12th Man losing its identity?

[MarylandAG]

I think we can all agree that the 12th man is one of A&M most hallowed traditions, so I wonder with the Seattle thing and others that have happened in the recent past, maybe something with Yahoo if memory serves if we have not protected this enough.

I was reminded of this this mornining. I usually commute on the train but this morning I drove in and stopped at Burger King for breakfast, I asked for it to go and get it in a bag, of course. Here is what is written on the bag

Most Valuable Bag

In football, the "twelfth man" is a crowd that helps a team to victory through cheer. This bag, emblazoned with a #12 on its bottom, is like the twelfth man of your lunch. Because while you can't actually eat it, the meal you are about to enjoy wouldn't be possible without this MVB

So I wonder what most people think, not specifically this bag but what they think about how A&M protects its trademarks. Should they be more protective? Would they look silly if they went after Burger King for example in the case of this bag? Should they not worry about it and move on?

Posting this mostly out of curiousity to see what people think. When I was in school late 80's early 90's, if you uttered the phrase 12th man, it was automatic to think Texas A&M University, now I'm not so sure that is the case, so what are everyone's thoughts.

[aggie1997]

I don't really care what other people do in regards to the 12th Man. I know where it lives and what it means. The true 12th Man follows the Aggies wherever they are playing. If you don't think it is a living, breathing thing, then show up at Kyle on t+1.

[Stobie]

I think we have ourselves to blame (student body). As much as I hate to admit for one after the bonfire some of the aura seemed to have died. But I think the fact that traditions are starting to fade seems to be the main cause. Less focus on tradition and military school and moving towards a normal university.

We the student body, are the ones that can change this but will we?

[Gravy]

Good post Stobie :rep:

[jagowar]

I think we have ourselves to blame (student body). As much as I hate to admit for one after the bonfire some of the aura seemed to have died. But I think the fact that traditions are starting to fade seems to be the main cause. Less focus on tradition and military school and moving towards a normal university.

We the student body, are the ones that can change this but will we?
the administration is also partly to blame but the biggest thing imo is the whole pc revolution going around the country where somebody is always suing somebody for some inane reason. its to a point now where you cant do anything to build friendships with your fellow students. (short of official functions)

no cut/bonfire, dorm tricks/games, the pranks between aggies and sips, etc. its also because we are trying to become a more accomplished university and are actively trying to recruit more minorities. and some of them buy into the whole aggie spirit thing but most of them are only here for the piece of paper.

[whitelightnin_23]

Boycott burger king...it makes you fat anyways! ;)

MDag...I agree...if the sips can sue over a shirt...we can sue for the rights of the 12th man...

Wasn't the Seattle thing over "Home of the 12th Man"??? or am I mistaken?

Pat Riley owns the rights to "3 peat"...no one can use this term for financial gain w/o his permission...smart dude.

I'm not sure we'd have a case...I don't see them as using this for "financial gain" but more of a "random fact" kind of bag...

[Pumchavas28]

Sue Em All!!!!!!!!

or Sue Em OFF!!!!!

[Stobie]

the administration is also partly to blame but the biggest thing imo is the whole pc revolution going around the country where somebody is always suing somebody for some inane reason. its to a point now where you cant do anything to build friendships with your fellow students. (short of official functions)

no cut/bonfire, dorm tricks/games, the pranks between aggies and sips, etc. its also because we are trying to become a more accomplished university and are actively trying to recruit more minorities. and some of them buy into the whole aggie spirit thing but most of them are only here for the piece of paper.

Agreed its it blame in the whole part. Kudos for those who kept bonfire alive! I agree with the whole concept of make a credible university on scholastics but instead of lowering standards (not saying by the people) but by focusing on other than tradition why dont we raise the bar. Keep the traditions alive and strong and expect students of Texas A&M University to excell in academics while maintaining all the other stuff we have to do. When it is all said and done at the end of the day, you will never regret doing it but IMO you will regret not doing it.

[Mezentius]

If you're from the outside you can't understand it...If you're on the inside you can't explain it.:gig:

[s_murph12]

Also blame the administration for turning the 12th Man trademark into a money making gimmick. Let's face it, the 12th Man lost some of it's glory when we allowed the Seahawks to use it. We also allow the Bills and the Bears to use it for a fee. We shouldn't allow anybody to use it because it's our thing. What are we going to do if some other team comes out and says their fans are the 12th Man? Are we going to allow them to use it too?

[Burnetaggie99]

Students hold the future of Texas A&M. So if we are to get back to the Old Army way then the students need to make sure they take care of their part. Show up to all home games and yell reguardless.

[Stobie]

I pray that Kyle field will never be sold out! I think thousands of Ags would agree!

[Vlyrock]

Stobie -- I think you mean the name sold (I hope we sell it out -- that crowd would be loud!). :)

[Stobie]

Yah now that I think of it, that is a rather wrongly chosen word....

LETS SEE KYLE SOLD OUT!!!

GO 12th man GO 23 Hours and some odd minutes and counting.... I cant sleep tonight... better get drunk then!