As long as people keep believing certain words are offensive, they will remain offensive. What happens is a group is convincing me that one certain word that is offensive to them, should be offensive to me. Therefore I shouldn't use it or say it ever. But in reality, it makes that certain word more powerful in its effect and specificity.
But let's contrast my previous statement and put this in context so most people can agree on what's offensive regardless of ethnicity. If they were called the Washington Rapists, because apparently the term "rape" is nowadays used in video-game culture (as a term of victory over another). That's probably not going to make a lot of people thrilled. While I doubt they would want to promote the true definition of rape, they are reflecting how they define rape attempting to use it in a different context. The team itself isn't (hopefully) composed of actual rapists, nor supporting rapists, or purposely offending rape-victims. But I'm more than sure that name would offend people regardless for many reasons.
Think of it this way on a more individual basis. If I was getting beat up and the perpetrators kept calling me "Susan." Should I get mad at parents naming their daughters (or sons, if their fathers were Johnny Cash fans) Susan? Certainly not everyone knows how the name "Susan" is something I consider a derogatory term against me. And it doesn't mean all children named Susan are going to promote everyone else to beat me up again.
Am I offended by "redskins?" No. Would I use it in any other context than a football team? No. Do I know personally know anyone offended by the term redskins? No, but it doesn't mean they don't exist. Would I be offended if they change the name? Nope.
