First, let me start by saying that I love the University of Virginia. The day I got my acceptance letter, I was beyond thrilled. I have loved the past year and a half that I have spent here in the wonderful city of Charlottesville. For the most part, I have only good things to say about this university, but there is one thing that makes me so ashamed to be a ‘Hoo.
The first football game I attended, I was so excited to feel the school spirit and to be a part of the huge number of fans there to support our dear Cavaliers. After the first touchdown, in UVA fashion, we joined together and started to sing the Good Old Song. As I’m sure many of you know, some fans like to make additions after the line “Where all is bright and gay.” For a long time, “Not gay!” was the go-to. However, calls to end this homophobic chant led to its replacement with “F*** Tech!” But really, is that any better? Many would argue that it’s not.
The University of Virginia’s mission statement says, in part, that it “serves the Commonwealth of Virginia, the nation, and the world by developing responsible citizen leaders and professionals.” Furthermore, it goes on to say that our university is defined by our “distinctive foundational values of honor, integrity, trust, and respect.” I would be hesitant to say that this type of behavior at a sporting event shows our leadership potential or our professionalism as a student body. Nor would I call this disgusting tradition “honorable” or “respectful” in any sense.
Football games at the University of Virginia bring back alumni and their families. There are often young children sporting their child-sized UVA jerseys or orange and blue bows in their hair. What kind of example are we setting for these little ‘Hoos when we chant this offensive phrase? Is this the kind of leadership the UVA mission statement was referring to? I really doubt it.
I understand the rivalry between UVA and Tech. I understand that this rivalry is a tradition, and that in some ways, coming together against a common “enemy” can bring our student body closer together. However, there are other ways to do this—ways that do not involve offensive chants at a family-friendly sporting event that doesn’t even involve the “enemy” we are chanting against. Showing support by coming to games, cheering for our teams, getting loud and pushing our ‘Hoos to victory—these are all perfectly respectful ways to support our school in this rivalry.
Here at UVA, we pride ourselves on being an elite university with a student body characterized by honor and respect, not just in the classroom, but in everything we do. These values are tarnished when we partake in this horrible tradition, and it is our responsibility to stop it. Share this article. Tell your friends. Let’s bring back the Good Old Song the way it was meant to be sung—with pride and love for our school, not hatred for another.
‘Hoos with me?
