Thursday, October 24, 2013

Cougador Mask: To Be or Not to Be?

While I was on Facebook, I came across a petition to stop the distribution of the "Cougador" mask at the October 31st football game due to "devaluing  and decontextualizing a part of the Chicano/ Latino cultural identity." What do you guys think of the petition? Are people taking this too far? Do you guys think it is ok to be able to dress up like a Mexican for Halloween?

http://www.change.org/petitions/wsu-athletics-department-stop-the-distribution-of-cougador-masks-at-the-oct-31-football-game


WSU Athletics Department: Stop the distribution of "Cougador" masks at the Oct. 31 football game.

Ivan Valdovinos
Posted by at

3 comments:

  1. UnknownOctober 24, 2013 at 6:38 AM

    I would like to know what the athletic department was trying to accomplish with this marketing. I don't really see how it has anything to do with football other than the fact the game is on Halloween. I really don't know anything about the mask as a part of Chicano/Latino heritage, but if it is found to be offensive or a cut to someone's heritage it should be abandoned.

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  2. mi.moralesOctober 24, 2013 at 12:57 PM

    First of all, thank you to whoever posted this. It's an important issue because it is local and current and because it is on an issue that warrants dialogue. Before anything, the concern behind this is "cultural appropriation" with all the dangers that come with this. One of the dangers being that of stereotypes and generalizations. For instance, let's look at the way this question is framed: Do you guys think it is ok to be able to dress up like a Mexican for Halloween?
    The masks are part of one of the many cultures in Mexico, Lucha Libra. A sport for some, yet for many, much more than that. Students raising the concerns believe that while some see it as "cool" and "symbol of diversity," others, may make immediate assumptions and generalizations. I for instance, who happen to know about Lucha Libre, will see it as that, a mask and symbol of this culture. I might even feel excited for it connects to the country I also call home. Yet, others might take it and see it as "costume" for pure halloweeen purposes, or for advertisement purposes. They might not say "im a luchador" but rather "Im a Mexican." Which is problematic at many levels.

    What is cultural appropriation? Which is the reason these students are concerned for WSU Athletics using these masks... Since a student on Reddit gave a good description of it I'll just quote her/him:

    "While there are a hundred definitions of cultural appropriation, I will give you mine. Cultural appropriation is taking another group's practice without permission, especially when it is taken from an oppressed minority. In addition, this "Cougador" it is also used for marketing tool. While the "Cougador" may or may not offend some is beside the point. Allowing, cultural appropriation creates an environment where people feel it is ok to have a race-themed party."

    Many questions and points to ponder about. I don't think this is just a "for or against" situation (sometimes I find myself in the middle). It is also not a "us versus them" issue. Many "Latino" (in quotes because this is not a homogenous group) are totally for it. I think what's important here is 1) listening to the concerns and learning about "cultural appropriation" and 2) the significance there is behind a group of students using their voice to challenge the university. Students have power, and many times, they don't realize that. When students speak up, no matter the issue, it is motivating and hopeful.

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  3. 467CourseOctober 27, 2013 at 1:30 PM

    I understand concerns about the mask but I think they're unwarranted. I see that this is offensive and devaluing a part of culture but this happens everyday in this country and that is part of what makes the U.S. great.
    I see Vikings portrayed in poor ways at least once a week in media or entertainment. I'm Norwegian but don't find this offensive, it happens.
    If the mask is so offensive, shouldn't people have made a bigger deal about Nacho Libre? I'm sure there was some issues with that but part of America is sharing and being open to use, and say things with all intentions.
    I can't form a perfect argument on this but if this is offensive then we should eliminate cinco de mayo, leprechauns, taco bell, etc. I'm sure I could think of more but right now my brain is dead.
    In the U.S. people should be proud to show their culture and know what it means to them even if it doesn't hold the same value to others.

    Nicholas

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