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Will they come for the Lucky Charms guy next?
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Perhaps, because Notre Dame’s Fighting Irish leprechaun mascot is persona non grata, according to a new survey.
Notre Dame’s leprechaun was fourth in a survey of the most offensive college football mascots in the United States.
Critics said he was a disparaging symbol of Irish Catholics — “The Fighting Irish” was a derogatory term for Irish Catholic students in the early 1900s.
The school, which is in Indiana, defended itself, telling the Indianapolis Star: “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.”
And it’s true that the mascots that were ranked as more offensive were San Diego State’s Aztec Warrior, Florida State’s Osceola and Renegade and the University of Hawaii’s Vili the Warrior. The survey was carried out by Quality Logo Products, an apparel company.
“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,” Notre Dame said in a statement to the Indianapolis Star.
Notre Dame said the mascot and symbols celebrated the school’s Irish heritage and was a sign of respect.
