Is "Ole Miss" Racist?

[JaMak84]

By Jessica Chasmar - The Washington Times - Thursday, August 7, 2014


The University of Mississippi is asking school officials to use discretion when using the “Ole Miss” nickname in an academic setting, because it could be interpreted as racist.

A statement from the university said it will continue to use the nickname Ole Miss but should consider using it only in the context of athletics and school spirit, National Review Online reported.

“Ole Miss” was originally a phrase used by slaves when referring to a plantation owner’s wife or mistress. The university adopted the nickname stemming from a yearbook contest in 1897.

“UM’s longstanding nickname is beloved by the vast majority of its students and alumni,” the university said. “But a few, especially some university faculty, are uncomfortable with it. Some don’t want it used at all and some simply don’t want it used within the academic context.”



The university said it completed a national study on the name “Ole Miss” and found that “a significant margin” actually likes the name and only a very small percentage thinks it has racist undertones.

“Both names will be used in appropriate contexts going forward, with particular emphasis going to ‘Ole Miss’ in athletics and as a representation of the university’s spirit,” the school said.

The university is also renaming a street known as Confederate Drive and taking other measures to distance itself from its plantation-era past, the Associated Press reported.


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[eSJay]

I have no words.......

[stang67]

UM would be better served to rip off the bandaid and control damage as best they can. This little by little stuff just prolongs the embarrassment.

In a world where the Redskins must be renamed and Manziel is the devil but Jameis Winston is untouchable, UM will have to go through some changes. They won't be immune.

[Barq's]

it's all bs....but it's going to happen. Everyone should have seen what was coming when the poor old Colonel got kicked to the curb. Personally, I hate to see the school stripped of the traditions that have stood for as long as the school has been there...but such are the times.

One thing that doesn't help the situation is the few dumbasses that go all "racial" at particular events and times. All it takes is one student or one alumni member to appear to be racist or to make racist comments to give the majority something to push harder for reform.

The people that love Ole Miss should be the ones keeping those people from giving the school a black eye....I'm a State fan, but pull for the rebels every week of the year that we aren't playing them...I also happen to hate whites having to pay for stuff that we didn't do and I also don't like being catergorized as being racist just because I was born in Mississippi (I'm in the military and get it everywhere I go).

There isn't any answer that would please anyone about this issue, except for the blacks and those that love them. It's a damn shame...Personally, if the sob's don't like the school or what they think it stands for, why the hell are they going there or teaching there?
Barq's

[4dawgma]

I was up there earlier this week on a mini vacay and erbody all mad about the renaming of the roads to knigra names. At least they got the old taylor exit finished so I could get to the house.

[LODI QUACKER]

it's all bs....but it's going to happen. Everyone should have seen what was coming when the poor old Colonel got kicked to the curb. Personally, I hate to see the school stripped of the traditions that have stood for as long as the school has been there...but such are the times.

One thing that doesn't help the situation is the few dumbasses that go all "racial" at particular events and times. All it takes is one student or one alumni member to appear to be racist or to make racist comments to give the majority something to push harder for reform.

The people that love Ole Miss should be the ones keeping those people from giving the school a black eye....I'm a State fan, but pull for the rebels every week of the year that we aren't playing them...I also happen to hate whites having to pay for stuff that we didn't do and I also don't like being catergorized as being racist just because I was born in Mississippi (I'm in the military and get it everywhere I go).

There isn't any answer that would please anyone about this issue, except for the blacks and those that love them. It's a damn shame...Personally, if the sob's don't like the school or what they think it stands for, why the hell are they going there or teaching there?
Barq's

Can I get an amen!

[Greenhead22]

Everyone here knows my hatred for that godforsaken school. However, when it comes to tradition and legacy, Ole Miss is going down the drain in a hurry and it sucks to see it happening. That's saying a lot for me to admit that. When they allowed the changing of the mascot, that started the domino effect. I'm calling it now, in 3 years, they will no longer be the rebels either. Mississippi Rebels just does not sound right, at all. Anytime I see it on tv or hear that phrase I'm quick to say no, they're the Ole Miss Rebels. As for that TSUN chit some State fans use, it's stupid. I've never once used that phrase. I won't repeat the things I said when I saw that they were changing the names of the streets on campus. If everything about that school is so racist, then why are thousands of black students attending the university ?

[Barq's]

^^^^^ Truth be known, I wouldn't doubt that Ole Miss gives more handouts to black students than any other school in the state....I wish someone could show some $ figures on that subject

[peewee]

I hate it for my Ole Miss friends. They have been silent on the subject for to long and that my friends is why they will no longer be Ole Miss in the near future. Ole Miss has party/liberal atmosphere and they are getting what they chose. It started with the mascot and it will continue to slide. Look at what happens to every city street that is named Martin Luther King Blvd. This is where Ole Miss is headed if it don't stop this madness now.

[MrGoodtime]

No one on that campus has the nuts to stand up for Mississippi tradition and heritage, naggers say this is how it's gona be or we'll cal Al and Jessie and the whites there bout chit their pants and trip all over themselves to change so the naggers will let them attend the school.

[Barq's]

you would think with all the high-flutin' lawyers they push out of there that someone would put an end to it....problem is though, if they did put a stop to it, so would go the federal money...
and ya'll please don't get me wrong....I have absolutely no problem with anyone of any color getting an education from the best source that they can get...this isn't about that whatsoever....it's about having to tear down history (good or bad) for the sake of some sumb*tch that is "offended" by their "perception" of whatever that might be....

Bottom line is....if you are black/muslim/arab/buddhist/whatever...and you don't like something, then don't freakin' step your ass in the door....

"the colonel" wasn't a symbol of hate and I believe that to be the truth...but where this is going will wind up with them requesting that all the oak trees be cut down because someone got hung in one 100yrs ago....that's the real point....

Give em an inch (whoever they are) and they will take you for a country mile

Personally I would love for someone with some authority, some balls, and an education to stand up and say "it's real simple, if you have a problem with what this school stands for, then here is your money back and don't let the door slap you in the ass on your way out.....have a good day"

[stang67]

No one on that campus has the nuts to stand up for Mississippi tradition and heritage, naggers say this is how it's gona be or we'll cal Al and Jessie and the whites there bout chit their pants and trip all over themselves to change so the naggers will let them attend the school.

Not picking on you in particular, friend, but people can't talk this way and expect outsiders to respect any desire to defend heritage.

[Greenhead22]

This doesn't help. Pic taken from earlier today in Oxford.

[MrGoodtime]

Stang, no offense taken man, i'm just lucky that i dont give a damn what outsiders think!, I'm sick and tired of outsider and democRATS telling this state how we need to live and its their way or we're racest, but if people want to call me names for standing up for what i believe, let them have at it.

[davidees]

Well you know it IS a "liberal arts" school.