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.
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?
We will never find a better mascot for the University of Louisiana Cajuns than a Catahoula.
Official State dog further strengthens our marketing initiative as Louisiana.
The story of the Cataholua reads like the story of Louisiana.
It has a history of hunting big game in the Swamps and backwoods of Louisiana along side our ancestors.
Kids love dogs. Chicks love dogs. Alpha and Beta males love dogs.
And, it will never be confused with the mascot of any other FBS university.
UT Vols - Dog
TAMU Aggies - Dog
UL Cajuns - Dog
This should have been done 20 years ago.
This has never been an issue with our University. I think much of the worry is self loathing. Pride of Acadiana is superb! Even Bane of Baton Rouge is a preferable moniker! We're the best of Louisiana. You're just a little insecure. You've been brainwashe by the corporate branding crap. This too shall pass. Much like giving kudos.
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