Mascot Wars?

You've got to be kidding right? An all-out mascot war is developing between Britain and Canada and I didn't even know about it.

London unveiled their new 2012 Summer Olympic mascots this week to much verbal and cyber abuse... and lot of that came from Vancouver. Here's the deal. The always sensitive, thin skinned citizens of Canada's Wet Coast took such abuse from the British tabliods during their successful Winter Olympics that now they feel it's time to 'get even'. The onslaught from the Vancouver papers and message board fanatics has been... personal and harsh. I have no issue with this... what ever floats your boat I suppose. In typical hockey style, we got slashed and we hacked right back... seems fair to me.

But perhaps we're missing the whole point here. What is the point of having a mascot anyway?

I didn't pay any attention to the lame duo called "Hidee and Howdy" in Calgary, ignored the 'things' Vancouver trotted out last year and giggled greatly at the new London 'EYE' mascots last week. But my wife just reminded me of why we have these things... they're NOT for adults... they're for KIDS. If the tiny tots love the little Calgary bears, or the things in Vancouver or the one eyed aliens in London- then it's a winner! Children will ultimately decide the success of this venture.

Oh- and let's not forget merchandising! If Jane and Michael Banks in London want a stuffed EYE for Christmas, then it's once again a winner.

Adults may hate these new mascots, but let's not forget that it simply doesn't matter if WE like them. Our votes doesn't count when it comes to mascots.

Kids rule!