Gnarls Narwhal
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| Gnarls Narwhal | |
|---|---|
| File:Gnarls Narwhal.jpg Gnarls' updated appearance on campus. | |
| University | The New School |
| First seen | 2014 |
| Website | https://www.newschool.edu/campus-life/gnarls-narwhal/ |
Gnarls Narwhal is the official mascot of The New School, a private research university in New York City. Gnarls was introduced in 2014 through a student vote and has since become a symbol of the university's progressive values for having a non-binary identity and being a victim of climate change.
History
The mascot's backstory was initially drafted in 2014 by Ricky Tucker, a former New School student and faculty member, and was later expanded in 2020. The character development involved collaboration between the university's marketing team and focus groups to ensure authentic representation of the school's community.[1] Gnarls was selected through a student vote in 2014, winning over other proposals including a cigarette.[2] The original design featured bold eyebrows and a basketball jersey.[3] In 2021, the university accepted a redesign by Christine Wang which introduced eyeglasses, a friendlier expression, and a new backstory that portrays Gnarls as a non-binary climate refugee.[4] Upon the redesign, conservative college publications such as Campus Reform and The College Fix drew negative attention to Gnarl's identity.[5][6]
References
- ↑ "Gnarls Narwhal turns 28". The New School Free Press. March 7, 2024. Retrieved November 18, 2024.
- ↑ Small, Danielle (2013-04-24). "Viral New School Secrets Facebook Page Proves We Don't Need Cigarettes to Get to Know Each Other". The New School Free Press. Retrieved 2024-12-05.
- ↑ "The Origins of Gnarls" (video). The New School. 2022-04-08. Event occurs at 1:21. Retrieved 2024-11-19 – via YouTube.
Gnarls the Narwhal is more than just a mascot. They're a social justice advocate, the first and only sea mammal to earn a BA/BFA dual degree from The New School, and a Pisces.
- ↑ "Behind Gnarls: The backstory of The New School's climate change-fleeing, Vogue'ology-loving narwhal mascot". The New School Free Press. May 8, 2022. Retrieved November 18, 2024.
- ↑ Richardson, Katelynn (August 25, 2021). "University's redesigned mascot is a gender-neutral, climate change protesting SJW". Campus Reform. Leadership Institute. Retrieved November 19, 2024.
- ↑ Lamb, Matt (2021-08-27). "'Gnarls Narwhal': New non-binary, social justice warrior mascot unveiled". The College Fix. Retrieved 2024-12-05.
