A long-term enthusiasm of mine is mascot costumes. I have a collection of images on my laptop and phone of my favourites. I especially like Tweety for reasons I will explain in a later post.

I like mascots because they are a non-athletic and often surreal comedy presence in an atmosphere which is otherwise very focused on sporting physical ability. Their bodies are so jarring and out of place in these arenas of polished flexing muscles. They are often wrinkly, misshapen, oversized and furry. Anonymous. ANONYMOUS. Hiding in plain site. Now there is a sporting body that I can relate to.

Thinking about my own body in it’s current state, 5 months post partum after an emergency c-section, body-feeding around the clock, I am pushing myself to a different kind of limit than hyperable or athletic bodies. It is taking a lot of time to get used to the new form my body is taking after this major physical event. It hurts, it’s awkward, it’s soft, saggy and seepy. At the same time I am expected to be a smiley and chirpy children’s entertainer. I feel more drawn to these mascot figures and generally.. oddy-body.

Check out my research space to see more mascot influences.

Note: These memes were inspired by my friend Anisha who runs a project called Femme Fitness and who was talking in her instagram stories about running her classes when she’s not feeling great and trying to feel more ‘body-ody’ in reference to the Megan Thee Stallion song and I thought to myself.. I feel more oddy-body than body-ody. Thanks Anisha for the inspo xxxx