Saint Louis University prez jokes about backlash against 'terrifying' new mascot
Saint Louis University unveiled its updated mascot the Billiken on Tuesday, and it looks quite a bit different than the gentle, Dr. Seuss-like rendition from before. Compare the new and the old Billiken, which is a Japanese good-luck charm designed by a Missouri art teacher in 1908.
Old Billiken:
(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
New Billiken:
Reaction on Twitter (not exactly a bastion for positivity and kindness) has been harsh. People have called it "brutal," "terrifying," like a "mutated frog" and "a scary Muppet version of Two-Face."
The poor new Billiken is taking it in stride though and so is SLU president Fred Pestello:
Hang in there, new guy.
New #Billiken. Same spirit. pic.twitter.com/wz8itKb5mo
— SaintLouisUniversity (@SLU_Official) September 21, 2016
SLU TV is pleased to welcome the new @The_Billiken to @SLU_Official! pic.twitter.com/60wzDNOh2Z
— SLU-TV (@SLU_television) September 21, 2016
First days can be rough, but I know how things “ought to be.” And I still feel lucky to be the Billiken. pic.twitter.com/kt4OdKDguD
— The Billiken (@The_Billiken) September 22, 2016
Change is hard. @The_Billiken is currently going through puberty. Like us, his awkwardness is best met with compassion. https://t.co/IWyIf8Mhu9
— Fred P. Pestello (@SLUPresident) September 21, 2016
Have a great 2nd day, Bill. We have work to do! (But really, growing a beard helps) https://t.co/e2bpjpaAS9
— Fred P. Pestello (@SLUPresident) September 22, 2016