Changing the words to the University of Utah's fight song would be an abomination to the school's legacy. This "fix" would be altering a tradition that has been in play since 1904! The words to this song were compiled before any of us were even thought of, and THAT makes this a matter that is bigger than any modern day trends or ideas. Equality is important, and I get that. I'm not here to suggest that men are better than women, or that there aren't real life sexist issues out there, because I know there are. However, here I am, very much a woman, and I still claim up and down that I AM a Utah Man. Because being a 'Utah Man' is more than the word "man." I believe that in the context of these words, the word man is a representation of MANkind. A representation of human beings coming together. I honestly don't think that Harvey Holmes wrote this song with any underlying discrimination, and didn't set out to hurt feelings. This fight song was written for Utah people, alike, to come together and show the spirit so heavily felt for the school they loved.
But hey, maybe it's just me who thinks this. Or maybe it's just the 46,000+ folks who attend the football games each fall. Being a Utah Man has, is, and always will be a part of so many lives OUTSIDE of the student body. For many, this incredible school has formed intimate traditions between families, friends, and colleagues. I was a Utah Man before I could walk. That is because I was raised with my Grandfather, close by, singing the very words you are out to change. He taught me what it meant to be a Utah Man... and not once, in all my life, have I ever once felt offended to be part of this incredible school, and inspiring group of people... simply because the words of a fight song. With the recent passing of my Grandfather, the man who faithfully supported the University, the fight song will pay homage to his memory. Heck, he probably would've made us burry him under the field if we could have! And I know he's not the only one. There is a certain passion that comes with being an avid Utah fan. I get that the University of Utah is bigger than football season. I also know that this was a song written BY the football team for fans to belt as loud as possible as they head into battle. It was written for those who hold the passion... those like my Grandpa. Those like my brother. Those like the thousands of people who take the to the football stands each ear. How much more of a backing do you need to realize that people are MORE than happy with the tradition already in place.
The Ute nation goes far bigger the student body. It lies in the hearts of many, from the youngest of young, to the oldest of old. So, please, before you attempt to break the hearts of hundreds of thousands BEYOND the borders of campus... do your research. Ask within the school, and more importantly, within the valley. Within the State! I promise that you will find more people who, just like me, consider themselves to be a Utah Man... no matter their gender. People who read between the lines of the song realize that "I am a Utah man, sir" has more meaning than the dictionary could ever define.
Please don't take away our fight song.
Sincerely,
A Utah Fan
And a Girl
P.S. If somehow the words DO get changed, I guarantee you that I, as well as many others, will continue to sing out, even louder, the words we've known since the beginning.
No comments:
Post a Comment