"Admit nothing. Deny everything." This is just one of the numerous mottos engendered by the group known across America as Old Row. Old Row has asserted its dominance among the college social media scene over the past year, along with counterparts, such as Total Frat Move and Top Tier. Maintaining popular accounts on media sites such as Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat, Old Row has fostered a dichotomy among the individuals of today due to its highly controversial subject matter ranging from pictures that exploit young women, to quotes that make millennials cringe. Despite the vast amount of negative stereotypes placed on Old Row, its increased support from fellow college students have reinforced the notion that Old Row is not the conservative devil. This organization of original and collective ideas has influenced me in a positive manner to better myself each day, and to constantly strive for success through these reasons.
1. Old Row reminds us that every person has a voice and is entitled to use it.
Within the past few months, Old Row sparked national attention through its political campaign known as "The Chalkening". This movement encouraged thousands of college students to write TRUMP 2016 in chalk all across campuses in every state. It is an obvious fact that Old Row supports Donald Trump and his 2016 presidential campaign, and will likely continue to foster new methods to raise awareness for the cause. Personally, I try to avoid political arguments although I contain my own opinions. However, the misconception that people do not realize is that Old Row is not trying to force Donald Trump down their throats. Old Row is delivering the message that every single person that has a voice should not be afraid to use it. Similarly, that voice deserves the right to be respected. If there exists a cause worth fighting for, then you should not hold back, and instead go chase after it. This is evident through a recent free speech event that involved a University of Tennessee, Chattanooga student being forced to resign from her student government association campaign after she participated in "The Chalkening" movement. Incidents like this relate to the second message that Old Row exhibits.
2. Old Row suggests to not be afraid of the opinions from other people.
We live in a sad world where today people remain scared to share their viewpoints because of the risk of severely hurting someone's feelings. Our United States constitution earned American citizens the right to freedom of speech. Old Row serves as the harbinger for the First Amendment by publicly posting obscene content without suffering major consequences. Why? Old Row does not back down from the hatred thrown in its path. It attempts to imply that you should ignore the heinous remarks and continue to spread your opinions and ideas. The day we sit back in silence because we are worried about offending someone else is the day that human civilization will diminish.
3. Old Row encourages people to live life to the fullest.
There is no denying that Old Row derives a majority of its fame from posting pictures and videos from parties all over the country, and it is perfectly fine if the raging scene is not your style. I do not typically care for wild nights staying out till 4 a.m. since I am constantly consumed with schoolwork. Nonetheless, it is vital to be adventurous and experience what the world has to offer.
4. Old Row hints that it is okay to reflect on the past.
If you have ever scrolled through the Old Row Twitter page, you might have noticed that many of its pictures are of themed functions dating back to the '70s and '80s. This is not to cue that the past will always be greater than the present. Instead, Old Row encourages us to reminisce on the past so that we can improve the present and fabricate a better future.
5. Old Row established a successful merchandise business.
Koozies, cups, t-shirts and more. Old Row has generated a huge profit through selling apparel online along with a myriad of other items. This illustrates the belief that Old Row can contribute something good toward society such as a booming business, rather than updating new tweets every hour. Do not be surprised the next time you venture out into public and the person standing in front of you is wearing a bright colored Old Row shirt.
The Old Row empire is growing, and I am proud to say I am a member of it. Do not let first impressions fool you. Old Row is not trying to belittle or offend anyone. It is merely trying to influence a younger generation of adults in a questionable way. As Old Row states, "make America rad again."
