Manhattan, KS - A 1950's era slogan meant to inspire Kansas State fans, is instead causing controvery.
University officals asked the school's band to remove a formation highlighting the slogan "Every Man A Wildcat" from it's pregame routine on Saturday.
Those who dislike the slogan say the word "man" is not inclusive. They prefer "Every Person A Wildcat". Proponents say the phrase is a long-time tradition and "man" refers to all of mankind.
(excerpt from a Kansas City Star article)
And with that one ill-advised move, unnamed "university officials" set off a firestorm that reached all the way to the O'Reilly Factor on Fox News. Seems to me that the "officials" were a little too eager to dive for legal cover, as we are prone to do in this litigation-happy society, and caved to the demands of the few without considering the many. In an attempt to pacify a small group who supposedly felt left-out of the club, KSU "officials" fell over themselves rushing to pull the EMAW formation from the band's half-time show, but did they pause for even a moment to ponder the heritage of that phrase or it's meaning to thousands of KSU students and alumni?
I guess I just don't understand the need to make all language gender-neutral in order to feel included. When the Declaration of Independence states that "all men are created equal", I know I'm covered. When Jesus said "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me, though he shall die, he shall live", I am certain that He was speaking to me, also. I don't feel any need to create strife to prove that I have a spot on the team.
And these "university officials" who remain unnamed and unwilling to take a stand for their decision, trampled over KSU students and alumni, and they trampled a Kansas State University tradition.
I agree with you. All this prissiness about language is silly and keeps people from thinking about important things.
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