Seeing red

An observation of Nebraska's February

Valentine's day has just passed and all the candy has gone on sale but one thing still remains — the color red. Red is still up everywhere and has invaded different parts of the city, from the hearts and the red glitter, to the signs of love and romance. For most Americans, it should go away sometime soon. 

Unless, of course, you live in Nebraska. The color red in the state of Nebraska is very common. It brands our schools and stores and even can be seen in the evening sky. Union College has kept this tradition by keeping the red when it rebranded. The shade has changed, but the color remains. 

Can we Nebraskan residents ever get away? Where is the variation?

I would say the answer to that question would be no, there is no escape. The main reason is because of the beautiful sunsets that cover the midwestern skies. From the oranges, yellows, and blues to, yes, the red. Why must we see red everywhere? I walk out of class in the afternoon to a beautiful sunset filled with shimmering reds. There is even red brick that surrounds the campus. I didn’t know everything had to be red. From the Ortner Center and Culver Hall, to the Don Love Building,it is literally all red. 

Then it comes to the University of Nebraska, Lincoln. Not only do they get the Cornhusker mascot that wears a big red hat and red flannel, but the entire team is named “Big Red”. You can drive around Lincoln, Nebraska and see license plates that say “GO BIG RED”. Besides that, there are even stores and gift shops named after Big Red. Frankly, I am still confused about what big red is. Is it a scare tactic for other sports teams or is it just a way for fans to band together? I know no matter what happens, the Big Red is staying because there are way too many people with red t-shirts in Lincoln. Whether it's February or not, whether you like the color or not, the red is here.

Valentine’s Day has come and gone. The stores of Target and Super Saver, which also have red logos, were covered in red and shared the love of Valentine’s day with their customers but now it is gone. But Union has got that covered. In every dorm and most every building you can find the bright red of the Union College Warriors. Perhaps it represents the love of God which we strive to share year round. 

But watch out, a sea of St. Patrick’s Day green will soon be here.

By: Gabriel Sanders