensible treatment of Native Americans has permeated the United States for too long, and it is time for Washington’s front office — the football one — to attempt to mend relationships, not foster a breeding ground for ignorance and bigotry.

Team owner Daniel Snyder has a tremendous opportunity on his hands.

But he won’t touch the issue; you can be sure of that.

He is busy counting the piles of money he makes off merchandise that is a vessel for narrow-mindedness.

Snyder certainly has not done anything to improve his team’s chances of winning games — 3-6 Washington is in shambles.

Maybe, it is time to improve the image instead.

Maybe, it is time to do what is right.

Reach Erik at emschimm@asu.edu.