"National Mascots" or "Since When Is There A Mother Canada?"

Seil · 07-03-2011, 01:09 AM

Well, the answer to that second question is since about 1936 or so.

Thread inspired by a few SATW comics. America has Uncle Sam - who I have no idea where he came from - and apparently, Canada has a Mother Canada. Go figure.

Why did I know about Uncle Sam before I knew about Mother Canada and the Nordic personifications? What's the story behind these characters? There's usually a story. I hope it's a good one. But the idea stands that the countries of the world felt a need to personify their most valued virtues into a character-symbol-whatever. What's the thinking behind that?

Viridis · 07-03-2011, 01:13 AM

There's a female version of America, too. Trying to think of her name...

Here we go, Colombia:

Quote:

What's the thinking behind that?

Mostly to evoke feelings for propaganda. Posters of Uncle Sam or Colombia needing your help, etc.

Kyanbu The Legend · 07-03-2011, 01:53 AM

DC kind of turned Uncle Sam into a Super Hero at one point. Not sure when they did this for the first time though.

Intern Nin · 07-03-2011, 02:05 AM

Actually, it was National Comics. Created by Will "The Fucking Story Master" Eisner no less.

Melfice · 07-03-2011, 04:20 AM

Here's the Dutch unofficial mascot:

Here's a parody:

And other than that, we've still got our good old Dutch lion.
So, yeah. Be proud of Mother Canada, Seil. She wasn't designed to sell Dutch cheese to the Germans.

EDIT: I'm actually surprised there isn't a red light to be found anywhere in that parody picture.

Krylo · 07-03-2011, 04:25 AM

What the fuck is wrong with Colombia's eyebrows? Why are they in, like, the middle of her forehead instead of on her brow like they should be?

God Dammit, Paul Stahl, it's back to art anatomy for you. There is no excuse for that.

Melfice · 07-03-2011, 04:31 AM

I think that's shadow from her hair or hat.
Her eyebrows are where they should be, as far as I can see...

At least, I hope so.

Krylo · 07-03-2011, 04:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Melfice

I think that's shadow from her hair or hat.
Her eyebrows are where they should be, as far as I can see...

At least, I hope so.

If it is a shadow why is it not the same shape as her hat and broken in the center? And why is there an actual shadow between them that is a different color entirely?

And if she has eyebrows where they should be why is there no color differentiation on her brow?

Those are totally eyebrows.

@S.O. I, of course, knew about Colombia, but I had no idea about Columbia until Viridis posted it. I thought it was weird the name was the same, but I kind of assumed he had looked it up.

Bad, Viridis. Bad.

phil_ · 07-03-2011, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Krylo

Eyebrows

Quote:

Originally Posted by Melfice

Eyebrows?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Krylo

Eyebrows eyebrows! Columbia.

Those eyebrows are totally painted on. Like, not in a "Ceci n'est pas une pipe" sense, but in the sense that they are a representation of eyebrows which have been painted onto a woman's face to replace the plucked eyebrows she saw as unworthy of gracing her brow.

Fashion, man. Fashion.

**Satan's Onion** · 07-03-2011, 04:35 AM

It's Columbia, guys. With a U. Colombia is a country in South America. They're two different things, dammit

</spellingpedant>

07-03-2011, 01:09 AM	#1
Seil Super stressed! Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: British Columbia Posts: 8,081	"National Mascots" or "Since When Is There A Mother Canada?" Well, the answer to that second question is since about 1936 or so. Thread inspired by a few SATW comics. America has Uncle Sam - who I have no idea where he came from - and apparently, Canada has a Mother Canada. Go figure. Why did I know about Uncle Sam before I knew about Mother Canada and the Nordic personifications? What's the story behind these characters? There's usually a story. I hope it's a good one. But the idea stands that the countries of the world felt a need to personify their most valued virtues into a character-symbol-whatever. What's the thinking behind that?

07-03-2011, 01:53 AM	#3
Kyanbu The Legend Local Rookie Indie Dev Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: New Jersey Posts: 5,497	DC kind of turned Uncle Sam into a Super Hero at one point. Not sure when they did this for the first time though. __________________

07-03-2011, 04:25 AM	#6
Krylo The Straightest Shota Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: It's a secret to everybody. Posts: 17,789	What the fuck is wrong with Colombia's eyebrows? Why are they in, like, the middle of her forehead instead of on her brow like they should be? God Dammit, Paul Stahl, it's back to art anatomy for you. There is no excuse for that. __________________ I am very tired.

07-03-2011, 04:35 AM	#10
Satan's Onion Swing You Sinners! Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: 4th Street Posts: 2,666	<spellingpedant> It's Columbia, guys. With a U. Colombia is a country in South America. They're two different things, dammit </spellingpedant> __________________ Good evening, ladies. Please enter and be tained .