Greetings-
I was sitting in Alumni Center Saturday, Nov. 8, waiting to attend the football game. I found a copy of The Auburn Plainsman beside me, and the article titled above (Students address offensive costume) was the first I read.
Let me say I've always loved the conviction and enthusiasm of all things college, including my own days here in Auburn, thus my interest in a publication I hadn't read in over 35 years.
Toward the conclusion of the article, Shannon Arthur is quoted, concluding with, "... African-American students don't need to feel like the red-headed stepchild anymore."
Ms. Arthur, like all of us do on occasion, fell back to a cliche, and while I am absolutely certain she meant no harm whatsoever, she needs to understand this type of cliche, from way before her birth, was born in an era when stepchildren, as if they could control their own destinies as children, were viewed as second-class -- and this is the very global topic that is the focus of the article.
I think of another cliche phrase from that general era, That [usually referring to an event or action] would harelip the Pope! or one of its iterations, equating the unfortunate congenital cleft lip with inevitable mental dullness.
Beware your words, and the best to all of your work.
War Eagle!!
Steve Isbell '76
Steve Isbell is from the Auburn University class of 1976.
Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.
