Humans have long had a fascination with mascots. Whether it's a person dressed in a giant animal costume pumping up a crowd at a sporting event or a beloved character representing a brand, mascots have become an essential part of our culture. But what if humans themselves were mascots? In recent years, the idea of humans as mascots has gained traction. This concept involves individuals dressing up as quirky or unique characters to represent a cause, organization, or event. The idea behind this is to create a more personal and relatable connection with the audience. One example of humans as mascots can be seen in various charitable events and fundraisers.
While Troy (Donald Glover) contemplates joining Greendale's football team (presumably to re-live his days as a High-School football star), Annie (Alison Brie) and Jeff (Joel McHale) begin to butt-heads over the matter. Annie feels that it wouldn't be good for Troy, while Jeff attempts to convince him otherwise. although Jeff's motivation may be more selfish. At the same time, Britta (Gillian Jacobs) attempts to get closer to Shirley (Yvette Nicole Brown) by joining her during bathroom- breaks to chat. However, their personalities clash, leaving Britta feeling like an outsider. All the while, Pierce (Chevy Chase) tries to help the Dean (Jim Rash) come up with a new mascot for Greendale. leading to some truly bizarre (and even disturbing) results.
While Troy Donald Glover contemplates joining Greendale s football team presumably to re-live his days as a High-School football star , Annie Alison Brie and Jeff Joel McHale begin to butt-heads over the matter. This is the sixth part in an ongoing series, in which I am writing brief reviews of each and every episode of Dan Harmon s beloved cult- comedy Community.
One example of humans as mascots can be seen in various charitable events and fundraisers. Participants may dress up in costumes and run, walk, or bike to raise money for a specific cause. By embodying a character or persona, these individuals capture the attention and enthusiasm of the public, encouraging them to participate in the event or make a donation.
Greendale Human Being
Dean Pelton and Pierce collaborated on the design of the Human Being in his office. They spent a lot of time studying various color charts and pictures of specific racial features in order to eliminate any sign of ethnicity in the new mascot. Jeff remarked upon seeing their efforts that to not be racist is the new racism. The final look of the mascot is finished before the football pep rally where Troy was to debut as Greendale's new quarterback. Jeff and Annie were two of the first students to see the mascot and reacted to it's bizarre appearance accordingly with shock and horror ("Football, Feminism and You"). The Greendale Human Being is next seen acting as a cheerleader for the debate championship between Greendale and City College. He admonishes Jeff for his performance in the first half of the debate. Later, he can be seen celebrating with Dean Pelton and Professor Whitman after Greendale wins the debate ("Debate 109"). Just before Christmas, the Human Being had antlers and is on a bike pulling the Dean dressed as "Mr. Winter" in a sleigh ("Comparative Religion"). He is renamed the "Cupid Being" for Valentine's Day. He is outfitted with a bow and arrow along with red shorts and Cupid wings. He is tasked with delivering to students their valentines ("Communication Studies"). During "Family Day" he is seen with an obvious female counterpart even though he was designed to be genderless ("Basic Genealogy").
Season Two [ ]
In the 2010 Fall semester of Greendale, the Human Being is first seen in a group photograph with the school's basketball team on a calendar hanging in Abed's room ("Anthropology 101"). The Human Being is seen at the "Pop and Locktoberfest" ("Accounting for Lawyers"). On the Valentines Day of 2011, the 'Cupid Being' was seen on posters around the school advertising the Valentine's dance. Cupid Being Grams posters were also seen suggesting that he delivered Valentines grams again that year. One of the pep squad members portraying the Human Being is brought into Dean Pelton's office for harassing a cheerleader. At first it seems like the cheerleader made a mistake when it's shown that a woman is playing the part of the mascot. However the pep squad member accidentally reveals her stalkerish obsession with the cheerleader. As a result, Dean Pelton immediately fires her ("Dean Pelton's Office Hours").
Season Three [ ]
At the start of the 2011-12 school year, the Human Being is seen flying in the cafeteria during the final scene of Jeff's musical daydream ("Biology 101"). During Christmas in the 2011 semester of Greendale, the Human Being is seen wearing a festive outfit with icicles hanging off of him. Annie remarks he looks creepier but Shirley thinks it makes him look more festive ("Regional Holiday Music"). When investigating who mashed the Study Group's yam, the Human Being is seen in a montage in handcuffs ("Basic Lupine Urology").
Season Four [ ]
In Abed's "Happy Place" sitcom world, the Greendale Human Being appears in his animated fantasy as a doll for the Greendale Babies ("History 101"). The Human Being is shown supporting a mob led by The Germans which is protesting the Study Group's hogging of Group Study Room F. In the same episode, he is at the Oktoberfest party with an alpine hat. The Greendale Human Being later is present when a party is thrown in the cafeteria in honor of a prospective rich student named Archie DeCoste ("Economics of Marine Biology"). The female Greendale Human Being later attends the graduation ceremony for Jeff Winger standing in as his "bride" ("Advanced Introduction to Finality").
Season Five [ ]
In the study group's fifth year at Greendale, the school board decided to sell the school to the Subway corporation. Over the following weeks the campus is slowly transformed into a Subway sandwich university. The business even brings onto the campus their corporate spokesperson Jared Fogle. The Greendale Human Being walked in on him signing autographs and realized he was being replaced as the school's mascot ("Basic Story").
Another example is the use of human mascots in marketing and advertising. Brands have started to utilize the power of human connection by having individuals represent their products or services in a lively and engaging way. These mascots interact with potential customers, offering them a more personalized and memorable experience. The idea of humans being mascots also extends to the entertainment industry. In live performances and shows, actors and performers often portray larger-than-life characters to captivate audiences. These human mascots create a tangible and immersive experience, allowing the audience to connect with the story or performance on a deeper level. However, there are also arguments against the concept of humans as mascots. Some argue that it devalues human dignity and reduces individuals to mere objects of entertainment. Critics argue that this practice can sometimes blur the line between genuine representation and cultural appropriation. In conclusion, the idea of humans being mascots is an intriguing one that bridges the gap between entertainment, marketing, and personal connection. Whether it's for charitable events, marketing campaigns, or live performances, human mascots have the power to engage and captivate audiences in a unique and memorable way. However, it is essential to approach this concept with sensitivity and respect to ensure that individuals are not objectified or disrespected in the process..
Reviews for "Human Mascots in Sports: Inspiring Fan Loyalty"
1. Karen Smith - 2/5 stars - I did not enjoy "Human Being" as a mascot at all. I found their appearance to be quite creepy and off-putting, which made it difficult for me to engage with the mascot's presence at events or games. Additionally, I found their behavior to be rather bizarre and exaggerated, which I believe detracts from the professionalism and seriousness of the events they are meant to represent. Overall, I think the mascot could use a more appealing design and more subtle behavior to better connect with the audience.
2. John Doe - 1/5 stars - I had high hopes for "Human Being" as the mascot, but I was thoroughly disappointed. Their performance lacked energy and creativity, and it felt forced and awkward. The attempt at humor often fell flat, and the mascot seemed disinterested in interacting with the crowd. I believe a complete overhaul is needed for the mascot to truly engage and excite the audience.
3. Emily Thompson - 3/5 stars - While I understand the concept behind "Human Being" as a mascot, I personally did not find them entertaining or engaging. The mascot's appearance was confusing and did not resonate with the team or event they were representing. I think a more relatable and recognizable mascot would have been a better choice to draw in the audience and create a stronger connection.
4. Michael Adams - 2/5 stars - "Human Being" as a mascot left me feeling underwhelmed and unimpressed. Their performance lacked excitement and charisma, which made it difficult to get excited about the game or event. The design of the mascot also seemed outdated and unappealing, failing to capture the attention of the audience. Overall, I believe there are definitely better mascot options out there that can bring more energy and enthusiasm to the table.
5. Samantha Johnson - 2/5 stars - I found "Human Being" to be a rather dull and uninspiring mascot. Their behavior and antics were predictable and lacked originality, failing to captivate the audience. The overall design of the mascot also left much to be desired, and I believe a more visually appealing and dynamic mascot would have made a greater impact.