The Mountaineer mascot is one of the most iconic mascots in the world of college sports.
It could be said that the Cleveland Indians’ Chief Wahoo logo was also iconic, but for a much-less positive reason. For many years. Chief Wahoo has drawn criticism and concern for its portrayal of Native Americans. It was reported this week that the Indians will discontinue the logo starting in the 2019 season.
Probably for good reason, the logo will be eliminated. For diehard Cleveland Indians fans, it will be a tough amendment to take in. Chief Wahoo has been what the fans are used to for generations, but times are changing and it’s proper to be politically correct.
It may seem like this issue isn’t related to college sports, but it certainly is. The Florida State Seminoles also take heat for their image. Even the Notre Dame Fighting Irish are under scorn by an ESPN commentator.
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To some, maybe the West Virginia Mountaineer is offensive. On the contrary, the Mountaineer is a sign of pride for the state’s flagship university and 1.8 million residents of the Mountain State. But, again, in today’s modern world, a bearded man wearing buckskins and toting a musket may seem like a rough joke at some people.
Let’s face it, many outsiders still point and laugh at West Virginians and the Mountaineer sometimes just feeds into the stereotypes that still unfortunately haunts West Virginia’s great people.
In the end, it’s safe to say the West Virginia Mountaineer is going to be the mascot for the university and the state of West Virginia for the future. He, or she, is a great symbol and a welcoming presence to the many fans who come to sporting events in Morgantown.
Next: Is West Virginia a football or a basketball school?
The Mountaineer, himself or herself, as well as the printed logo that is seen quite often on merchandise and official university publications will continue to be a great figure for the university and state.
