The Ole Miss Official Mascot, also known as the Rebel Black Bear, is the official symbol of the University of Mississippi. The adoption of the black bear as the university's mascot came after the retirement of the previous mascot, Colonel Reb, in 2003. The decision to change the mascot was made in order to create a more inclusive and diverse symbol for the university. The black bear was chosen as the new mascot for several reasons. Firstly, the black bear is native to the state of Mississippi and has a long history in the region. Secondly, the black bear represents strength, determination, and resilience, qualities that the university sought to embody.
Here are three arguments for and three arguments against Colonel Rebel, the Landshark and Rebel Black Bear.
As coordinated as Ole Miss is for game days a calendar of which color sundress to wear for which game has already circled social media fans are still facing an identity crisis in Oxford. As coordinated as Ole Miss is for game days a calendar of which color sundress to wear for which game has already circled social media fans are still facing an identity crisis in Oxford.
Secondly, the black bear represents strength, determination, and resilience, qualities that the university sought to embody. The black bear also serves as a nod to the history and culture of the state, as the bear has been featured prominently in Mississippi folklore and art. The official debut of the Rebel Black Bear mascot took place at a football game in 2010.
Would the real Ole Miss mascot please stand up?
Ole Miss’ 2016 football team is expected to be pretty darn good. Despite an NCAA investigation and the Laremy Tunsil draft nightmare, the Rebels are ranked No. 10 in Athlon’s preseason rankings and face the top two teams in Alabama and Florida State in the first month of the season.
There is national buzz around the Rebels. Ole Miss knows who it is, a program on the rise, but not quite there yet. The Rebels are still looking for their first appearance in Atlanta for an SEC title game.
Ole Miss is a nationally recognized brand. The Rebels are the Rebels, sort of.
When the baseball team made it to Omaha in 2014, a store outside TD Ameritrade Park garnered attention when fans noticed Colonel Rebel patches available to buy. The issue? The Colonel was removed as Ole Miss’ mascot in 2003.
As coordinated as Ole Miss is for game days – a calendar of which color sundress to wear for which game has already circled social media – fans are still facing an identity crisis in Oxford. The mascot circus that started when the university removed the controversial Colonel in 2003 has never gone away.
Every other school in America has one mascot. Ole Miss has settled on three.
Here are three arguments for and three arguments against Colonel Rebel, the Landshark and Rebel Black Bear.
COLONEL REBEL
KEEP: The university sort of did. It removed him from on-field activity but retained the trademark. And the Colonel Reb Foundation keeps him going and sponsors his appearance in The Grove, as well as on the road. He was in Omaha. The strange part of removing Colonel Rebel was that the crowd that wanted him gone was and is still hard to identify. It seemed more of an in-house preventative than a cry for his removal. Colonel Rebel is a beloved historical figure, sort of like Colonel Sanders. Nobody is fussing about Sanders hawking his chicken all over the television.
REMOVE: If something offends a great number of people, there is a solid argument that it should be done away with. There is also a good argument that people are way too offended by things that aren’t offensive. In this case, removing Reb seems to have been a win-win. Officially, he’s gone. Unofficially, he never will be.
LANDSHARK
KEEP: Late linebacker Tony Fein came up with the Landshark fin to the helmet in 2008 when Ole Miss’ fourth-ranked rushing defense led the Rebels to a Cotton Bowl win. It’s fun. It’s harmless. It’s unique. Some are puzzled as to why it can’t be the official mascot. The marketing potential is limitless.
REMOVE: It has nothing to do with the Rebels’ nickname. Then again, neither does the elephant in Tuscaloosa.
REBEL BLACK BEAR
KEEP: Mississippi State fans get plenty of snark mileage making fun of the Rebel Black Bear. It’s pretty warranted when you consider the nickname change came about for really no reason, and the Black Bear is pretty random. But the kids love it, and that’s what sports is about. As long as Rebel roams the sidelines, he will become more popular with young fans. That is plenty of reason to keep him around. No one makes fun of Toys “R” Us’ Geoffrey or Chuck E. Cheese.
REMOVE: There are an estimated 40-50 bears in the entire state. If the mascot needs to be literal, there are way more crappie and bass.
ADMIRAL ACKBAR
KEEP: Don’t forget about Ackbar. The Star Wars character got a major push when Ole Miss was asking students their thoughts on the new mascot. It was a joke, sort of. It got so serious, Lucasfilm weighed in.
“Lucasfilm is flattered that our “Star Wars” fans at the University of Mississippi are considering electing Admiral Ackbar as their mascot. The last time we checked in with Admiral Ackbar, he was leading the Rebel Alliance Fleet on a critical mission so it will be difficult for him to show up for the games!”
REMOVE: Who could be against the Ole Miss Admiral Ackbars?
KEEP: The university sort of did. It removed him from on-field activity but retained the trademark. And the Colonel Reb Foundation keeps him going and sponsors his appearance in The Grove, as well as on the road. He was in Omaha. The strange part of removing Colonel Rebel was that the crowd that wanted him gone was and is still hard to identify. It seemed more of an in-house preventative than a cry for his removal. Colonel Rebel is a beloved historical figure, sort of like Colonel Sanders. Nobody is fussing about Sanders hawking his chicken all over the television.
Since then, the mascot has become a beloved symbol of the university and is seen at various sporting events and university functions. The Rebel Black Bear mascot is often seen wearing the school's red and blue colors and can be found interacting with fans and students. While the adoption of the Rebel Black Bear as the official mascot was met with some controversy and resistance, it has since become an accepted and celebrated symbol of the university. The mascot represents the university's commitment to inclusivity and diversity and serves as a unifying figure for students, alumni, and the community. In conclusion, the Ole Miss Official Mascot, the Rebel Black Bear, is a symbol of the University of Mississippi that embodies the history, culture, and values of the institution. The mascot is a representation of the university's commitment to inclusivity and diversity and is embraced by the university community..
Reviews for "Ole Miss' Official Mascat: Celebrating Diversity and Inclusivity"
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