The 'Who' behind "Who Dat"

In a previous post, I lamented the use of the word "Negro" on the United States census. There are countless examples of words like this--words that can be traced back to racial stereotyping and discrimination. But after reading Hollis Robbins' essay on the origins of the New Orleans Saints' slogan, I know "Who Dat" isn't like the rest.

"Who Dat" has its beginnings in black poetry and entertainment. African American poet Paul Laurence Dunbar used the phrase in his 1895 poem "When Malindy Sings." At the time, Robbins writes, "the idea behind writing dialect was that the language evoked the real speech of the folk population."

Dunbar would later team up with African-American composer Will Marion Cook to write lyrics for a Broadway show. The all-black cast, a feat in itself in 1898, was a big hit. Not only did it draw in audiences, but it proved black musicians and writers to be savvy business people.

Opponents to "Who Dat" cite its use in minstrel shows. Others say the use of dialect in song and poetry portrayed African Americans as dumb or inferior. I urge these people to look not at the use of the phrase in its most harmful context but its overall use throughout history.

With its origins in African American poetry and song, "Who Dat" is no more harmful than "Hijo" or "Ese," commonly used in Hispanic households as a term of endearment. To be sure, mass media could manipulate these terms to belittle the groups to which they refer, but these words are not intended for that purpose. Unlike "Negro," which began as a socially constructed marker designed to promote racial hierarchy, "Who Dat" has roots in black empowerment and success.

Sports slogans and mascots are often attacked for their racial undertones, and many teams and groups alter or change their slogans to placate the public. I am not arguing that these changes are a bad idea by any means. The Washington Redskins? Awful. The Cleveland Indians, with their smiley, red-faced mascot? Deplorable. But "Who Dat?" Historically, and even today as the downtrodden city of New Orleans celebrates its Super Bowl win, these words evoke camaraderie and celebration of success.

Click here for more "Who Dat" history.

Photo Credit: TVByTheNumbers.com