Yeah, I’m done with donations at that point.  I’d move on to  something else and I’ve been giving for years.  The Colonials name is about the folks who fought for freedom against tyranny.  Marvin Center - sure, change the name.  Change the name of the Colonials?  Nope - I’m out.

I agree, if a name change happens, anything related to the Hippo would be horrible. Don't need to be named after a drunken school president buying a statue while antiquing in New England who donated it the school as a tax write-off because his wife wouldn't let him keep it at home.

And good point about why we use the name Colonial. It's the context that matters here. I understand and agree colonists were terrible in many parts of the world and that can create some strong feelings. However, our school name is about those who founded our country and actually fought AGAINST colonial rule. It's not some generic name. We can all acknowledge George Washington owned slaves and many who fought along with him did as well. It's terrible and education and context about our founding fathers is vitally important.

But if a person were to have a problem with the school's nickname in this context they surely have a problem with the name of the university itself being George Washington. There are other options for college if you think the school's name is a problem. It's not like we're named after someone who actively fought to destroy the United States.

If, more like when, the school's name is changed the closest thing I can figure would be the Revolutionaries. I mean our mascot is already George Washington so nothing would have to change except the name itself. Colors and mascot all remain.

BC wrote:

Nobody has changed the name yet.  My preference is for it to stay.  With some sort of acknowledgement that Washington had slaves which he freed when he died.  If we become the Hippos - well my thoughts are better left unsaid.   Can someone start a poll about changing the name?
a) Colonials
b) Hippos
c) Generals
d) Colonels
e) Kernals
f) Foggy Bottoms

BC, I'd like to see the Colonial name remain unchanged. However, if the university decides to change the name, I would understand, because in today's divided country, it seems to me that people are exceptionally passionate about either making massive change or holding on to the past.  I can see both sides. 

If the the Colonials moniker were changed, I think the university should consider forever honoring all the black soldiers who fought for US independence (and their own freedom from slavery). Sadly, US slaves deployment as soldiers has never been a focus in the way American history is taught in the US. 

Maybe the university would consider changing the name to the Atttucks, in honor of the the great Crispus Attucks.  He embodied so many of the values we hold dear as Americans.  Just a thought.    

Last edited by 22ndandF (7/21/2020 9:50 am)

I'd like to see the Colonial name remain unchanged. However, if the university decides to change the name, I would understand, because in today's divided country, it seems to me that people are exceptionally passionate about either making massive change or holding on to the past.  I can see both sides.  

Agree 100%.  Don't want to see the name changed, but rather using this as an opportunity to educate and create awareness.  But I fully expect the name to be changed.

That being said, I am in complete opposition with the rest of the board on the name (if it must be changed). 

Make us the Fighting Hippos.  Or Runnin' Hippos.  The best nicknames and mascots are often inside jokes and humorous. Or come from chants and fight songs.  

Is the Hippos name stupid?  Yes. Absolutely.

Does it have anything to do with George Washington?  No.  It was a punch line to a strange decision by SJT.

Does it matter?  No.

What matters is that it is Is it memorable.  It is brandable.  In its goofiness, it becomes something that can be a positive.  Create a legend around George Washington and hippos.  Whatever.  We've gone to the absurd by changing the name in the first place (assuming that happens).  Let's take advantage of it and stand out in the crowd.

Let's not do the "ordinary" of naming ourselves something safe and boring.  Let's be goofy as shit and have some fun with it, if we must change our name.  
 

BGF, I will bite.  Why must it be changed?

In all of my years on campus, as both a student and a season ticket holder, I have yet to have a conversation where anyone expressed anger, hurt feelings, or disappointment about this moniker.  I had several friends who were international students, nary a word.

My mind is open about this.  If Colonials is offensive, I'd like to know precisely why this is.  I read ColonialNY's post and am in agreement.  George Washington fought against Colonial rule.  Is this inaccurate?

George Washington was a slave owner as well as the Father of our country and our first president.  If you don't want to glorify the man and feel the university's name should be changed,  I can't say I agree with this either but at least I clearly comprehend this point of view.

Most polls indicated that 90%+ of Native Americans had no objection to the Redskin nickname.  Nevertheless, this one is easy to understand.  If it's genuinely offensive to even a handful, change it.

I can't put Colonials in this same category, at least not yet.  If anyone can explain to me why anyone would genuinely be offended by the name Colonials, please let me know.  Am not trying to be a smart aleck about this; I can definitely use the education.

There is a school of thought which has been alluded to on this thread.  2020 has been filled with protesters and as FredD puts very well, "cultural hot button issues."  Nobody ought to be interested in change for the sake of change.  Or because it's timely, or cool, or anything along these lines.  If there are real, legitimate issues for why Colonials should be changed (again, not George Washington, am referring to Colonials), they should be articulated and carefully considered.  My barometer is a simple one...are people genuinely offended, and if so, why?   

 

Last edited by Gwmayhem (7/21/2020 11:22 am)

1. Who cares
2. How many times do we need the same exact thread

 

I have a degree in History from GW. And I am outraged that people would even consider the name change to placate people who are just plain ignorant of what  Colonials stands for in relation to the this university. People who are Not alumni should not have the power to change things at my university, If the Administration (who are probably Not alumni) will give into ignorant, misinformed protestors I'm with JP.  Let the Administration find donations from the people who want the change. In most cases those students who want the change will not give a dime to the University after they graduate, if they do graduate.  

Personally:

I've long been open to changing the nickname, but for different reasons from the campaign. Like many, I've thought Colonials never made sense as a nickname -- with George Washington having led efforts to make a population not be colonized.

Hippo is a particularly awful nickname. Let's go with Generals and call it a day. I don't care one bit about the Washington Generals/Harlem Globetrotters aspect. We can keep branding the same.

Also open to other thematic monikers.

Dr. Mike I’ve been through multiple iterations of season ticket holder “perks” including the AD Club private room to get hot dogs and popcorn where the Champions Club evolved as well as the little brown goodie bags delivered to our seats (btw, seats that were guaranteed to us in perpetuity for renewing our ST’s after the 1-27 season). Not to worry, your buddy SD protects your legacy, if not your golf game.

Liked the suggestion to refer to us as the Buffs.  I would get behind that, but again I believe we should keep Colonials.