http://www.theplainsman.com/opinion/your_view_university_of_alabama_shocked_alumna_brings_awareness_to_teach_for_america
University of Alabama student shocked by actions of the AU Marching Band
Editor, The Auburn Plainsman:
I am a student at the University of Alabama who attended the Iron Bowl this past Saturday.
I am a myopic self-important glutton for punishment with no grip on reality.
I want to first say congratulations on Auburn’s win.
As I said, I attended the Iron Bowl.
Despite the storm of controversy brewing in Tuscaloosa, Auburn simply showed up, took advantage of opportunities and, at the end of the night, put more points on the board.
Cheaters.
That being said, I found it incredibly distasteful of the Auburn University Marching Band to close the game with its version of Alabama’s cheer “Rammer Jammer.”
Until the band began the cheer at the end of the game, I was quite impressed with the amount of class that Auburn students and fans showed during their weekend in Tuscaloosa.
I especially liked how everyone was waving their hands at us as we left the stadium, as if to say, "thanks for making our trip so enjoyable."
Having played in a marching band during high school,
I was fat and unpopular then, too.
I find it highly unlikely that each playing member of the band knew the music to the cheer and out of sheer joy unanimously decided to play it.
At some point, it was distributed and rehearsed in the event of an Auburn win.
You KNEW IN ADVANCE you'd win! Roy Kramer's treachery knows no bounds.
Frankly, I find it appalling that the band, an official program of the University, was not only allowed but condoned in creating a mockery of a long-running Alabama tradition.
of insulting our opponents when they lose.
While it is expected to hear such insults out of your typical, drunken fan,
with a tattoo of the Bear on his back
it is in no way acceptable coming from an official University organization.
other than ours
I think it’s important for everyone — band members, students and fans alike — to realize that as long as you’re wearing orange and blue, you are representing your University.
Which makes sense now that I think about it, because those are your colors.
By taking the high road and showing class, you continue to build a good reputation for your University and its fans.While it may be a fun way to celebrate a big win, it displays nothing but a lack of class and respect.
Taking the high road displays nothing but a lack of class? I am contradicting and confusing myself now. Where is my journalism teacher when I need him?
After all, how would it have felt to hear Georgia’s band making a mockery of “War Eagle” only moments after your humiliating loss weeks ago?
or even worse - Bama's band making a mockery of your mock Rammer Jammer song by playing a classy Bama version?
I’ll respect your thumb all day long as long as you respect my traditions.
please stop beating us.
Alana Sewell
sophomore in journalism, University of Alabama
