01 December 2007

 

I like the mascots just fine

2010 Olympic Mascots at Flickr.comIn the last week, there has been the expected consternation among cynical B.C. adults about the new 2010 Vancouver Olympic mascots Sumi, Quatchi, and Miga (and mysterious hanger-on Mukmuk).

I think they're reasonably cool, although there's no good reason a sasquatch (even a young one) should need earmuffs and boots, dammit. I think they're better than previous mascots (thanks to Scott at Facebook for the link), especially Canada's first, Amik, the 1976 Montréal plush lump that was supposed to be a beaver.

There does seem to be an early-21st century style developing, however—note the anime resemblance to the Fuwa mascots of the 2008 Beijing Games. Though maybe that doesn't carry over strongly to the plush and life-size versions.

What does bring out my cynicism, however, is having more than one mascot—that seems like a simple ploy to sell more stuff. If we had to pick one, I'd go with Quatchi: his "hey dude" slacker appearance, scratchy "why am I up before noon?" voice (check it out in Darren's unauthorized Olympic theme), and needless extra winter protection are very Vancouver. Though I guess if Sumi's oddball green tunic were Gore-Tex, that would do the job too.

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Comments:

I think they're fine, too. I actually quite like them, though we appear to be in the minority on this one.

They are are some similar elements to the Beijing mascots (whom I also like). Miga reminds me a bit of Jingjing, and Sumi wears a hat similar to Nini.
 
Who are you, Kerry Anne? It is rare to find a woman who shares my affinity for mascot culture. You wanna go out for pie some time?
 
whats wrong with the bears feet?
 
Nothing, but the sasquatch is supposed to be a big hairy forest-dwelling inhabitant of these parts, well adapted to wet and cold. No reason he should need extra footwear, or especially earmuffs.