The History of School Mascots

What unites a school? Location? People? How about mascots? Every person, sometime in their life, has experienced a school mascot. It may have been during high school, college, or even professional sports. You probably even have a favorite, but why are mascots important? Why do mascots give us that since of pride and belonging?

According to Ruth Alexander, Professor at the University of Florida, the history, of the school mascot, began in early intercollegiate sports. Schools needed a way to set apart their school, develop an air of uniqueness. The very first mascots appear at Ivy League schools, such as Yale, Harvard, and Brown. Cavemen used masks and costumes to gather strength for hunts and battles. The transition to the sports was only natural. The phenomenon grew and schools mascots quickly became household names and proud identifiers. The mascot signifies a proud heritage and continual identification by students well past graduation, embodying the spirit of the school.

The importance of mascots cannot be understated, yet are best described by the benefits afforded to the institutions. School mascots generate excitement and energize school spirit, motivating the student body. The mascot is an incentive for student participation and involvement, fostering a sense of unity and pride. A mascot creates awareness and recognition, even putting previously unknowns in the spotlight. Other benefits include:

• Provides a familiar rallying point for the school, parents, and community.
• Stands as a symbol of award and appreciation.
• Gives students a feeling of belonging and helps brand your school as a winner
• Generates goodwill for the school
• Reminds students to never give up when the “chips are down”

Mascots come in many different varieties, ranging from the ordinary to the extraordinary. Cowboys, Lions, and Colts are just some of the most common. Others get their names from colors: Big Blue, Big Red, or Big Green. Sometimes uniqueness takes over and we ask “what were they thinking?” How about Banana Slugs, Ephs, Horned Frogs, or Wonder Boys? You will probably have your own opinion, but according to the Fox Sports, the top five college recognizable mascots are:

1. Buffaloes – University of Colorado (Ralphie)
2. Bulldogs – University of Georgia
3. Longhorns – University of Texas (Bevo)
4. Eagles – Auburn (Thunder)
5. Sooners – University of Oklahoma

Unfortunately, mascots sometime unintentionally offend portions of society. Indigenous mascots such as Braves, Redskins, and the like spark backlash, in today’s politically correctness. The American Psychological Association finds the use of Indian Mascots in an academic setting (High school/University) creates and unwelcoming and hostile learning environment for American Indian students and continues to perpetuate stereotypes and undermine their self-esteem.”(University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire) How we handle important issues defines our society.

Long after we leave a school, whether high school or college, we give our support. The mascot plays a big part in helping us maintain our roots. It reminds of what was good and spawns memories of years gone by. The times when we were cheerleaders, football players, band members, or just fans in the stands. Not everyone becomes famous, but it unites us as a collective. We support our schools with fandom unsurpassed. If someone rips on your team, then they better watch out because the protective side of us jumps into action. Look in your closet. You probably have an old jersey or even a t-shirt, something with the mascot you so fondly remember. So think back, remember, and smile.

Sources:

Michael Ojibway, “Understanding the Ethical Implications of Indian Mascots”, University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire, http://www.uwec.edu/ais/Mascot%20Ethics%20Website/Education.html

Ruth Alexander, Journal of Legal Aspects, Hein Online, http://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=info:gNPwfOrHq8wJ:scholar.google.com/&output;=viewport&pg;=1&hl;=en

Smargon.net, http://www.smargon.net/nicknames/Pete Fiutak, Fox Sports, http://msn.foxsports.com/cfb/story/6149922