The Mississippi mascot has been a subject of controversy and debate for many years. The mascot in question is the Rebel, which has been associated with the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) and their sports teams. The Rebels mascot has been depicted as a Confederate soldier, complete with a confederate flag as part of their logo. The use of the Confederate symbol as part of a university mascot has sparked heated discussions and protests among students, alumni, and the wider community. Many argue that this symbol represents a painful and racist history, as it is associated with a time when slavery was prominent in the southern United States. They believe that using the Rebel mascot perpetuates racism and is offensive to African Americans and other minority groups.
Ody Owl
Ody is the official mascot of The W. In 1982 the students of the new Mississippi University for Women were looking for a new mascot to replace Missy Deer. After winning the women’s national basketball championship in 1971, the students felt the large-eyed deer with a yellow ribbon around its neck wasn’t intimidating enough for intercollegiate athletics. So after a decade of debate, Martha Fulton Wells, a faculty member, suggested a new mascot. Based on the comic strip’s popularity, Garfield the Cat was overwhelmingly selected as the mascot. The university asked the creators of the comic for permission to use the character, but were denied. A committee was created to develop a mascot for the university. Consensus was to use an owl as the mascot.
Ody is based on the terracotta owl which has been perched atop Orr Hall since 1885. The owl is a classic symbol of wisdom, associated with Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom. The name Ody is derived from Emma “Ody” Pohl, the former Mistress of Physical Education at II&C and later MSCW, for more than 50 years. A legend on the campus, both for her style and her strict adherence to the virtues of physical fitness, Miss Pohl was the ideal spirit to embody the mascot of the university.
Since 1982, Ody has cheered on the university and supported the students that grace its halls, as well as keeping a watchful eye on the campus.
They believe that using the Rebel mascot perpetuates racism and is offensive to African Americans and other minority groups. On the other hand, some supporters of the Rebel mascot argue that it is a symbol of southern pride and heritage. They believe that the Rebel mascot is not meant to promote racism but rather to honor the history and traditions of the region.
Ody Facts
Q: What type of owl is Ody?
A: Ody is a Great Horned Owl, Bubo Virginianus, identifiable by the tufts on the head resembling horns.
Q: What gender is Ody?
A: Ody is neither male nor female. Ody is Ody. We don’t worry too much about what gender Ody is. Ody won’t be offended if you use he, she, or they; all are correct.
Q: How tall is Ody?
A: Ody stands between 5’6” and 7’ tall; depending on if Ody is slouching.
Q: What does Ody eat?
A: Pizza mostly.
Q: What is Ody’s favorite color?
A: Blue, of course!
Q: Can Ody come to my event?
A: You can find out more about the guidelines for appearances by Ody on the Appearances page.
Sources:
Loyal Daughters: One Hundred Years at Mississippi University for Women, by Bridget Smith Pieschel and Stephen Robert Pieschel, 1984.
Legacy of the Blues: A Century of Athletics at The W, by Dorothy Burdshaw, Barbara Garrett, Jo Spearman, Joan Thomas, and Martha Wells, 2012.
Choctaw Connection
They argue that removing the mascot would be erasing a part of the university's identity and history. The controversy surrounding the Mississippi mascot has led to various changes in recent years. In 2003, the university removed the Confederate flag from the sidelines of their football games. The mascot was also briefly changed to the "Black Bear" in 2010, but this decision was met with mixed reactions and the Rebel mascot was reinstated in 2017. Ultimately, the debate over the Mississippi mascot continues, with both sides arguing their case passionately. As with many controversial symbols, the question of whether the Rebel mascot should be retained or replaced reflects the complexities of history, identity, and interpretation..
Reviews for "The Mississippi Mascot as a Marketing Tool: Its Impact on Merchandise and Branding"
1. Emily - 2/5 stars - "I found the 'Mississippi mascot' to be quite offensive. It perpetuates negative stereotypes and does not reflect the diversity and richness of the Mississippi culture. It is important to move away from such outdated and insensitive representations and instead embrace symbols that truly represent the multifaceted nature of Mississippi."
2. Alex - 1/5 stars - "The 'Mississippi mascot' is a prime example of cultural appropriation and insensitivity. It reduces a whole state's identity and history into a caricature that only serves to ridicule and belittle. It is disappointing to see such a lack of respect for the people and heritage of Mississippi."
3. Sarah - 1/5 stars - "As a resident of Mississippi, I am deeply disappointed in the 'Mississippi mascot'. It fails to capture the true essence of our state and instead perpetuates harmful stereotypes. It is time for a mascot that celebrates our diversity and represents the unique qualities that make Mississippi a wonderful place to live."
4. John - 2/5 stars - "I understand the intention behind the 'Mississippi mascot', but I think it misses the mark. It feels outdated and does not reflect the modern Mississippi we live in today. It is time to choose a mascot that is inclusive and respectful of all the different communities that make up our state."
5. Lisa - 1/5 stars - "The 'Mississippi mascot' is offensive and insensitive. It reduces a whole group of people to a cartoonish representation that only serves to mock and ridicule. It is time for a mascot that celebrates the true spirit and diversity of Mississippi, rather than perpetuating harmful stereotypes."