If you want proof that the Internet is taking over the world, look no further then the Ole Miss Admiral Ackbar mascot campaign. The students at Ole Miss are attempting to replace their old, Confederate-style mascot with a Star Wars character. Wow.
Way back in 2003, Ole Miss voted to drop Col. Reb, their fun-loving symbol of the old racist south, in favor of an unknown new mascot. Flash forward to 2010, students at Ole Miss have voted to spearhead the new mascot search, and the Ole Miss Admiral Ackbar campaign is in full swing. Vote yes on Ackbar--it’s not a trap!
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Internet Takeover
- The increasing cultural influence of the internet is disrupting traditional cultural touchstones like mascots.
- Fandom Representation
- Fandom communities are increasingly pushing for greater representation of their pop culture icons in mainstream cultural institutions.
- Rebranding Legacy Institutions
- Legacy institutions with problematic histories are being rebranded to reflect changing societal values.
Where This Applies
- Sports
- Sports teams and leagues are being pressured to re-examine their mascots and brand identities.
- Entertainment
- The entertainment industry is increasingly influencing mainstream culture and becoming a source of inspiration for rebranding efforts.
- Marketing and Advertising
- Brands and advertisers are being challenged to incorporate diverse and inclusive representation into their campaigns.
