UL taking time to get it right with Cajuns mascot

[Frenchie35]

waiting for them at Cajun Field.

http://www.thecatholicpriest.com/ima..._alligator.jpg

[Penrod]

Never understood the Cajun Chicken. He had great antics and was a fun character, but a chicken had nothing to do with the university. The Gator is 118 years of tradition in the on-campus swamp and the stadium Swamp. It is a natural, both live animal and costume as shown.

The same with the band name "Pride of Acadiana". Makes sense if we are the University of Acadiana. But, we are the university of the state, not a region within the state where we happen to be located. The Pride of Louisiana is the way to go and eliminate further confusion on who we are with the Acadiana reference. We are LOUISIANA.

The best part of Louisiana is Acadiana, we should never shy away from it, we should revel in it. Where does your argument end - Global University. We're unique, special, rare and the rest of the world gets it more than some of our own.

[Cajunrunner]

Does Pichouette have a Dung Beetle to push her around?

I'm thinking a boudin ball should be our mascot. Or a link of boudin.

[Cajunrunner]

I think Z would make a great mascot. Who could be more loveable?

That old fart?

[Cajunrunner]

If only females, beta males and art students are involved... we are doomed. I said it... and I'll stand behind it.

Great. Now Turbine is going to have to issue an apology because of you.

[Zeebart21]

That old fart?

suck it.

[HoustonCajun]

The best part of Louisiana is Acadiana, we should never shy away from it, we should revel in it. Where does your argument end - Global University. We're unique, special, rare and the rest of the world gets it more than some of our own.

It's about creating a national identity. By your thinking, we should change the name of the university. But, we are not Acadiana University. We are the University of Louisiana. We are finally getting over the LA Laf, Louisiana-Lafayette, U LA LA, etc. etc. references with our LOUISIANA identity. Why further confuse the national public with the Acadiana reference? We are sometimes our own worse enemy. The University of Louisiana, Louisiana Ragin Cajuns, Pride of Louisiana.

[Penrod]

It's about creating a national identity. By your thinking, we should change the name of the university. But, we are not Acadiana University. We are the University of Louisiana. We are finally getting over the LA Laf, Louisiana-Lafayette, U LA LA, etc. etc. references with our LOUISIANA identity. Why further confuse the national public with the Acadiana reference? We are sometimes our own worse enemy. The University of Louisiana, Louisiana Ragin Cajuns, Pride of Louisiana.

None of these are anymore of a national identity. We're not the Ragin Americans. It's location in Lafayette is a strength of our University. I love and support our University and our community. I just don't share in the same name fervor. Never felt a lick of inferiority. Calling ourselves Louisiana may actually confuse the national public even more. Not looking to debate, argue, or belabor the issue. I'm cool with us just disagreeing. I actually think Cayenne was just fine and am amused by how much is being made of this. We just need to pony up for a couple of pepper suits and take care of business. I recall seeing little kids and students taking their picture with Cayenne. I even admired the enthusiasm of the painted tumblers and saw students taking photos with them. Was never sure what the guy or gal in the St Bernard costume was about? Was that McGruff the Crime Dog? But kids even swarmed around it. I believe we're better with a mascot than without, doesn't need to be profound just fun, not offensive, and its success and association with UL begins by simply showing up.

[Turbine]

None of these are anymore of a national identity. We're not the Ragin Americans. It's location in Lafayette is a strength of our University. I love and support our University and our community. I just don't share in the same name fervor. Never felt a lick of inferiority. Calling ourselves Louisiana may actually confuse the national public even more. Not looking to debate, argue, or belabor the issue. I'm cool with us just disagreeing. I actually think Cayenne was just fine and am amused by how much is being made of this. We just need to pony up for a couple of pepper suits and take care of business. I recall seeing little kids and students taking their picture with Cayenne. I even admired the enthusiasm of the painted tumblers and saw students taking photos with them. Was never sure what the guy or gal in the St Bernard costume was about? Was that McGruff the Crime Dog? But kids even swarmed around it. I believe we're better with a mascot than without, doesn't need to be profound just fun, not offensive, and its success and association with UL begins by simply showing up.

A degree from a U that doesn't need to be explained is worth more than if you have to educate your potential employer.

A unified brand goes a long way towards that end.

[ManAboutTown]

None of these are anymore of a national identity. We're not the Ragin Americans. It's location in Lafayette is a strength of our University. I love and support our University and our community. I just don't share in the same name fervor. Never felt a lick of inferiority. Calling ourselves Louisiana may actually confuse the national public even more. Not looking to debate, argue, or belabor the issue. I'm cool with us just disagreeing. I actually think Cayenne was just fine and am amused by how much is being made of this. We just need to pony up for a couple of pepper suits and take care of business. I recall seeing little kids and students taking their picture with Cayenne. I even admired the enthusiasm of the painted tumblers and saw students taking photos with them. Was never sure what the guy or gal in the St Bernard costume was about? Was that McGruff the Crime Dog? But kids even swarmed around it. I believe we're better with a mascot than without, doesn't need to be profound just fun, not offensive, and its success and association with UL begins by simply showing up.

This post is exactly why we are where we are with regard to the name issues. People STILL don't understand the value of a statewide appeal. Ditching the directional "feel" has been imperative for decades. I think the intrinsic value is self evident, but apparently I'm wrong in that belief.

Again, in the age of social media and snark being the populist currency, introducing a whiff of a mascot would be disastrous. (ex, look at the backlash after the Pelicans introduced Pierre the Nightmare Pelican) Mascots don't just entertain kids. Its fodder for nerdy bloggers and offseason insults. We've had our share of that over the years. No thanks.

Also, why did you feel the need to put "not offensive" in your closing remarks? Can't help yourself?