The Spoof Bezel

The Spoof Bezel was the ultimate result of our active minds.  Often during meetings, we'd think of ridiculous things that most certainly would not go on the actual Brass Rat.  So naturally, it was decided early on in the process that we'd assemble all of the “out-of-the-ordinary” ideas into a fake ring.  Later on we decided that the focus would be on a bezel only, and that we'd present it as a joke during the Premier.

After the actual ring design was completed, I sketched the spoof idea, containing most of our more tasteful concepts.  It was then sent to our artist for an official rendering. 

You know, at one point, I thought the Spoof was too ridiculous to be considered real even for a second.  Would we really put a food truck and a cartoon beaver on our class ring?  But just as you all were surprised when you saw it, we all were blown away when we heard the intense reactions.

The following is the original and unedited text of the Spoof Bezel explanation:

Thus far, the 2008 Brass Rat has been very traditional and classically designed.  To celebrate the unique and changing personality of MIT, it was decided to make our bezel stand apart from the rest of the ring by giving it a more modern touch. 

The background of the bezel is a celebration of our campus.  In addition to famous architectural symbols of West and East, Baker and Stata respectively, we have a food truck on the right, to represent campus cuisine, or lack thereof.  The meal options of Lobdell past and present are shown in the truck windows. 

Hidden in the wheels are a globe and gender symbols.  This characterizes the international status of the institute, as well as equality amongst men and women in science and engineering.  The wheels are connected by an infinity, which is also an 8.

On the left, we have a chainlink fence, a reminder of the Mass Ave construction as well as work being done on Kresge lawn.  Behind the fence, we see a group of tourists, ever present here at MIT, and constantly snapping pictures as we navigate our way to classes.  Hidden in the fence are the words PUNT and TOOL, which characterize the MIT work ethic.

In the sky, there is galaxy, concealing "EIT," an acronym for engineers in training.  Along with the celestial body, we see Haley's Comet, which was present in the year many of us were born.  The comet's tail spells IHTFP, while the head forms 08.  Finally, in the road we see 04 and 08.  This is symbolic of the year we entered the institute, and two years from now, when we will leave it.

The most important component of any Brass Rat is the beaver.  Unlike in past years, the 2008 beaver is seen from his back, showing the prominence of his strong and industrious tail.  As he wears a Brass Rat, he is friendly, symbolizing our fun and one-of-a-kind class.

And no, despite a startling interest, the Spoof Bezel cannot be ordered :-p.

Akil Middleton

2008 Ringcomm Historian