University of Virginia Library

'Dixie'

I am writing in protest to the
motion passed this week by the
Student Council urging that the
University Band discontinue the
playing of "Dixie." First, I feel that
it is presumptuous to assume that
this song is a symbolically racist
song. I am willing to agree that
"Dixie" is often sung by racists,
and is for them symbolic of their
racism, and for this reason I
sympathize with the black students
of the University for their dislike of
the song. However, I do not think
that the aversion these students
have for "Dixie" should be allowed
to prevent the playing of a song
which a great many students enjoy
at football and basketball games. I
enjoy "Dixie" and I don't consider
myself a racist. I participated in the
two demonstrations last week, but I
object to being denied the pleasure
of hearing "Dixie" here at the
University merely because one
group of students finds it objectionable.

Secondly, "Dixie" can only be
an effective symbol of racism as
long as those that play and sing it
retain a racist attitude. As Mr.
Roebuck said, the words of the
song are not of themselves objectionable.
The racism attributed to
the song can only be present in an
atmosphere of racism. Therefore, I
feel that any racist overtones that
may be gathered by the playing of
"Dixie" at the University are the
result of a traditionally racist
atmosphere here, and have nothing
to do with the song itself. It seems
that the Student Council is trying
to gloss over this atmosphere and
present a rosy picture for Negro
applicants by doing away with one
of the more harmless and enjoyable
traditions at the University.

Finally, I object to any group in
authority here at the University,
whether it be the administration or
the Student Council, that will
attempt to restrict what I may say
(or sing) or hear as a student at the
University.