Underneath the mascot lies a hidden identity, a person just like you and me. The mascot is more than just a costume or a symbol, it is a character that comes to life through the actions and movements of the person wearing it. Behind the mask, the mascot performer embodies the spirit and energy of the character they represent. They bring joy, enthusiasm, and entertainment to those around them. The vibrant and energetic performances captivate and connect with people of all ages, creating an atmosphere of excitement and fun. The mascot's role is not limited to just entertainment.
The mascot's role is not limited to just entertainment. They serve as a symbol of unity and pride for a team, school, or organization. The mascot becomes a representative of the values and ideals that the group stands for.
Sacred Spaces Threatened: 3 Times Places of Worship Faced Barriers
Faithful members of religious communities gather to practice their beliefs in all kinds of sacred spaces: churches, temples, holy mountains, synagogues, burial places, mosques and altars.
The First Amendment protects religious expression. But when it comes to holy places, all kinds of other laws and interests, like zoning requirements and oil demand, can come into play.
Sometimes, like in these three stories, minority religious communities faced obstacles to the use of their holy places.
Wicca church hit with permit problems
The “Triple Goddess” symbol of the waxing, full and waning moon.
Gail McHugh and her husband Darrel Moore’s Horn and Cauldron, Church of the Earth had been gathering to worship on its 13-acre farm outside Coventry, R.I., for seven years.
Then, in 2020, the town started raising a stir, questioning the Wiccan community’s religious tax exemption. The town also raised zoning issues about parking and fire safety, for which advocates for the church said there was no evidence.
The city required expensive inspections, which the church passed, but the city still denied the permits, saying using the land for religious purposes was not allowed under the town’s zoning laws.
With help from the ACLU, the church continued to petition for the right to use its land for worship and was finally approved in October 2022.
“We love our neighborhood, and the Church will continue to be a positive force in our community and world.” — Gail McHugh, Horn and Cauldron, Church of the Earth high priestess
Islamic Center’s mosque faces backlash
The Muslim community in Murfreesboro, Tenn., had initial approval from the city and had begun construction on its new mosque and community center in November 2009 when the backlash began.
The Islamic Center of Murfreesboro in Murfreesboro, Tenn.
The construction site was vandalized. Neighbors protested. People claimed Islam shouldn’t receive First Amendment religious freedom protections. Some residents sued, and a judge ruled that the mosque required more public notice and comment time than did area churches.
With help from the U.S. Department of Justice, the Islamic Center pushed back against this discrimination and petitioned for the right to build and use its house of worship.
The Muslim community won its case, and now people of all faiths can practice in Murfreesboro.
“I am welcomed, and my community is welcome. We are just as American as anyone else.” — Dima Sbenaty, mosque member
Standing Rock Sioux holy places threatened
Water is a sacred part of worship for many religious communities, including many Indigenous and Christian traditions.
Standing Rock Sioux Tribe supporters protest the Dakota Access Pipeline.
But Native American tribes’ spiritual practices — like “Mni wiconi” (water is life) and holding certain lands and burial sites as sacred places — were banned in the U.S. for more than 50 years until the American Indian Religious Freedom Act was enacted in 1978. And yet, they still aren’t always protected.
When the Dakota Access pipeline, an underground oil pipeline across North and South Dakota, was approved in January 2016, the Standing Rock Sioux protested, saying the construction would destroy their ancestral burial grounds and poison the water supply of their nation.
Federal laws require government agencies to consult with tribes about the potential effects of drilling, mining or construction projects before approving them, but protecting Indigenous sacred spaces isn’t always prioritized.
Despite ongoing protests, including a Dec. 4, 2016, interfaith prayer service with Muslims, Hindus, Catholics, Unitarians and many more, led by Chief Arvol Looking Horse, the pipeline was completed in 2017.
“Now we exercise our freedom of religion in our way, which is peaceful in prayer.” — Phyllis Young, Oceti Sakowin (Seven Council Fires) protest encampment coordinator
The Muslim community won its case, and now people of all faiths can practice in Murfreesboro.
They interact with fans, boost morale, and create a sense of belonging and community. But behind all the cheers and applause, the mascot performer faces challenges and demands. They must endure the physical strain of donning a heavy costume and performing in all kinds of weather conditions. The performer also needs to be quick on their feet, agile, and adaptable to engage with the crowd and respond to unforeseen situations. The mascot performer also bears the responsibility of being a role model. They must conduct themselves in a respectful and positive manner, representing the values and principles of their team or organization. They inspire and motivate those they interact with, leaving a lasting impression on the minds of fans and spectators. Underneath the mascot suit, there is a human being with dreams, aspirations, and feelings. They sacrifice their own identity to bring happiness and excitement to others. They willingly step into the shoes of the character they portray, understanding the impact and importance of their role. In conclusion, the mascot is more than just a costume or a symbol. It is a representation of a larger entity, and underneath the mascot suit lies a person who transforms into a character who brings joy, unity, and inspiration to those around them. They fulfill a vital role in creating memorable experiences and leaving a lasting impact on the hearts and minds of people..
Reviews for "The Mascot Effect: How Characters Bring Teams and Communities Together"
1. John - 1 star
I found "Underneath the Mascot" to be incredibly boring and unengaging. The characters lacked depth and development, and the plot seemed to drag on with no clear direction. The author's writing style was also very monotonous, making it difficult for me to become invested in the story. Overall, I was extremely disappointed with this book and would not recommend it to others.
2. Sarah - 2 stars
While "Underneath the Mascot" had an interesting premise, I felt that the execution fell flat. The pacing was uneven, with some parts dragging on and others feeling rushed. The dialogue felt forced and unrealistic, often leaving me cringing at the characters' interactions. Additionally, the plot twists were predictable and lacked the element of surprise that I was hoping for. Overall, I was expecting more from this book and was left feeling underwhelmed.
3. Mark - 1 star
I struggled to connect with any of the characters in "Underneath the Mascot". They were one-dimensional and lacked any real depth or complexity. The story itself felt disjointed and confusing, with events happening without any clear explanation or purpose. The author's writing style also left much to be desired, with awkward sentence structures and repetitive phrases. I found myself forcing my way through this book, and in the end, I was left feeling unsatisfied and unimpressed.