Mascots are often used to represent and promote a specific place or group. In the case of Jalisco, a state in Mexico, the mascot chosen to symbolize the region is called "Yerbabuena." This choice of a mascot reflects the unique characteristics and cultural heritage of Jalisco. One of the main qualities that Yerbabuena represents is the region's rich agricultural traditions. Jalisco is known for its fertile lands and is considered the breadbasket of Mexico. Yerbabuena, which translates to "good herb" in English, is a symbol of the vast array of aromatic and flavorful herbs that grow abundantly in the state.

On Notre Dame's 'offensive' mascot, nickname

Sadly I’m not at all surprised SOME people are offended by the Notre Dame mascot and nickname. Some people also have enough time on their hands to complain and moan about a mascot but don’t use any time to actually research said mascot or team nickname. They’d instead rather be upset and distraught than listening for a minute and perhaps learning a thing or two. That’s not to take anything away from some of the egregious mockeries sports have made with names, logos and mascots over time. The Washington Football Team’s old nickname, Cleveland Indians former logo, and Marquette University’s appalling old mascot were all called out until changed and rightfully so. Each of those examples were done to make a mockery of a certain group of people and that can’t be denied. The Notre Dame leprechaun mascot however? Since it was just named the fourth most-offensive mascot in college sports let’s go over just a few things to see just how “offensive” the mascot and Fighting Irish names are. *-please note that all bold type below is taken from Dana Hunsinger Benbow’s recent piece for the Indianapolis Star

Origins of the 'Fighting' Irish nickname

In a name alone, yes, I fully understand why “Fighting Irish” can be seen as offensive. If you see that name and know nothing else it’s easy to draw yourself to stereotypes that were wrongly hurled the way of Irish Americans and Catholics for years. Notre Dame has stated its nickname, Fighting Irish, began as a term used by other schools to mock its athletic teams.

At the time, anti-Catholicism and anti-immigrant sentiments were strong. Because Notre Dame was largely populated by ethnic Catholics – mostly Irish, but also Germans, Italians and Poles – the university was a natural target for ethnic slurs, it said. At one football game in 1899, Northwestern students chanted “Kill the fighting Irish,” Notre Dame said.

Embracing the term 'Fighting Irish'

“Soon, Notre Dame supporters took it up, turning what once was an epithet into an ‘in-your-face’ expression of triumph,” the university said. So instead of running from the name, crying victim, the University of Notre Dame decided to embrace it. Soon, plenty of others, both Irish and non-Irish alike found it to be a form of a rallying cry and became fans of an underdog football team they could relate to. Does this seem like something that was done in any form of mockery?

Notre Dame makes 'Fighting Irish' official nickname

After all of the above happened for literally decades, Notre Dame officially adopted the nickname “Fighting Irish” in 1927 under the direction of university president Father Matthew Walsh, of Irish descent. The “who” in this part of the official decision is also incredibly important when discussing the name.

Parallels of 'Fighting Irish' and Leprechaun Mascot

“Irish-Americans — including those at Notre Dame — again have turned back on former oppressors as a sign of celebration and triumph,” the university wrote. “In both the upraised fists of the leprechaun mascot and the use of the word “fighting,” the intent is to recognize the determination of the Irish people and, symbolically, the university’s athletes.” Again, embracing and rallying behind instead of running from. This is something that should be admired, not cried for to be done away with.

Kind reminder: leprechauns aren't real

I’m sorry to burst your bubble but perhaps common sense should also kick in at some point, but case it hasn’t I just wanted to share with you that leprechauns, although widely known, aren’t real.

From Merriam-Webster: leprechaun, noun:
a mischievous elf (see ELF sense 1 ) of Irish folklore usually believed to reveal the hiding place of treasure if caught

Notre Dame Fighting Irish leprechaun mascot voted one of most 'offensive' in US sports

Yerbabuena, which translates to "good herb" in English, is a symbol of the vast array of aromatic and flavorful herbs that grow abundantly in the state. This mascot serves as a reminder of the importance of agriculture in Jalisco's economy and its contribution to the region's cultural identity. Furthermore, Yerbabuena also embodies the vibrant and festive nature of the people of Jalisco.

BY: Harry Brent
September 03, 2021

THE 'Fighting Irish' leprechaun mascot used by the University of Notre Dame has been voted one of the most 'offensive' mascots in American collegiate sports.

A recent survey conducted by Quality Logo Products found that the leprechaun was the fourth most offensive mascot in the US, behind three which depict Native American characters.

Officials from the university, which has predominantly Catholic ties, defended the logo, arguing that it is a "celebration of genuine Irish heritage," rather than anything more sinister.

They insisted that they regard their mascot with "respect, loyalty and affection," adding that they chose the symbol to emphasise the resilience of the Irish people.

"In both upraised fists of the leprechaun mascot and the use of the word 'fighting', the intent is to recognise the determination of the Irish people and, symbolically, the university's athletes," the school added.

The Fighting Irish became Notre Dame's official nickname in 1927 thanks to then-president Fr Matthew Walsh, who was of Irish descent.

Initially, it was used as a derogatory term by rival fans, as many of Notre Dame's athletes were Irish at the start of the 20th century, but Fr Walsh decided to change the association and meshed it into the team, and the university's identity.

SOUTH BEND, IN - SEPTEMBER 28: Notre Dame Fighting Irish leprechaun mascot carries the school flag onto the field before the game against the Oklahoma Sooners at Notre Dame Stadium on September 28, 2013 in South Bend, Indiana. Oklahoma won 35-21. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

Last year, Notre Dame came under pressure to retire its century-old mascot, especially in the wake of a number of sports franchises caving to public outrage and changing their Native-American-based names and logos.

In April, the Cleveland Indians announced that their baseball team would be known as the Guardians, while Washington's NFL team famously distanced itself from the 'Redskins' moniker in 2014, and officially dropped the title last year.

"It is worth noting. that there is no comparison between Notre Dame's nickname and mascot and the Indian and warrior names (and) mascots used by other institutions such as the NFL team formerly known as the Redskins," Notre Dame representatives said.

The Fighting Irish are one of the most successful college programs, not just in football, winning a total of 22 national titles in all sports. It last won the college football national championships in 1988 under coach by Lou Holtz.

Notre Dame Defends Leprechaun Mascot After Survey Calls It '4th Most Offensive' in College Football

Ahead of the 2021 college football season, one university is standing its ground in response to a new survey of the best and worst mascots.

On Tuesday, Notre Dame issued a statement in response to the school's Fighting Irish leprechaun being named the "fourth most offensive college football mascot" out of 128 NCAA Division 1 costumed characters in the Quality Logo Products survey taken by 1,266 participants.

"The leprechaun, of course, is symbolic of the Fighting Irish and intentionally a caricature. It also originated — in England — as a derisive symbol of Irish people, which Irish-Americans – including those at Notre Dame — again have turned back on former oppressors as a sign of celebration and triumph," Notre Dame said in a statement obtained by PEOPLE. "In both the upraised fists of the leprechaun mascot and the use of the word 'fighting,' the intent is to recognize the determination of the Irish people and, symbolically, the university's athletes."

The private Indiana university went on to note: "There is no comparison between Notre Dame's nickname and mascot and the Indian and warrior names (and) mascots used by other institutions such as the NFL team formerly known as the Redskins. None of these institutions were founded or named by Native Americans who sought to highlight their heritage by using names and symbols associated with their people." (The Washington Football Team recently renamed itself from the Redskins.)

In fact, the top three "most offensive" college mascots on the survey were deemed "culturally insensitive" and "racist." Florida State University's mascots Osceola and Renegade were No. 1 on the list followed by San Diego State University's Aztec Warrior and Vili the Warrior from the University of Hawaii at Manoa.

"Our symbols stand as celebratory representations of a genuine Irish heritage at Notre Dame, a heritage that we regard with respect, loyalty and affection," Notre Dame's statement concluded.

The Indianapolis Star was the first to report Notre Dame's response.

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According to the university, the leprechaun's "long-standing history represents the tenacious spirit of the Fighting Irish and their determination" and was recognized as the mascot in the early 1960s.

In 2019, the university introduced the first-ever female leprechaun, who was also the third Black student at Notre Dame to be the official mascot in its "most diverse roster" in history.

Rounding out the "most offensive" mascot list was fifth-place Pistol Pete from Oklahoma State University, who was also ranked No. 1 on the worst ever.

Purdue Pete of Purdue University topped the list of the creepiest mascots.

"All [participants] were encouraged to set aside any personal feelings they may have about the teams represented and focus solely on the mascots," according to the survey.

Notre Dame officially kicks off its football season on Sept. 5 against Florida State — the winner of the "most offensive" mascot.

Notre Dame Leprechaun Logo

In addition to the primary logo with the interlocking “N” and “D,” the University of Notre Dame athletics department also has a mascot called the Fighting Irish Leprechaun. What makes it unique is that there’s a living student version of the mascot, in addition to the logo.

The state is famous for its lively music and dance, most notably the traditional Mexican folk dance known as "la jarana." The mascot's bright and cheerful appearance represents the joyous spirit of the people and their love for celebration and cultural traditions. One can also interpret Yerbabuena as a representation of the natural beauty found in Jalisco. The state is home to diverse ecosystems, including mountains, forests, and coastal areas. The mascot's green color and leafy design suggest a connection to nature and the state's commitment to environmental conservation and preservation. In conclusion, Yerbabuena is a mascot that symbolizes Jalisco, a state in Mexico, by highlighting its agricultural traditions, vibrant culture, and natural beauty. This mascot serves as a visual representation of the region's unique qualities and serves as a reminder of the pride and identity of the people of Jalisco..

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