4 days ago
Fans split on Golden State Valkyries' new mascot
The Golden State Valkyries' new mascot was unveiled this week — and she's a cutie (to me, at least).
Driving the news: Violet, easily identifiable by her round glasses and big grin, is a raven who knows how to break it down on the dance floor. Our Instagram followers reacted with divided fervor.
What they're saying:"Instantly iconic," @anoyes commented, while @shaketini said, "I like her glasses!!"
"I could see her visiting different areas of the Bay, learning the dances, getting to know all the cultures that make up the Bay Area," @spottedgiraffe2777 added.
One of our readers, Margaret R., also wrote in enthusiastically: "I am OBSESSED with Violet. Liberty can't take up all the mascot rizz." (The New York Liberty's mascot is Ellie the Elephant.)
Yes, but: Not everyone reacted with cheer.
"I feel like it would have been a bit cooler to lean into the actual valkirye theme and maybe ... give her some cool armor or a weapon," @soaphia.g noted.
"Too much cute," @garden22nd agreed.
"Why is she portrayed as SEXY? ... And not in a cool, swaggy way, but more like in a designed-for-the-male-gaze-Dallas-Cowboys-Cheerleaders style? It's just not right for our team of strong, capable women," @goldenstatehaze commented.
Between the lines: Ravens are known as Valkyries' counterparts in Norse mythology and are considered guardians of good fortune.
