The Ole Miss mascot, also known as "Rebel", has been a controversial topic for many years. The university's official mascot is an anthropomorphic group of Confederate soldiers, sporting a gray uniform and a slouch hat. The character was first introduced in the late 1930s and has since become a central figure in the university's sports events. Over time, the choice of the Rebel as the school's mascot has sparked heated debates and concerns. Many argue that the character promotes a racist and divisive image, rooted in the history of slavery and the Confederacy. The Rebel flag, which has been associated with white supremacists and discrimination, has also been a significant point of contention.
The Rebel flag, which has been associated with white supremacists and discrimination, has also been a significant point of contention. In recent years, the university has taken steps to distance itself from the controversial mascot. In 2003, the school introduced a secondary mascot known as "Colonel Reb," a character resembling a Southern gentleman.
The Magic Water Circuit in Lima: a water, light and sound show
Among the crowded Arequipa and Paseo de la República avenues in Lima is located the Parque de la Reserva , better known as Water Park or Magic Water Circuit, a place where locals and tourists who visit our capital can escape the racket of the city and enjoy a unique experience.
What makes this park such a special place? The first thing is that, with five traditionaland thirteen cybernetic (controlled through a computer) fountains, the Water Park holds the Guinness record for being the largest fountain set in the world located in a public park.
On the other hand, when night falls, the Water Park begins with its light and sound show . With 120 meters long and more than 20 meters wide, the Fantasy Fountain is the stage in which a hydraulic choreography is performed. It synchronizes the movement of water, color and music. Thus, the water from this fountain becomes a large screen on which images of Peru are projected accompanied by Peruvian music.
Although the Water Park is open throughout the year, this is the perfect place to visit during the summer days of Lima (December through March). And it does not matter your age: you can go with your friends or with your children, and anybody can be part of the fun offered by the park and go into the fountains , where you can interact with the water as well as refresh yourself in a fun way.
How to get there
The Water Park is located halfway between our Miraflores hotels and downtown Lima. If you want to go by public transport , the best way is to take the Corredor Azul , a bus that goes through Miraflores and reaches the center of the city through Arequipa Avenue. You will have to get off at the junction of this avenue with Jirón Ramón Danigno. The price of the Corredor Azul is S/ 1.50 (around US$ 0.50) and it only allows payment in cash.
If you prefer to get to this Water Park by taxi , the price from Miraflores is around S/ 10 (US$ 3). We recommend you that whenever you move around Lima you do it with a taxi app (Uber, TaxiBeat, Cabify…); it is much safer and the price is very similar to that of the taxis you find in the Lima street.
Schedules and prices
The Water Park opens from Tuesday to Sunday from 3:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. , while the light show begins everyday in these three different schedules: 7:15 p. m., 8:15 p. m. and 9:30 p. m.
The entrance price is S/4 (US$ 1.20), with 50% discount for disabled people and free for children under 5 and adults over 65.
The Water Park opens from Tuesday to Sunday from 3:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. , while the light show begins everyday in these three different schedules: 7:15 p. m., 8:15 p. m. and 9:30 p. m.
Yet, even this replacement faced criticism, as some still associated it with the problematic elements of the original mascot. In 2010, the university announced that they would no longer use Colonel Reb as an official mascot and began the search for a new image. This decision aimed to create a more inclusive and diverse environment on campus, aligning with the changing societal attitudes towards racism and discrimination. Interestingly, the move to retire the Rebel mascot was supported by many students, faculty members, and alumni who felt it was time for a change. The selection process for finding a new mascot sparked further debate and discussions among the Ole Miss community. Suggestions ranged from the "Landsharks" to the "Rebels" to completely non-controversial options such as the "Ole Miss Bears" or the "Hotty Tottys." Ultimately, the university decided to use the interim mascot "Tony the Landshark" as a placeholder until a permanent decision is reached. As of now, the issue of the Ole Miss mascot remains unresolved, and further steps are being taken to ensure a mascot that represents the university's values while avoiding any divisive symbolism. The ongoing discussions surrounding the mascot reflect the broader dialogue taking place in the United States about the importance of inclusivity and sensitivity in various aspects of society, including sports and culture..
Reviews for "The Legacy of Ol Miss Mascot: Celebrating its Contributions"
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