"Rebel" Without a Pause
My experience with the campus of the University of Mississippi aka "Ole Miss".
Mr. R.I.O.T.
Issue date: 3/5/08 Section: Expressions
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After one five minute visit I can tell you where the auditorium and the campus counseling center are located. I'm not sure if we have a "campus counseling center."
It is not only the campus that is productive and full of life, but the town of Oxford is thriving. As I drove down one of its many busy streets I took note of the many businesses and industries. There were bookstores, grocery stores, gas stations, hotels and motels, laundry mats, tourism agencies, and countless restaurants. The students of Ole Miss don't have to drive 50 miles to the nearest Wal-Mart or to see a movie.
Then it hit me; they don't but we do. Why? We have the capitol, and the land to make Lorman into a true college town. Why have we exiled ourselves into seclusion? Why is there nothing between the seven miles of this campus and highway 61? Why is only a percentage of the 1,700 acres of this campus being used? Why, Mr. President? Please tell me.
In this country capitalism rules. The belief that business and competition stimulate an economy has survived in this country since its birth. We must take advantage of this capitalistic ideology. Prosperity, growth and development can only be attained through business. Create a service that people need. The people come to the service. The more people you have, the more diverse services they need, thus producing a demand for more services.
Picture this. Establish a business, people invest, then people move closer to their investments. Housing is built, more businesses come to the area because the increase of people. Do you follow me?
If we could get some businesses in the area, preferably a bank or grocery store, or maybe a Dollar General or even a Mc Donald's, anything, then we would be on the path to prosperity. Alcorn is beautiful! Make some nature preserves, parks, or even a water park. Set up a tourist attraction that explores the life of Native American tribes that once lived in the area, such as the Choctaw, Chickasaw and the Natchez.
Make use of this land. Make use of capitalism. Make use of our desire to grow and prosper.
Make me into a proud Alcorn Brave instead of the pitiful savage isolation has made me. RIOT!
Viewing Comments 1 - 4 of 5
M. Williams
posted 3/04/08 @ 5:35 AM CST
If you so unhappy with Alcorn why in heaven's name did you choose it? Really! Sounds to me you want to attend Ole Miss. Now I am not saying there is not room for improvement at Alcorn. (Continued…)
E. Crisp
posted 3/05/08 @ 10:15 AM CST
I think this is a major problem that exists for Alcorn. The resistance to "move on" is the major issue. I'm sure Ole Miss didn't always have the commerce that they have now, but the Ole Miss family realized the need to grow with society. (Continued…)
A. Gilmore
posted 3/06/08 @ 11:53 AM CST
As an alcorn alumni, I understand this article. I too, had the same questions during my matriculation at Alcorn. But one thing I did do whilst I was there, I searched for the answer. (Continued…)
C.Steele
posted 3/17/08 @ 10:46 AM CST
I understand your thoughts but THIS, the President cannot do alone! He will need time and money and history shows from the Ayer's case that Mississippi HBCU's have gotten the short end of the stick so naturally it will take years for Alcorn to look like the present OLE MISS but yes I do agree that we must capitalize, NOW!!In the words of Barack YES WE CAN!
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