Ole Miss is in the hunt for a new mascot and the students have overwhelmingly voted to be included in the decision making process. I have no problem with the retiring of Colonel Reb. Because, as Orson Swindle very suucinctly puts it, it's hard to defend a symbol that offends "the black players who play for your football team, who see your white columned and fictional antebellum paradise as a labor camp filled with death, imprisonment, rape, and the endless annihilation of their families, freedom, dignity, and humanity."
Even better, as a new student committee is formed to develop and propose the new mascot, the image getting the most support is that of the Rebel Alliance's own Admiral Ackbar. And that is fucking sweet! Think about it for a sec, who better symbolizes rebel leadership? Plus, Admiral is a higher naval rank than Colonel is in the army. It's a win-win. Plus, it's funny; like that ugly-ass tree at Stanford. And it's a Star Wars reference. So, really, it's a win-win-win-win.
Will it ever happen? Not a chance. I'd like to say that the powers-that-be cannot repel (fan) firepower of that magnitude, but too many people don't get the reference or understand the cleverness involved in this choice; the sardonic treatment of the over-importance of football at an academic institution, the deflation of the racist image of Ole Miss in the de-seg era, etc. But, like the Rebel Alliance, this group cannot give up, back down, or slack off, even in the face of a greater enemy. Why? Because Han will get that shield down!
BTW, Tony Reali supports the decision, as long as the Cantina theme gets to be the new fight song. I love it.
And, because I'm feeling generous, here's another Ackbar pic:
I, for one, am all for it. I think their band should begin playing the original triumphant Return music after every victory. And hire Joe Kines.
ReplyDeleteI didn't even think about that..! Joe Kines would be perfect.
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