is a black bear a rebel?

If you are from the North Mississippi area, then you are well aware of the Ole Miss mascot issue. Today, the internet has been flooded with thoughts on the new mascot that was chosen. If you haven't seen it, then here it is:

In 2003, the University dropped Colonel Reb from appearing at games because he was "offensive". The strange thing is that I can somewhat understand this train of thought. If a southern plantation owner is offensive to African-Americans, that makes sense. But when I saw Colonel Reb as a kid, I never thought of him as a plantation owner. I just thought he was a cool looking old dude with a big head. But whatever. Does he offend you?

Anyway, I think the bear is a stupid idea. Maybe it will rub off on me, I dunno. I'm an Ole Miss fan and have been for my entire life...but honestly, a mascot is the least of their worries. If your football team is lousy, why do you need a mascot?

And now for some amusing tweets/Facebook statuses on the subject (edited for content, not spelling).

@Mitch_Harper: Ole Miss chose a Black Bear as their next mascot instead of Admiral Ackbar? Lame.

@Scoot29 HOW DA **** OLE MISS COME UP WITH A BLACK BEAR 4 A MASCOT ??? IT'S TOO ***ING BLACK BEARS N DA WHOLE STATE !!!

Ricky Murphy The only way to make Rebel Bear ok with me is if they put a real bear on the field like MSU does with Bully.

Mike Poole a black bear. Hotty Toddy? On my way to see Clinton speak, maybe he'll repute the vote as a stupid idea.pid idea.

If the Ackbar tweet doesn't make sense to you, check out this video.

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