To further that notion, whilst walking my dog I randomly inquired about “Rhett” this AM with 2 of my neighbors (who are black). While empathetic to the death of anyone, particularly one so unnecessary, it seems rather ironic. There is the history. Now is the time. I feel and think the same way.There are so many problems and issues the University should address. I believe that until we have groups that are identified by the nature of their mission rather than the race of their members we will not overcome racism. That officer may save the life of your Grand Pa. Or if you are in a motor vehicle crash and the first person at the scene is a police officer to pull your child from a car seat prior to it bursting into flames. Then president, John Silber, who attended the game scolded me for my antics, but also agreed that the Blue Devil was a bit of a “jerk”. Now that “Gone with the Wind” has been cancelled, Boston University is considering a change to its mascot because it was named after a character in the 1936 novel. The Fighting Okra - name of the unofficial mascot of Delta State University since the late 1980s. Since BU’s student body is 61% female, maybe we should consider a female mascot? As cities, towns, and states across the country remove statues and flags honoring racist legacies, and institutions take a fresh look at the symbolism behind their mascots, BU is considering whether to rename its sports mascot, named after Rhett Butler in Gone with the Wind. Rhett the Terrier with the BU men’s hockey team during the 2020 Beanpot Tournament. I love the mascot, and think he’s adorable – fun and fierce at the same time. So, I would really like to see BU a little more focused on figuring out how to address these issues- a true crisis, I mean we have the highest rate of deaths in the world right now in what is considered to be the world power and BU is focused on Rhett? My gosh, he solved it! As I stated in my very first comment the other day – the deeper this discussion across America gets – things could get worse (God help us all) and not better. This issue is performative and gimmicky. I also cannot imagine the expense and damage caused by these people. Required fields are marked *, Pioneering Research from Boston University, © Boston University. You should be ashamed of your astonishing IGNORANCE!! The university said in their notice that the name Rhett came about from the story’s lead … I really hope you never got to pet Rhett!!!!!!!!! Especially for a task that should’ve been done 30 years ago. The black and white Boston Terrier was named after the Boston University students voted for one of the two possible mascots. (Apologies to any real person so named.). Rhett obviously does. Since our school color is scarlet, it was a short leap for students—or perhaps a sports publicist—to link Rhett to Scarlett O'Hara, the other romantic lead in the book and movie. The mascot, a Boston Terrier named Rhett, pays tribute to Clark Gable's character in the 1939 film that's seen by many critics as romanticizing slavery in the South. Boston University Mascot is Rhett the Boston Terrier The Boston University mascot is a Boston Terrier named Rhett. According to The Boston Globe, BU president Robert Brown announced in an email Wednesday that the school is looking into “retiring” the name of mascot … Committee cochair Harvey Young, dean of the College of Fine Arts, says the Boston terrier, chosen for its lovable and fiercely intelligent demeanor, would remain BU’s mascot. University School of Jackson (Jackson, Tennessee) Western Branch High School (Chesapeake, Virginia) Woodrow Wilson Classical High School (Long Beach, California) St. Patrick-St. Vincent High School (Vallejo, California) GC CAS 77/80. As a former Rhett the Terrier, having appeared on campus as Rhett from 1986-1989, and knowing the history of the development of the name, the costume and the character, I am happy to provide context to this discussion. If they don’t are they racist? Boston University President Robert Brown has appointed a committee tasked with exploring a renaming of the university’s mascot — “Rhett the … It is time to address this question.". “The charge of the committee is to actively and respectfully listen to alumni, students, staff, and faculty as well as our greater Boston friends and neighbors as they share their opinions on whether the name ‘Rhett’ should be retired.”. Also, it actually doesn’t matter if you (or I) see the need for a: Profile. Despite halting contributions to faculty and staff retirement accounts, delaying hiring, freezing pay raises, and taking other emergency measures, BU still finds itself with a near $100 million hole in its budget for next year. I see no need for “Miss Black America” or the “Congressional Black Caucus”, or the “Black Police Chiefs Association”. Boston U’s mascot was chosen in 1922, Brown wrote, but it’s “less easy to pinpoint” when the mascot was given the nickname Rhett, or by whom: “We know that the University mascot was chosen in 1922 by student vote, with the majority favoring the Boston Terrier (over the bull moose). I think I speak for many students in saying that while this introspection is appreciated, (and maybe it is time for a change), it is absolutely LOW (if not nonexistent) on the list of priorities as to how our institution can change for the better. “Rhet” was a terrier mascot costume created and named by a Canadian undergrad in November of 1983, and made his first appearance at the BU vs. Bucknell football game that year. The mascot is fun and charming. Time for our leaders to lead and make the easy decisions. As Rhett’s dad, i am appalled that the university would change the name of the mascot. Replacing the name of Rhett will not change Boston University’s “Tradition”, it will start a new “tradition.”. This is the official mascot that represents the Boston University since November 15, 1922. A&M has not changed its mandates, its doctrine, its “Tradition”. Mascot Rhett the Terrier of the Boston University Terriers entertains from the ice during the Beanpot Tournament Championship Game against the Boston College Eagles on February 12, 2007. What about accepting more POC both in staff and student bodies? Brown wants to focus on performative, symbolic gestures instead of addressing the ongoing pandemic and uncertainity, faculty/staff layoffs, student and faculty calls for solidarity and equality, and criminal tuition fees for remote learning. Shall we ask all men named Robert to change their names now? There is no doubt that the association with white supremacy is offensive to many. It’s unfortunate that it’s not offensive to all. I think the name is non-offensive personally and my black neighbors do as well. The recent killings of Black Americans by police and weeks of national protests and outrage in cities and towns across the country has led to renewed dialogue about systemic racism in the United States. Earlier this year, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill lifted a ban on renaming buildings following a controversy over one named for a former KKK leader. ^ALL of it. Tom Yawkey, a big time well known rascist , the owner of the last mlb team to have African Americans on the team???? For A&M, there are still alumni who are heightened about this “tradition” and feel that the institution is irrevocably changed without it. Robert E. Lee was a real person, and a real rascist. Edward McLaughlin, unhappy at seeing a newspaper cartoon which represented Boston College as a cat after a … In an email Wednesday, BU President Robert Brown announced he has appointed a committee to consider changing the name of the University’s mascot because it was inspired by a character in a racist film. Boston attorney Arcangelo Cella (CAS’11, LAW’14), who wrote to Brown and started an online petition to pressure the University to change the mascot’s name, says Rhett’s legacy as a rich Confederate sympathizer who ultimately leaves Scarlett cannot be overlooked. "* According to BU's official website, BU Today, the name Rhett, paired with BU's school color, scarlet, is an allusion to the character of Rhett Butler, along with his love interest, Scarlet O'Hara, in Margaret Mitchell's novel Gone with the Wind and the 1939 motion pi It is an unbelievably tragic event which resulted in Mr. Floyd’s death – no sane person – officer or civilian could justify it in any way. If we’re going to change the name of the mascot, surely BU should consider changing its official colors as well? I think not. I support the renaming, but would suggest we don’t overthink it or draw it out. In my opinion, it is past time. The name came from terrier. The University of Southern California earlier this month removed the name of Rufus Von KleinSmid, the fifth president of the university, from the Center for International and Public Affairs building on campus, Why we can't turn away from 'Gone with the Wind'. But, she says, people are generally unaware that he sought to save Scarlett from an attack by a Black man in a storyline that perpetuates deeply racist myths. The Boston Terrier mascot … This is the first time I ever heard of a connection between the name “Rhett” and the character from “Gone With the Wind”. I’m a European socialist but you people are to liberal idiots. The first rule of product promotion is: try not to tick off your constituent and clients. “Behavior which might have been accepted at the time of the events depicted or at the time the movie was made, but which is recognized today to have been deeply wrong.”. I’m all for changing the mascot name – how about ‘Martin’ after one of your most famous alumni? come on please. let’s rename George Floyd because he was named after George Wallace….or was George Washington…or was it George Preston Marshall who founded the RACIST Washington Redskins….or was it George Soros? BU needs to become a more supportive employer too – rather than rushing to kick to the wall employees with decades of service. Brown’s solution to racial injustice and systemic racism is to rename the university’s mascot. How about a contest to come up with a new name for the terrier with or alumni submissions? A mascot? Sounds pretty simple to change the racist name of a cartoon dog that you let represent your institution for almost 100yrs. I’m sure changing the name from “Rhett”, after a character from a movie which gave a Black actress an award for her stellar performance – first of her race to receive such an award- I’m sure this name change will end all racism. It is embarrassing to me, as a BU alum, that with so many other things that could be done to raise more awareness and to demonstrate more meaningful action toward social injustice and inequality, this is BU’s response. Boston University may change the name of its mascot. Our Student Vlogger Has It Covered, BU’s Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Policy. Clearly what was i thinking, but lets worry about what we are going to name the mascot. Right now, they’re all rightfully more concerned about Brown deciding they need another pay cut or a lay off to worry about the name of a school mascot. Students voted to name the mascot Rhett a hundred years ago, why don’t you just…let students nominate a slate of new names and vote for a name? Names and symbols are just the surface. Do better, BU. 25,000 boys and girls are not necessarily named after the cultural icon of the Antebellum South… nor are any of them symbols representing a learning institute comprised of students from all walks of life. Has 2020 Changed Workplace Culture for Good? Obviously I may have missed the “point”. Based on the Boston Terrier breed itself as well as BU’s location in the City of Boston, Daryl went to work. "And it is reasonable for people to question why, at a university founded by abolitionists, we have a mascot nicknamed for a character in a film whose racist depictions are completely at odds with our own tradition. And with the nonstop highlighting and boasting of the new Center on Racism Research in the background. People started to forget his name by the 1990s, but the costume was redesigned and revived, and by the early 2000s “Rhett,” now with two “t”s, was back in the spotlight. The fundraiser was for children’s cancer hospital. If BU wants to look into something potentially more serious, I would suggest examining the political views espoused by Arthur G. B. Metcalf, after whom our most prestigious teaching awards are named (along with a building or two). Always fascinating when white folks take it upon themselves to decide what Black folks should and should not be offended by…. It’s a question not everyone thinks is worth examining, however. hopefully you never got to pet Rhett!!!! For nearly a century, the Boston Terrier has been the official mascot of Boston University. He loved being with all the people at BU, and people of all races and religions loved him. My 4 year-old votes that the name should be Chickpea the Terrier … so there is that perspective- out of 4 people only my 4 year-old thinks a name change is in order. Amen to that! There have been confirmed now, 21 deaths of African Americans due to the BLM protests. Does his former profession exclude him from having an opinion?? This is a big SO WHAT and everyone – especially those claiming they are “offended” (sniff sniff – wipe away the crocodile tears) know it. ", The mascot was named "Rhett" because "no one loves Scarlett more than Rhett,", "Despite this seemingly cute connection between the movie and our mascot's name, the fact is that the movie's portrayal of the American Civil War, postwar reconstruction, and slavery is offensive," Brown worte. The nickname "Eagles" goes back to 1920 when Rev. What about renaming Christopher Columbus day? Any mascot name would be better than Baldwin. Seriously, I am so glad that Pres. “It is reasonable for people to question why, at a university founded by abolitionists, we have a mascot nicknamed for a character in a film whose racist depictions are completely at odds with our own tradition,” Brown wrote. I read somewhere there are about 800,000 police officers in the US. President Brown says this and then turns around and says we have to change Rhett’s name because of “student demands” (the petition that started this specific movement came about from an Alum, not even current student groups). We cannot tout a civil rights leader as our most notable alum, we cannot strive to improve the enrollment and experience of black students, nor can we focus our attention on a future committed to the study and engagement in anti-racism by maintaining the name, Rhett. Boston University now is making a similar move. “A mascot helps to galvanize a campus and create community,” Young says. Your post stands out as perhaps the only one actually worth reading. Probably the aim should not be to remove a non-offensive mascot’s name but rather to incorporate a higher acceptance of qualified black applicants/students to BU. A mascot is a promotional tool. Daryl enrolled at BU after taking time after graduating from HS in Canada, to perform as a professional figure skater in touring companies where characters (like those found in Sesame Street on Ice and Disney on Ice) were commonplace. A Blog and a Podcast for BIPOC Students Navigating Their 20s, Five Ways to Engage on International Women’s Day, BUPD to Undergo Remote Assessment Next Week for Reaccreditation, BU Soccer Teams to Begin Long-Delayed Season, POV: Why Fake Conspiracies Persist, Regardless of the Evidence against Them, As Playoffs Loom, Men’s Hockey’s Logan Cockerill on What’s behind Team’s Success, A Bold New Plan to Reduce the University’s Waste, POV: Governor Baker Signs Much Needed Campus Sexual Assault Bill. Why ? I have seen him on national and local television and this is the forward looking image that BU should be projecting, and is. Every police department and every police officer should reexamine their on professionalism – but more importantly their heart – to do the right thing and nothing more – nothing less. America is one of the least racist places in the world or else over 2 million black Africans would not have migrated here in the last decade. I think if the systemic changes that people of all races are seeking may backfire and things may be worse than before the Floyd incident. I appreciate that during this ongoing pandemic, potential layoffs, and general uncertainty, the President has found the time to involve faculty in this pressing issue. I doubt it because unfortunately these groups are often comprised of people who have already formed their opinion. So where is the racism? Nina Silber, a College of Arts & Sciences professor and chair of history and the author of This War Ain’t Over: Fighting the Civil War in New Deal America (University of North Carolina Press, 2018) says she thinks many people make simple romanticized associations with the Rhett Butler name, viewing the character, played by Clark Gable, as dashing or brave. “Look how deeply baked into our culture racism is,” Silber says. However, I like even less bullies out there demanding changes in things they don’t like. Recent events beginning with the George Floyd murder have sparked generational changes surrounding the issue of racism in America. BU will be a better place! You’ve fully missed the point by referencing random people going by the name Rhett… The committee -- which will include university alumni, current students and faculty -- has been asked to offer a recommendation for Brown to consider by mid-October. Scarlet, the most famous Scarlet, was Scarlett O’Hara from the movie and book, “Gone with the Wind”. I wouldn’t have made this a priority but it does surprise me how tightly people hold onto things. BU students voted for a Boston terrier as their school mascot in 1922 He was named for Gone with the Wind’s Rhett Butler because Rhett loved Scarlett. According to The Boston Globe, BU president Robert Brown announced in an email Wednesday that the school is looking into “retiring” the name of mascot “Rhett” because “community members” are concerned about connections to the classic novel/film Gone with the Wind. Why does our mascot even have to have a name? I am being sarcastic. Photo by Andy Costello. Recently I retired after 44 years as a police officer. Boston University moderates comments to facilitate an informed, substantive, civil conversation. And it has rarely been written on any of the many images and representations I have seen. Your email address will not be published. That cute association stuck. There have been various names for BU terrier mascots over the years, including “Gulliver,” “Fumbles,” and “Touchdown.”. Boston University mascot, Rhett the Terrier, at a Women’s Hockey Game in February. In my long-ago era (1951-1955), a real terrier always made an appearance at football games and got a big cheer. But tens of thousands of students did and there was no problem with his name, he was beloved by all students of all religions and races!!!!!! That maintains the association with the school colors, and purges “Gone With the Wind” associations. Daryl was over 6 feet tall and never actually wore the costume he developed. I also think people in certain positions should take more responsibility in condemning the actions of the “peaceful” protestors you referenced. Time to Retire the Rhett Name? The school colors are Scarlet and White. What about recognizing Juneteenth across the campus and as a paid holiday? Addison – that’s correct and very proud of it. I loved my time as Rhett. Commercial companies toppled their name brands in a matter of weeks but we have to deliberate over the name of a fictional dog that half the school couldn’t name if you asked. What about real change? The BU Mascot Rhett on February 3, 2015 at the TD Garden in Boston, Mass. Some university presidents can multitask. I’m against changing the BU Mascot name in the context of being PC during these troubling times. We are Terriers, not Rhetts. Baldwin the Eagle, an anthropomorphized bald eagle, is the mascot of the Boston College Eagles. Or Terry which comes from the German meaning Power of the tribe But it may not be for long. In this March 21, 2015, file photo, Rhett the BU Terrier mascot flies the Boston University banner at a hockey game in the final of the Hockey East Championships at TD Garden in Boston. It’s time that any trace of glorification of the treasonous Confederacy, no matter how minute, be erased from the public domain. I will be happy to welcome BRETT anytime. https://www.cnn.com/2020/07/01/us/boston-university-mascot-rhett-trnd It’s unclear exactly when BU’s mascot got his name, but the Boston terrier was selected over a bull moose in 1922, almost two decades before Gone with the Wind was released in theaters. So where is the outrage for the name Yawkey on the Student Services building????? I have been on the BU faculty since 1974. In addition to being an Attorney, I am also an Adjunct Professor at the University- having gone to both Undergrad and Law School at BU and having played soccer. White, old alumni…tell me who’s discriminating here?Why don’t we take a lesson from our most notable alumnus and stop judging one another by the color of their skin, but as individuals. That being said – there is no need for universal police reform because of it. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! This is more proof that title and position does not make you a leader. I worry that if you given in to these bullies it gives them power to go after you for something else . Quit overreacting and put the mascot’s name up for a vote. How about “Scar” short for Scarlet the schools color. I believe that as an action to further the necessary discussion of a highly worthy cause, this is a real stretch. I was raised by my parents and through my profession- law enforcement- that this behavior is criminal and should be addressed as such. Brown is really reaching on this one. And the fact that he was a former police officer matters EXACTLY WHY to you?? Renaming him seems appropriate. You Can Weigh In, University Announces Termination of CAS Professor’s Faculty Appointment, Catch Up with Our 10 Most Popular Summer Stories, POV: Trump’s Call for a National Garden of American Heroes Misses the Point. A facility that I toured along with the BU football captains and our counterparts from the University of Richmond. I assure you that professors don’t care about this. Thanks, Laura, for this context. “The reference to Rhett Butler as a loving partner is another example of exalting the film and the character without acknowledging his troubling behavior,” Cella wrote in a letter to Brown. Daryl arrived at BU to find that the mascot costume being used at the time was not only scary looking, it had no personality and was not something that brought fans into the games, rather – it sent them screaming for the doors. I also learned over those years that there is no worse person than a “bad cop”. Yes, as a cop I always felt that I was part of a group referred to as “necessary evils”. It’s interesting to me that this story has attracted nearly 70 comments, whereas the BU Today stories about up to 250 employee layoffs/furloughs or about faculty concerns with respect to in-person teaching have attracted fewer than half as many comments. “It’s baked in in ways we don’t even realize.”, Megan Woolhouse You could even leave Rhett on the board for consideration. "What is clear is that 'Rhett' is a reference to one of the lead characters in Margaret Mitchell's novel, Gone with the Wind, which was made into the Hollywood film with Clark Gable and Vivien Leigh," Brown wrote in the letter, provided to CNN. according to Boston University's website. For those who argue that this name is a tradition, I say this with authority – having worked in higher education for 30 years (including 13 years at BU): traditions are part of higher education. Thanks for your opinion, though. Could Diabetes Drug Be a Game Changer in Treating Obesity? While I never skated, we had “skating Rhetts” who were far better than me, I did get to travel with the Football team to London, England for a fundraiser where BU took on the University of Richmond in Crystal Palace stadium. Thanks a lot for breaking his heart !!!!!!!!! I vote the name should be changed to Floyd. You’re a credit to the law enforcement profession. Daryl, as you can see, put just as much work into the development of the personality as he did into the costume. Not by “peaceful” protesters roping them and in gangland style toppling them to the ground. It suggests a somewhat misplaced sense of priorities on the part of those commenting, though obviously comments on an article may not reflect general sentiment on an issue. Hard stop. This is not a priority nor should time and resources be allocated to this right now. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. I do not find this vague and largely association with our shameful crime of slavery in anyway comparable to other mascot names and depictions which really have to go ASAP (eg Washington “R-s” and Cleveland ”I-s” which are overt and constant reinforcements of racism). "In the Boston University context, the 'Rhett' nickname is, of itself, a play on words. I have a feeling that Rhett is very sad up in heaven right now and he probably doesn’t understand what the fuss is all about!! Aren’t those opposed to this long overdo cleansing of tangible and symbolic adulation for such a heinous institution trying to erase the historical documentation of its character and acts. Jerry – thank you very much for your kind thoughts but more importantly your comments- there are more pressing issues than this. But, there are two types of traditions that are baked into every college campus: “Big T” Traditions, which serve as the doctrine of an institution, literally why the institution exists, and “little t” traditions, which are the events that community members experience over their time at the institution. The fact that the administration has organized a committee to study this mascot issue – particularly in light of more pressing matters – is comical and absurd. More efforts in these areas would foster more loyalty than a mascot. Statues coming down all over the place, calls for police de-funding, changing of military base names all should be carefully considered by the localities where they are. His father said, in tears on Fox, where were the police to help him? Here’s a thought: disband the committee and take a deep breath. Time will tell. The school’s beloved mascot, a terrier named Rhett, after the character Rhett Butler, who … The first letters backwards = “Ret” which then morphed to Rhett as in Rhett Butler from Gone With the Wind since the mascot was a bit of a scoundrel. Clemson University took out the name of slaveholder John C. Calhoun from its Honors College after. Fighting Pickle - mascot of University of North Carolina School of Arts since 1975; Flex - Falcon mascot of Bentley University Students can find additional information in the Undergraduate Student Guide and Graduate & Professional Student Guide. Guess that degree didn’t help much huh. As scarlet is the official school color, Rhett the Boston terrier represents an undying love and loyalty to Boston University. Is this movement going toward editing books, movies, ban or burn them and the monuments? But recent controversies over the full name of the school is causing the school to reconsider a change. Thank you RGF. Boston University, the alma mater of the progressive left’s shining young star, New York Rep. Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez, has chosen its own mascot as the next victim on the anti-racism chopping block. NFL stars Deshaun Watson and DeAndre Hopkins.
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