Florida to discontinue use of "Gator Bait" chant

[Probius]

"While I know of no evidence of racism associated with our “Gator Bait” cheer at UF sporting events, there is horrific historic racist imagery associated with the phrase. Accordingly, University Athletics and the Gator Band will discontinue the use of the cheer." Article

Thoughts?

 

[Tidewater]

"While I know of no evidence of racism associated with our “Gator Bait” cheer at UF sporting events, there is horrific historic racist imagery associated with the phrase. Accordingly, University Athletics and the Gator Band will discontinue the use of the cheer." Article

Thoughts?

Maybe asking too much, but it might be useful to know what "evidence of racism" the cheer is associated with.

 

[81usaf92]

Maybe asking too much, but it might be useful to know what "evidence of racism" the cheer is associated with.

per ESPN
African American babies were used as alligator bait, according to the Jim Crow Museum of Racist Memorabilia at Ferris State University, citing newspaper articles and imagery from the late 1800s and early 20th century. The term "alligator bait" was also used as a racial slur against African Americans.

espn

 

[Crimson1967]

Is there anything racist connected with the Roll Tide cheer or crimson?

 

[Rolltide51]

Is there anything racist connected with the Roll Tide cheer or crimson?

there will be any day now.

 

[Tidewater]

per ESPN
African American babies were used as alligator bait, according to the Jim Crow Museum of Racist Memorabilia at Ferris State University, citing newspaper articles and imagery from the late 1800s and early 20th century. The term "alligator bait" was also used as a racial slur against African Americans.

espn

Okay. That i get. I have never heard that.
That appears a lot more serious than UVa getting rid of the ridges on saber handles.

 

[Rolltide51]

"While I know of no evidence of racism associated with our “Gator Bait” cheer at UF sporting events, there is horrific historic racist imagery associated with the phrase. Accordingly, University Athletics and the Gator Band will discontinue the use of the cheer." Article

Thoughts?

that is going absolutely too far... 'gator bait' is not... wait a minute... it's the gators... go ahead and ban it! jk

 

[Tidewater]

there will be any day now.

There was a shanty during the Civil War about the CSS Alabama with the refrain "Roll, Alabama, Roll."
The color crimson comes from Harvard, which probably means it is safe.
There were a lot of Harvard grads who served as officers in the Confederate army, however. I think Harvard was the number 3 sources of Confederate officers, after West Point and the University of Virginia, but the racist connection comes at one remove and through Harvard.

 

[Tidewater]

that is going absolutely too far... 'gator bait' is not... wait a minute... it's the gators... go ahead and ban it! jk

LSU Tigers up next.

 

[81usaf92]

Is there anything racist connected with the Roll Tide cheer or crimson?

I could really see something being done about the confederate flag at tailgates, but I see probably most of the focus in the SEC being on Ole Miss. I have a feeling that they will make an even dumber name for themselves in the process.

But really depending on what War Eagle story you believe there is Confederate ties to that chant.

 

[Bazza]

 

[81usaf92]

LSU Tigers up next.

I would say they are safe. Its a pretty common mascot that you could make the argument that they have moved past their origins. Its not a specific one like Redskins or rebels.

 

[Crimson1967]

"War Eagle" is Auburn's battle cry -- not a mascot or nickname. "War Eagle" has become a way for the Auburn family to greet and identify with each other all over the world. Anywhere you're wearing something with an Auburn logo on it, chances are you'll hear a friendly "War Eagle!"

The most popular story about the battle cry dates back to the first time Auburn met Georgia on the football field in 1892 and centers around a spectator who was a veteran of the Civil War. In the stands with him that day was an eagle the old soldier had found on a battlefield during the war. He had kept it as a pet for almost 30 years.

According to witnesses, the eagle suddenly broke free and began majestically circling the playing field. As the eagle soared, Auburn began a steady march toward the Georgia end zone for a thrilling victory. Elated at their team's play and taking the bird's presence as an omen of success, Auburn students and fans began to yell "War Eagle" to spur on their team. At the game's end, the eagle took a sudden dive, crashed into the ground, and died.

Apologies to animal lovers for laughing at the last sentence.

War Eagle

auburntigers.com

Never knew old Dub was such a racist.

 

[Elefantman]

Seeing how the term "Volunteer" was given to a bunch of racist from Tennessee who traveled to Texas to kill Mexicans, I think it is only appropriate that the entire University be bulldozed under and never mentioned again.

According to the Columbia Encyclopedia, the nickname was given to the state during the Mexican–American War, during the late 1840s.

Why Tennessee is Called the “Volunteer State” | Appalachian Magazine

appalachianmagazine.com

 

[81usaf92]

Seeing how the term "Volunteer" was given to a bunch of racist from Tennessee who traveled to Texas to kill Mexicans, I think it is only appropriate that the entire University be bulldozed under and never mentioned again.

Why Tennessee is Called the “Volunteer State” | Appalachian Magazine

appalachianmagazine.com

Tennessee should be banned from playing football because of Phatlock.

 

[Crimson1967]

Seeing how the term "Volunteer" was given to a bunch of racist from Tennessee who traveled to Texas to kill Mexicans, I think it is only appropriate that the entire University be bulldozed under and never mentioned again.

Why Tennessee is Called the “Volunteer State” | Appalachian Magazine

appalachianmagazine.com

Why is that in blue? Sounds reasonable to me.

 

[DzynKingRTR]

Seeing how the term "Volunteer" was given to a bunch of racist from Tennessee who traveled to Texas to kill Mexicans, I think it is only appropriate that the entire University be bulldozed under and never mentioned again.

Why Tennessee is Called the “Volunteer State” | Appalachian Magazine

appalachianmagazine.com

Plus Rocky Top is offensive to the ears.

 

[4Q Basket Case]

View attachment 8898

I would have given a laugh to that, but it's too close to being true. Sadly, no blue font.