William & Mary's Propaganda Waffles
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

William & Mary's Propaganda Waffles

The sinister meaning behind a common breakfast food

121
William & Mary's Propaganda Waffles
Caroline Hudson-Hale

Breakfast at William & Mary’s Sadler center was for me an affair of meat and potatoes; they were almost staples at home (I was raised on rice, not potatoes, but I like them nonetheless). One day, however, I tried the waffle machine on a whim. After finishing cooking the pastry, I plopped it on a plate and was about to slather it in syrup.

It was then and there I realized that the waffle irons that the cafeteria uses mold the waffle such that in the center of the waffle there is a great big “W&M” logo, much like you see on the College’s promotional material. The ampersand in particular is something that the College prizes; it just feels wrong to anyone who has lived here for long enough to write it without said ampersand.

I was somewhat taken aback. This is more than a little dystopian, Orwellian almost. What sort of soulless bureaucracy would go to the lengths to put its own logo on waffles? It is a permeation that defies most logic; it is a level of effort that I would not expect them to go to given the sheer mundanity of it.

But that is not the only vaguely totalitarian thing in the Sadler Cafeteria. On the coffee machines there is a screen, which defaults to playing footage of the homecoming parade down Richmond Road back in October. Green and gold are everywhere, as are the marchers encouraging devotion to the College, for all its three centuries.

Perhaps I am not the only one to think this but it strikes me as something almost out of North Korea; you almost expect to see missile launchers rolling down the street. Doing such things on public televisions is one thing. Doing such things on coffee machines is a totally different thing altogether. That is a telescreen straight out of 1984. The College’s intentions and sigils have gone all the way down to the food we eat.

By placing a “W&M” on a waffle, the folks in Sodexo and in Blow Hall have made very clear their meaning: that by eating “W&M” you become “W&M.” You become greater than yourself, part of a much greater whole. “W&M” is you, and you are “W&M.” The self is obliterated and subsumed into a greater whole. Self, waffle, College and “W&M” are now metaphorically one, the symbol and the signified being united into one pure green and gold being, all singing proud from hearts that love her, alma mater’s praise.

The waffle is not only a waffle; the waffle is a symbol of the unwavering College that does not waffle about, but rather stays as firm and powerful as the walls of the Wren Building have for centuries. Through its emblazoning on a waffle, “W&M” reminds us that it will last for centuries more.
Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

52145
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

33512
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

956323
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

181218
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments