Issue date: 10/28/09 Section: Opinion

Media Credit: Evan Andrews [Click to enlarge]

The recent YouTube video of four Texas A&M yell leaders singing "The Ding Dong Song" along with the adviser has drawn unnecessary criticism. Both the yell leaders and the adviser have taken responsibility for their actions, but students goofing around before a game does not reflect badly on our University. Texas A&M needs to avoid blowing up this non-event any further, and allow Associate Director of Student Activities Rusty Thompson to continue performing his job.



The lyrics of the song are certainly suggestive, but it is hard to argue that the yell leaders acted inappropriately. No school rules were broken as they videotaped themselves lip-synching and dancing to the music, but as they were in uniform, university officials are concerned about the negative image displayed. The yell leaders and their adviser have already apologized for any damage done to A&M, and appropriately the University has instructed those involved not to talk about touching their "tralalas."



The video should have been resolved with the simple apology, but A&M has muddled the incident by replacing Thompson for the Texas Tech game. Although the adviser made a questionable decision in allowing the recording, dancing along with the students seems like harmless fun on a long trip. Officials say his replacement will not be permanent, but A&M should have simply ignored the incident.



Thompson and the yell leaders were merely trying to entertain themselves, but a Facebook posting turned into a YouTube controversy. And while the humor made be crude, their antics certainly are funny. Had the University simply waited for the incident to blow over, the only negative attention would have come from other Big 12 schools. It would not be the first time another university insulted the masculinity of our yell leaders.



As yell leaders perform the role of cheerleaders at other universities, their sexuality is often called into question by other Big 12 schools. While the video has added fuel for these taunts, A&M has long since acquired a tougher skin. The University never needed to act to protect its image. Most objective observers realize the song was a private joke not intended for a larger audience.



University marketing and communications vice president Jason Cook declined to elaborate on the negative image portrayed, but by leaving the definition of appropriate ambiguous, A&M has only brought more attention to the video. The vague language may allow officials time to come to an appropriate decision, but critics reminded of A&M's conservative past will see Thompson's punishment as institutional discrimination.



While the questionable content should never have been posted online, Texas A&M drew more attention to the video by addressing it. The yell leaders' behavior was motivated by boredom during a long trip, and they have already apologized. Instead of drawing more unwarranted criticism by getting involved, officials should simply reinstate Thompson and wait for the jokes to get old.


Ian McPhail is a junior history major.

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