The topic of "Cubs mascot phallus" refers to a controversial incident involving the Chicago Cubs sports team and their mascot, Clark the Cub. In 2014, an online blog called 'Deadspin' published an article discussing the potential phallic nature of the costume design for Clark the Cub. The article criticized the design of Clark's costume, pointing out that the placement and shape of the mascot's legs created an anatomically suggestive appearance. The author argued that the design could be interpreted as a representation of male genitalia, which drew both amusement and criticism from fans and the public. The controversy gained significant attention, with various news outlets and social media platforms discussing and sharing their opinions on the matter. Some people found the resemblance humorous, while others deemed it inappropriate, particularly because the Cubs have a family-oriented fan base.
This dissertation examines the use of the dark areas of the occult in the lives of six adolescents who have been involved with black magic, satanic ritual, or other occult practices. All but one of the subjects were connected to the community helping system because of divorce, abuse and/or neglect, delinquency, and substance abuse. Data was collected by means of an interview concerned with the ethnic, economic and religious background of the subjects' family, the subjects' relationships with family, community and state agencies, and the duration of involvement with the occult. The interview and data analysis drew from two perspectives: The first five stages of Erik Erikson's "Eight Stages of Man" identity development model and the existential psychological examination of the "problems of youth" by Paul Goodman in Growing Up Absurd (1960). The study provides an examination of the historical and current use of the occult as a social-strain gauge and disturbing parallels of despairing behavior between the youth culture of Weimar Republic Germany and that of the United States. A strong connection is made between the involvement with dark areas of the occult and the loss of meaning, hope and faith. The subjects came from circumstances that hampered healthy negotiation of Erik Erikson's first five stages of identity development. The subjects grew up in circumstances that led to despairing beliefs and behaviors, as described by Goodman. The data suggests that the nature of the use of magic during early adolescence depends on the nurturent (physical, psychological and ideological) circumstances of infancy, and latency. If the child despairs because of insufficient family/community nurturence then the dark, deviant and depraved element of the occult is more likely to manifest itself. The subjects represent a larger despairing population (uninvolved with the occult or the helping system) that puts society at risk politically and economically. The current youth culture parallels with Weimar Republic youth culture suggest that this larger despairing population threatens society because they could be manipulated by historical circumstance and charismatic personalities to commit widespread depravity in the name of political change.
The interview and data analysis drew from two perspectives The first five stages of Erik Erikson s Eight Stages of Man identity development model and the existential psychological examination of the problems of youth by Paul Goodman in Growing Up Absurd 1960. The Witch of Despair 絶望の魔女 , also known as the Giant Cosmic Witch 巨大宇宙魔女 , is a huge Witch appearing in the last episode of the Puella Magi Madoka Magica anime.
Some people found the resemblance humorous, while others deemed it inappropriate, particularly because the Cubs have a family-oriented fan base. In response to the criticism, the Cubs organization defended Clark's design, stating that it was unintentional and solely meant to depict a young bear cub. They clarified that there was no deliberate attempt to create a phallic representation within the mascot design.
Despair and Hope A Cycle
When you read the series, the state of despair and hope is almost like a cycle. I know that @gp often likes to emphasize on what state of hopelessness Narnia is in yet in the end everything turns out alright (shout out to @gp if you are reading this).
Here how it's played out chronologically-
The Magician's Nephew- Digory is in a hopeless situation. His mother is sick and is about to die, his father is away in India. Now the world of Narnia had been newly created. However, it's already been marred by evil. So it may have seemed like a despair, but Aslan says, "I will see to it that the worst of it falls on myself" (He was foreshadowing His own death on the Stone Table in The Lion, The Witch, And The Wardrobe). So He was reassuring that even though the world of Narnia has been marred by evil, it's going to turn out alright in the end. Aslan even rewards Digory for his obedience to bring back the silver apple and planting a Tree of Protection by giving him a silver apple. Digory takes it back to our world, and uses it that heal his dying mother.
The Lion, The Witch, And The Wardrobe- The world of Narnia is in a state of hopelessness. The eternal winter is despair. When the White Witch took Christmas out, the "always winter and never Christmas" is a picture of a world without joy and hope. But the hope is that prophecy is about to be fulfilled when the Pevensies arrive, Aslan has returned to Narnia, and it's the return of spring. Christmas has to come first before spring could come. There is a despair when Aslan dies on the Stone Table, then there's hope that He came back to life. Shortly after, Aslan frees the statues at the White Witch's castle, and not long after, the prophecy is fulfilled.
The Horse And His Boy- Now this is a book that takes place during The Lion, The Witch, And The Wardrobe. It's a hopeless situation for Shasta and Aravis. For Shasta, he's been abused by a fisherman Arsheesh whom he calls father though not really his father so constantly. And he's about to be sold as a slave to Anradin Tarkaan, who is the original owner of Bree. For Aravis, she is about to be married of to a much older guy, Ahoshta at the suggestion of her stepmother who actually hated her (I know, a lot of stories about stepmothers who are not fond of their stepdaughters). At the time they get to Archenland, Shasta realizes that he was meant to save Narnia and Archenland from Calormene invasion. Spoilers: he's actually Prince Cor of Archenland. So it's like he rose to a higher power, making him realize that this is what he was meant to do. Aravis learn so much about humility, and even gets a lesson from Aslan Himself who scratch her back (ouch!) She needed to know what it felt like for her stepmother's maid who was most likely beaten. Yet she learns that there is so much more to life.
Prince Caspian- Narnia is in state of hopelessness again. Telmarines have taken over, the old days are gone, and even Old Narnians living in hiding began to doubt that Aslan was even real. Caspian X, with the help of the Pevensies, bring back the old days to help change the path of Narnia's history. Aslan even tells Lucy, "Now Narnia will be renewed." When Aslan makes a roar, the dryads and naiads wake up from their long sleep, and frees the school children. There's also a moment where Caspian and his nurse are reunited after years of separation.
The Voyage of the Dawn Treader- There isn't a lot about despair and hope in this book. The darkest moment is The Dark Island, where "worst nightmares come true". This unseen world with total darkness where dreams become reality. It's a hopeless situation to be in. However, Lucy calls out to Aslan, and Aslan answers her by coming in form of a albatross, leading them to the light. He even destroys the Dark Island once and for all. So out of darkness into the light.
The Silver Chair- There's a hopeless situation for Eustace and Jill at school. There are bullies, and there's nothing anyone will do about it. When they get to Narnia, Narnia is in state of despair. Caspian was about to die without an heir, and they've already lost many of their bravest Narnians trying to find Prince Rilian. There is hope when Prince Rilian is back in Narnia and reunited with his father for a brief moment. Caspian dies, and even Aslan mourns for him. Soon after, Aslan instructs Eustace to pluck a thorn, drive it into Aslan's paw, and Aslan use's his blood bring Caspian back to life.
The Last Battle- Narnia is in a state of despair once again. Shift is taking over Narnia by conspiring with the Calormenes, claiming that this is the "will of Aslan", Calormenes are taking over Narnia as they have been wanting to for a long time, Tirian is tied up to a tree, and Cair Paravel is ransacked by the Calormene navy. However, as Tirian is tied up to the tree, he holds on to the hope by remembering what had happened in Narnia's past- "When things were at their worst, it came out alright in the end." Though Aslan brings an end to the world of Narnia, the hope is that all of those from Narnia's past (and there's a whole list of them) are together again in the new Narnia. So it shows that death is not the end of the story, but a new beginning.
"And this is the marvel of marvels, that he called me beloved."
(Emeth, The Last Battle)
When you read the series, the state of despair and hope is almost like a cycle. I know that @gp often likes to emphasize on what state of hopelessness Narnia is in yet in the end everything turns out alright (shout out to @gp if you are reading this).
Despite the Cubs' attempts to downplay the design controversy, the incident continued to be a topic of discussion for some time. It highlighted the power of social media in accelerating the spread of controversial content and creating debate, even in the context of sports mascots. Overall, the Cubs mascot phallus incident serves as a reminder of the influence and implications that costume design can have, even when unintentional. It also demonstrates the role of social media in shaping and perpetuating public conversations surrounding seemingly trivial matters..
Reviews for "The Legal Ramifications of Cubs Mascot Phallus Incident"
1. Emma - 1 star
I was completely disgusted when I saw the Cubs mascot phallus incident on TV. It was highly inappropriate and definitely not something I want to see during a family-friendly game. The fact that the team didn't immediately address it and take disciplinary action is unacceptable. It shows a lack of respect for fans and sets a terrible example for young children. I hope the Cubs organization takes this incident seriously and implements measures to ensure something like this never happens again.
2. Jake - 2 stars
I've always been a loyal Cubs fan, but the recent incident involving the Cubs mascot and the phallus incident has left me disappointed. It was a tasteless and offensive act that has tarnished the team's image. As a fan, I expect the organization to prioritize professionalism and set an example for others. This incident showed a lack of respect for the game and its fans. I hope the Cubs address this issue promptly and take appropriate action to prevent such incidents in the future.
3. Amy - 1 star
The Cubs mascot phallus incident was absolutely disgraceful. It's disheartening to see a beloved sports team stoop to such a low level. The act was disrespectful, offensive, and completely out of line. It's a shame that the Cubs allowed this to happen, and it has certainly made me reconsider my support for the team. I hope they learn from this incident and take immediate steps to rectify the situation and regain the trust of their fans.
4. Ben - 1 star
I couldn't believe what I saw during the Cubs mascot phallus incident. It was vulgar, inappropriate, and not what I expect from a professional sports team. As a loyal fan, I was deeply disappointed in the lack of respect shown to the game and its fans. This incident has tarnished the reputation of the Cubs and I hope they take strong action to ensure such behavior is never tolerated again. The organization needs to demonstrate their commitment to professionalism and accountability, or risk losing the support of many faithful fans like myself.
5. Sarah - 2 stars
The Cubs mascot phallus incident was a complete disappointment. It showed a lack of professionalism and respect for the game and its fans. As a long-time supporter of the team, I expected better. It is crucial that the Cubs address this issue promptly and take appropriate action to prevent similar incidents in the future. Otherwise, it will reflect poorly on the organization and its loyal fanbase.