Mais la. The “woke” thing is completely out of left field lol. Nothing about Al has to do with race. That’s all I’m going to address to that.
In regards to the name, I’ve stated on multiple platforms that I’m fine with the final version of Al having a different name. The things can’t change about him is, that’s he is specifically an albino alligator, and his colors. He has to always be white with vermilion eyes. His clothes can be different. His hat too.
That’s the charm of this campaign. I’m not forcing Al on anybody. I’m not some big marketing firm that says their design is perfect and the fans have to like it. That was Cayenne. I’m actively listening to people’s opinions. The school didn’t care to do that before. I’m presenting what I feel is the best foot forward for the university. A lot of people agree with what I’m presenting. That’s why he is getting so much traction.
No matter the choice, I would love to see the mascot glide into Cajun Field in an air boat (swamp boat) marsh boat..call it what you wish. Roar it up outside before entering, let him pop out i n front of the crowd. the noise of the boat alone will capture every ones attention.
Something to consider:
I am sure everyone is familiar with Stanford University's "Stanford Tree" mascot.
What many people may not be aware of is that the Stanford Tree is not the official mascot of Stanford University. Stanford University does not have an official mascot. In 1981, Stanford President Donald Kennedy declared that all Stanford athletic teams would be represented exclusively by the color cardinal. (SOURCE: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stanford_Tree)
The Stanford Tree is the official mascot of the Stanford Band.
I'm sure UL administration would still have the final say on things band related, but I find it interesting that people across the United States consider/believe the Stanford Tree is the university's official mascot.
Yes!! Actually! Of course I read the biggest critique for Cayenne was that he scared children. Understandable. He’s kind of just a big red man that looks more demonic than friendly.
Kids love dinosaurs, lizards, and Louisiana kids especially love alligators. They’re cool! They’re like modern day dinosaurs. The best thing about Al being an alligator is he’s ACCESSIBLE to kids. They can understand him because they have something to compare him to. Since they can understand him, they can love him. Al is built for the next generation of Ragin’ Cajuns more than anybody else. So my field test with kids have been really successful.
Best question I got from them: “Why is he wearing clothes??” Haha
Purdue and Wichita equal old Mr Cajun. I think most people are OK with a cajun dude.
I for one think if we do use an animal would rather go in the direction of Texas A&M and Tennessee. Aggie = Border Collie and Volunteer = Bluetick Coonhound.
La is the one and only Ragin Cajuns. Could have the one and only catahoula leopard dog as a mascot, the state dog. I have been saying this for years, also saw it mentioned on Twitter and a couple other outlets.
If the Cajuns use a Gator we will never hear the end of how we copied Florida. Just like UL equals Louisville.
A Catahoula can't have a personality like the Cajun Chicken or interact with the kids during the games.
UL has a swamp on campus. UL called its field the Swamp, first. UL would have the nation's only Albino Gator. If anything, it allows us to tell our story and how WE were ripped off.
Clemson and TSAB are both Tigers that play in Death Valley. It never gets talked about. People copy each other all of the time. And again, it's a spirit leader. It's not like we changed our name to the Louisiana Gators.
Just my take on it. We're over-complicating this.
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