Ole! – The meaning behind the mask

A panel event was recently held at the MCC on campus where several UCSB professors discussed the issue of cultural appropriation while also providing their own definitions and examples of the behavior.

The general consensus on the definition was such: cultural appropriation is anything which decontextualizes or de-historicizes something in a way which then promotes micro-aggressions, or even violence, against the culture from which it is appropriating.

There are no implications that the micro-aggressions or violence caused by cultural appropriation has to be direct by nature either.

Rather, it appears to be a behavior that is indirectly supported by a lack of understanding about a particular aspect of a group who may have been oppressed in the past.

During the discussion portion of the event, one student remarked on the possibility that our campus mascot, Olé the Gaucho, was actually a symbol of cultural appropriation.

To which the professors of the panel reluctantly seemed to agree.

In understanding the professors’ response, it helps to first know the history of the REAL gauchos.

Historically, the Gaucho is a figure of Argentinian origin and is very similar to the North American cowboy or “ranch hand.” Today in South America, the Gaucho acts as a symbol of bravado and courage, as well as craftiness and wit.

Keeping this background in mind, perhaps the event attendees simply failed to recognize the mascot as a tribute to the type of man the Argentinian cowboys exemplified.

Olé’s response on the issue?

Well, I can’t really tell you that because he’s an inanimate mascot – meaning he constantly switches identities based on who’s available to get in his costume. (Sorry if you were unaware of this fact previous to reading the above sentence).

However, we can look at some of “Olé’s” responses from a recent interview on ucsbgauchos.com for his perspective.

Much of what Ole said was humorous and displayed an almost foolhardy sense of pride. Within his responses, however, there had to be some evidence that he pays homage to the Argentinian gauchos of old, right?

After taking a look at his heroes, maybe not so much…

Olé’s heroes are UCSB’s two former, unofficial mascots – The Fantom and Gaucho Joe. Whom he describes as the “godfathers.”

The Fantom (for those of you who don’t know) was an older fan from the early 90’s who always wore a facemask and would hype up the crowd at events inside the Thunderdome. The Fantom’s legend lives on today through the facemask Olé is often depicted with.

Gaucho Joe was famous for psyching up UCSB basketball crowds in the program’s 1980s heyday and would run around the Thunderdome in white jeans and a Batman muscle T-shirt, yelling like crazy.

After observing the character of Olé’s hero choice, it becomes clear that neither of these unofficial mascots seem to connect Olé to his cowboy roots.

Although Olé’s response may not necessarily pay homage to his origins, perhaps his actions speak louder about his connection to the past than do his words. As it turns out, Olé enjoys a wide variety of hobbies here in the Isla Vista area.

Most notably? The throwing of tortillas onto the field-of-play at sporting events.

Tortillas, a traditional Mexican and Central American food, are frequently thrown onto the soccer pitch by eager fans craving the opportunity to participate in UCSB tradition while supporting their favorite team.

Although engrained in our tradition, many people have lamented this practice –particularly, a few professors in the Chicano studies program. These professors suggest the behavior is disrespectful and completely unrelated to the figure of the gaucho.

In response, some students have noted that although Olé’s favorite past time may be unrelated to his history, his respectable character and displays of spirit bravado do honor the memory of the Argentinian gauchos above anything else.

However, according to Professor Micaela J. Diaz Sanchez of the Chicana Studies Department, “what one person sees as a gesture of solidarity with a culture or people, another person sees as a blatant example of cultural appropriation.”

Deciding how to draw the line in the sand here is unclear, but what is not unclear is that we as a student body should be open to acknowledging the potential flaws of our beloved mascot.

If not, perhaps we should find a way to defend his favorite practice on more justified terms.

Either way, being involved in the conversation at all demonstrates a willingness to learn and a willingness to better ourselves as we try and figure out what it means to culturally appropriate.