This season Minnesota Vikings fans had to say goodbye to mascot Ragnar after more than 20 seasons on the sidelines because of a contract dispute. He was transitioned out by the much smilier Viktor the Viking.
Now comes news from Washington that life might not be so rosey for Viktor's namesake, Victor E. Viking.
A Western Washington University professor and several students are trying to ride Victor E out of town because they see the mascot's likeness as being too aggressive.
"I think this mascot also reflects a sort of hyper masculine, hyper violent sort of image which is doubly problematic," communications studies professor Michael Karlberg told The Western Front, the university's website. "I think we really ought to reconsider."
In addition, a student group is seeking a mascot change in part cause Victor E. doesn't portray students of color.
The student website quoted Karlberg as saying that all racialized mascots are problematic, regardless of the race.
A student is now creating a survey to help decide the fate of Victor E., which was selected 92 years ago by the student body.
