http://www.wilmingtonstar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?Site=WM&Date=20030307&Category=NEWS&ArtNo=303070338&Ref=AR&Profile=1005&SectionCat=sport
Some ask where did 'Cotton Eye Joe' go?
UNCW yanks song after complaints of racism
By Victoria Rouch
Staff Writer
victoria.rouch@wilmingtonstar.com
Even as the UNCW officials prepare to roll out the welcome mat for the controversial rapper Ludacris, they are slamming the door in the face of Cotton Eye Joe.
For the past three years, a modern-day version of the old minstrel song has been played at University of North Carolina at Wilmington basketball games.
But that changed last month after a university trustee complained that the original song contained references to slavery.
"There are some very derogatory lyrics in the oldest version of the song that make reference to the ownership of a black man," said Trustee Linda Upperman Smith.
Director of Seahawks Sports Marketing Rob Brickels said the popular rap version of Cotton Eye Joe – performed by a group called Rednex – was part of a play list downloaded from an online CD called ESPN Jock Jams. After the university received the complaint, the song was dropped from the play list.
While Ms. Smith said the Rednex version also contained references to the ownership of a black man, an Internet search of the song's lyrics found no such reference.
But Melton McLaurin, associate vice chancellor for academic affairs, said because of its minstrel roots, even a modern remake of the old song could offend African-Americans.
Dr. McLaurin, a history professor who specializes in the history of the American South and race relations, co-chairs the university's task force on diversity along with Michelle Howard-Vital, the university's vice chancellor for public service and continuing studies.
Dr. McLaurin said the origins of minstrel music – which can be traced back to the pre-Civil War era – often included artists performing in blackface who sang songs that demeaned blacks.
"These tunes that were derogatory of blacks were part of the heritage of white America, particularly in the South," he said. "The cultural reverberations are out there, and it makes people uncomfortable."
Dr. Howard-Vital agrees that the song should not be performed at school athletic functions, even though she said she hasn't read the lyrics.
"I believe the origin of the song is disturbing to some on campus," she said. "The earlier lyrics were definitely offensive to persons of color."
But while Dr. McLaurin and Dr. Howard-Vital object to Cotton Eye Joe being played on campus, they don't extend the same objections to the upcoming performance by rapper Ludacris because the invitation to the artist was part of a student-led initiative.
The decision by the Association for Campus Entertainment to bring the rapper to UNCW for a March 29 concert recently came under fire from some campus feminists and blacks opposed to the artist's lyrics, which include racial slurs and references to violence against women.
The rapper and his opening act – Petey Pablo – will be paid $120,000 for the performance and related expenses – half of which will come from student fees.
"Even though I'm not a fan of Ludacris, I respect the artist," said Dr. Howard-Vital. "I don't object to his coming here because the university is a place to exchange a variety of ideas."
When asked why that variety of ideas couldn't include Cotton Eye Joe, Dr. Howard-Vital said the issue was too complex to explain.
"There may be a difference because of the history of the genre," she said. "Rap is more contemporary."
Dr. McLaurin said for him the distinction lies in who is endorsing the music. He said he personally wouldn't attend a Ludacris concert but believes it should be allowed because the students want it. But he said playing Cotton Eye Joe was a decision made by the university and should be stopped in the interest of diversity.
Ms. Upperman Smith said for her, there is no distinction. She said she doesn't think Ludacris should be allowed to perform either.
But Mike Adams, a UNCW political science professor, said the Ludacris – Cotton Eye Joe debate highlights what he sees as a larger problem.
"Political correctness has run amok in the public university system," he said. "The more we celebrate diversity the more the various groups are fighting. We are spending tax dollars to create division. The diversity task force should dismantle the diversity movement before we start killing each other."
Victoria Rouch: 343-2315
victoria.rouch@wilmingtonstar.com
‘COTTON EYE JOE’ LYRICS (REDNEX VERSION)
Chorus:
If it hadn’t been for Cotton Eye Joe,
I’d been married long time ago
Where did you come from, where did you go
Where did you come from, Cotton Eye Joe
He came to town like a midwinter storm,
He rode through the fields so handsome and strong.
His eyes were his tools and his smile was his gun,
But all he was come for was having some fun.
He brought disaster wherever he went,
The hearts of the girls were to hell broken sent.
They all ran away, so nobody would know
And left only men cause of Cotton Eye Joe.
Some ask where did 'Cotton Eye Joe' go?
UNCW yanks song after complaints of racism
By Victoria Rouch
Staff Writer
victoria.rouch@wilmingtonstar.com
Even as the UNCW officials prepare to roll out the welcome mat for the controversial rapper Ludacris, they are slamming the door in the face of Cotton Eye Joe.
For the past three years, a modern-day version of the old minstrel song has been played at University of North Carolina at Wilmington basketball games.
But that changed last month after a university trustee complained that the original song contained references to slavery.
"There are some very derogatory lyrics in the oldest version of the song that make reference to the ownership of a black man," said Trustee Linda Upperman Smith.
Director of Seahawks Sports Marketing Rob Brickels said the popular rap version of Cotton Eye Joe – performed by a group called Rednex – was part of a play list downloaded from an online CD called ESPN Jock Jams. After the university received the complaint, the song was dropped from the play list.
While Ms. Smith said the Rednex version also contained references to the ownership of a black man, an Internet search of the song's lyrics found no such reference.
But Melton McLaurin, associate vice chancellor for academic affairs, said because of its minstrel roots, even a modern remake of the old song could offend African-Americans.
Dr. McLaurin, a history professor who specializes in the history of the American South and race relations, co-chairs the university's task force on diversity along with Michelle Howard-Vital, the university's vice chancellor for public service and continuing studies.
Dr. McLaurin said the origins of minstrel music – which can be traced back to the pre-Civil War era – often included artists performing in blackface who sang songs that demeaned blacks.
"These tunes that were derogatory of blacks were part of the heritage of white America, particularly in the South," he said. "The cultural reverberations are out there, and it makes people uncomfortable."
Dr. Howard-Vital agrees that the song should not be performed at school athletic functions, even though she said she hasn't read the lyrics.
"I believe the origin of the song is disturbing to some on campus," she said. "The earlier lyrics were definitely offensive to persons of color."
But while Dr. McLaurin and Dr. Howard-Vital object to Cotton Eye Joe being played on campus, they don't extend the same objections to the upcoming performance by rapper Ludacris because the invitation to the artist was part of a student-led initiative.
The decision by the Association for Campus Entertainment to bring the rapper to UNCW for a March 29 concert recently came under fire from some campus feminists and blacks opposed to the artist's lyrics, which include racial slurs and references to violence against women.
The rapper and his opening act – Petey Pablo – will be paid $120,000 for the performance and related expenses – half of which will come from student fees.
"Even though I'm not a fan of Ludacris, I respect the artist," said Dr. Howard-Vital. "I don't object to his coming here because the university is a place to exchange a variety of ideas."
When asked why that variety of ideas couldn't include Cotton Eye Joe, Dr. Howard-Vital said the issue was too complex to explain.
"There may be a difference because of the history of the genre," she said. "Rap is more contemporary."
Dr. McLaurin said for him the distinction lies in who is endorsing the music. He said he personally wouldn't attend a Ludacris concert but believes it should be allowed because the students want it. But he said playing Cotton Eye Joe was a decision made by the university and should be stopped in the interest of diversity.
Ms. Upperman Smith said for her, there is no distinction. She said she doesn't think Ludacris should be allowed to perform either.
But Mike Adams, a UNCW political science professor, said the Ludacris – Cotton Eye Joe debate highlights what he sees as a larger problem.
"Political correctness has run amok in the public university system," he said. "The more we celebrate diversity the more the various groups are fighting. We are spending tax dollars to create division. The diversity task force should dismantle the diversity movement before we start killing each other."
Victoria Rouch: 343-2315
victoria.rouch@wilmingtonstar.com
‘COTTON EYE JOE’ LYRICS (REDNEX VERSION)
Chorus:
If it hadn’t been for Cotton Eye Joe,
I’d been married long time ago
Where did you come from, where did you go
Where did you come from, Cotton Eye Joe
He came to town like a midwinter storm,
He rode through the fields so handsome and strong.
His eyes were his tools and his smile was his gun,
But all he was come for was having some fun.
He brought disaster wherever he went,
The hearts of the girls were to hell broken sent.
They all ran away, so nobody would know
And left only men cause of Cotton Eye Joe.