Ah the Oreo, a staple of Villanova's campus. However, I personally think, we need to change how we look at this piece of art and start calling it by its real name. Awakening, by Jay Dugan. Here are 5 reasons why I think it is time for us to call it how it actually is.
1. Out of respect for Jay Dugan
That's right Nova, we have been idolizing the wrong Jay. Sculptor Jay Dugan put in some hard work to give such beauty to this campus. Dedicating the statue in 1985, he poured over 500 hours into creating this sculpture, and we have the audacity to refer to it as a mere cookie? This nickname has detracted from the hard work Jay Dugan put it. I bet most students don't even know that Jay Dugan has more than one sculpture on campus. If anyone has paid attention to the statue on the bottom floor of Connelly in the area with all the greenery, you would notice that it is called Cosmos by Jay Dugan. That is just a little-known fact about the immense influence Dugan has on campus. It's time to put some respect on his name.
2. Legal Issues
Guys, I know that it seems unlikely for Nabisco to try and sue Villanova for calling "Awakening" by the name of their product, but it isn't impossible. I know that personally, I would rather play it safe then be sorry later. If we ever get sued by Nabisco, this already expensive school will likely ask for even MORE money, and I know that is something I don't want. We have gotten away with this for too long, it is time to realize that our actions may catch up to us.
3. It perpetuates the obesity issue in our country
It seems far-fetched, but every little thing adds to this problem. Calling this statue "The Oreo" triggers hormones in our body that in turn secretes neurotransmitters that activate the hippocampus, which is one part of the brain that is involved in cravings. Essentially, hearing the word Oreo thrown around so often causes us to subconsciously crave sweets. In fact, it makes us crave a lot of them because when we think Oreo, we are thinking of a big statue which translates to a big cookie causing big cravings. I know that seems very roundabout, but trust me. I got a 4 on AP Psych, I know this stuff.
4. It's less inspiring.
Just think about it. Awakening. What do you think of when you think of hear that word? Beauty, sunrises, a new beginning, Jay Dugan? All beautiful things. What do you think of when you think of Oreos? Me, I think of calories, saturated fats, and a lack of self-control. I enjoy the treat as much as the next guy, but it is simply outrageous to take away the beauty of this name. Why do we do it anyway? It literally saves no time. "The Oreo" and "Awakening" have the same amount of syllables. Just something to think about next time you go around using the term willy nilly.
5. It doesn't look like an Oreo
What does Awakening and an Oreo have in common? They both have circles, they are both black and white. That's it... Really? How do you look at that beautiful array of pylons made of black North African marble and white Italian travertine and think it looks like 2 cookies with cream in the middle? It isn't even the right order to resemble to, and most of the pylons aren't even complete circles. To each their own I suppose, but I simply do not see an Oreo in that beautiful sculpture.
There you have it folks, 5 legitimate, totally factual, totally objective reasons to refer to that beautiful statue on our campus as "Awakening" instead of "The Oreo". I hope you all had your eyes opened to the truth. Most of all, I hope we can all agree that yes, it is indeed time for this change, and I hope you all welcome it on our campus. Thank you.
