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A junior hockey team from Prince Albert, Saskatchewan has sparked controversy after revealing their new team mascot on Friday the 14th during a game between the Prince Albert Raiders and the Moose Jaw Warriors.
The mascot in question? A man closely resembling an individual of middle eastern decent. In addition, the mascot was adorned with what resembles a traditional middle eastern headdress.
Photo Credit: Prince Albert Raider's Facebook Page
Known as the Boston Raider, Prince Albert Raiders are sponsored by Boston Pizza, the mascot was apparently modeled after the team's original logo.
Photo Credit: PAR's Facebook
A statement from the Raiders website reads, “we are excited to bring a mascot to the fans to enhance the game day experience and community presence of the Raiders.”
A flood of tweets bombarding social media after the “Boston Raider” was revealed, has deemed the mascot has incredibly racist. Needless to say, many people are angry and offended by the newly designed mascot.
@seangentille It's okay. It's not a new racist mascot, just an update of their old racist mascot, so it's all good.
— Ben Wright (@BenWrightATL) November 19, 2014 "I have a great idea for a mascot for our hockey team" "Is it blatantly and horribly racist?" "Yes it is" "LETS DO IT"
— TV's Brent (@TVsBrent) November 19, 2014 Racist, islamophobic hockey mascot gets a makeover. And not for the better. http://t.co/7AK4QV85Ta
— Hussan, S.K. (@hussansk) November 19, 2014Photo Credit: Prince Albert Raiders Facebook Team
.@PARaidersHockey brings BACK racist cartoon w/scimitar as mascot. Do they read the news? #NotYourMascot #cdnpoli pic.twitter.com/HVMd9rkXXj
— Erica Violet Lee (@EricaVioletLee) November 16, 2014 Photo Credit: PAR Facebook
Considering the controversy from another perspective, others have taken to social media to point out the fact that hockey is no stranger to using other various cultural and racial symbols as a mascot.
Do Native Americans also hate the Cleveland Indians? Because that mascot looks like a Looney Tunes racist cartoon from the 30s
— Sergeant Copper Lynx (@hottubjhonny) November 18, 2014 @PepeBillete oh no I completely agree the mascot is racist. No doubt. Same thing with the Washington Redskins.
— Kyle Pla (@KylePla) November 17, 2014 Florida State's mascot is racist
— Parker Fisher (@ParkerFisher) November 16, 2014Photo Credit: PAR Facebook
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