Ole Miss Could Promote Mascot To Admiral

As a history major and a Star Wars lover this story has special meaning to me. Basically, Ole Miss wants to change their mascot, Colonel Rob, which they feel is too Old South and too reminiscent of the Confederate Flag. The complaint is somewhat similar to the arguments against flying the Confederate Flag. One proposal among the Ole Miss student body is to make Admiral Ackbar the new mascot.

I’m with Alyssa Rosenberg on this. I think the Admiral Ackbar choice is an excellent one. Beyond the fact that he’s an awesome Star Wars character, as Alyssa points out, it doesn’t take away from the respect for rebellion that some historical symbols hold but does not glorify an icon related to slavery or racial inequality.

I might also add that it gives Ole Miss a more complex personality than that of a big homogenous sports school. Because come on, how many party schools cheer on the big walking Star Wars character when it comes on the field?

–Daniel Strauss