Stanford Needs Pirates Again
A recent Stanford Review meeting sparked a debate with the line:
Stanford shouldn’t be the Navy; it should be the Pirates.This phrase highlights the university's core tension between order and openness, procedure and disruption, safety and courage.
The Pirates, symbolizing openness and courage, have faced a significant blow with the loss of their home, the lake. The draining of the lake led to a decline in piracy, which further decreased during Covid. The Navy's increasing dominance has resulted in the loss of independence for the Band, the closure of Greek life, and the shutdown of theme houses, ultimately taming the last remnants of piracy that alumni fondly remember.
Author's summary: Stanford's pirate spirit is dwindling.
- The Navy represents order, procedure, and safety.
- The Pirates represent openness, disruption, and courage.
- The loss of the lake and Covid have contributed to the decline of piracy.