First World Problems
(ABC 6) After more than a century of singing “I’m a Utah Man,” some say it’s time to update the University of Utah’s 1904 fight song.
Proposals to adjust such lyrics as “I’m a Utah man” and “our coeds are the fairest” have spiked emotions on campus in recent weeks.
Critics say the lyrics are sexist. Others contend that the current refrain honors tradition and has sentimental value for classes of alumni. Similar debates have popped up at schools across the country.
At the University of Utah, President David Pershing is asking the Office of Student Affairs to put together a committee that will weigh changes to the song, “Utah Man” after student government leaders and a faculty body passed resolutions urging the changes.
Is it actually sexist? Let’s see the first bit
I am a Utah man, sir, and I live across the green.
Our gang, it is the jolliest that you have ever seen.
Our coeds are the fairest and each one’s a shining star.
Our yell, you hear it ringing through the mountains near and far.
It is a bit heavy on the “I’m a Utah man”, but, seriously, calling Utah women the fairest, a freaking complement, is now sexist? First World Problem, and part of what Robert D. Raiford calls “The United States Of The Offended”.
Also, one has to wonder how many actually know the lyrics. Or really care. They hear some music during games. Does anyone sing the lyrics? Anyhow, people need to lighten up, but, then, First World Problem, where some people have to have little freakouts.
