Blessing Kyle Field - September 2, 2022 

Great new tradition!

The song "Power" (@Texas A&M Univ.) is played as the football team entrance piece just prior to kick-off for the AGGIES at Kyle Field. Some are claiming.."yeah, it's racially slurred and profane, but we don't sing the lyrics"- "It's just an instrumental". Others, "We play the clean version"....do what? If not for those horrendous lyrics, this song never would have existed. I suppose a posted/announced disclaimer at Kyle Field is in order? It's saddening and confusing the lengths some people will take to try and justify the existence of something that reflects so poorly on TX A&M. One of the chief obstacles to progressive change here is the fact that so few Aggies are even aware of the lyrics. That will change. What if the song contained lyrics promoting cop killing? Or encouraged the resumption of slavery? Or the abuse of children? The dissemination of AR15's? Would an "instrumental version" remain acceptable and appropriate knowing full well what those lyrics are? Are there any lines that can't be crossed today? Based on the former OU coach who recently resigned and the backlash created by the spectator at a BYU volleyball game, the data suggests there are. Musician Morgan Wallen was barred from the ACM award function just last year for using a racial slur. Recognize, trust and believe the data. Some things are just not acceptable. Others have suggested it's OK for a person of color to use these shameful and hurtful slurs and others can't...is this not racist in itself? Think long and hard about that one. That's a confusing and dangerous road to take. It's not OK. Learning to respect yourself might make respecting others an easier choice. I wonder what Dr. King's thoughts would be on this notion? Regardless, the extreme profanity with MF-bombs, references to sexual acts and organs in the song's lyrics should make the decision an easy one. Yeah, it's chocked full of beneficial goodness. The selection of such a crude song is very perplexing. At best. It's tradition now, but does that make it any less toxic and inappropriate? Google the lyrics...you'll be shocked. A state supported institution no less... One that prides itself on producing leaders.. Are $$$ and wins the priority here over common decency? Perhaps there wasn't an over-riding scheme/intent behind the decision maker's selection. If there was, the selection of this song in particular is somewhat distressing. Regardless of its popularity. We are better than this. \Our core values.....are some departments exempt perhaps? The AGGIE CODE of HONOR: "Is an effort to unify the aims of all Texas A&M men and women toward a high code of ethics and personal dignity ". Do we have a somewhat disturbing disconnect here? Are you a parent? Need to walk the talk IMO. Would there be any negative consequences if another song, lyrically devoid of racial slurs and profanity was chosen as a replacement? A&M has an optimal opportunity here at becoming part of the answer, not the problem. Our team and fans deserve better. Gigem