On 11-11-22 12:22 AM, Jeremy Shaw wrote:
A mascot is supposed to represent characteristics, emotions, or desires that a particular group of people aspire to have, be like, etc. To outsiders, it provides a quick way to see if it might be a group they would like to belong to, and for insiders, it helps strengthen the bond and group identity by reminding them what they stand for.
I don't know why I relate to Canada, with mascots of the maple leaf, the beaver, and the moose. I don't know why I relate to linux, with a mascot of the penguin. I don't know why I relate to Kraft peanut butter, with a mascot of a pair of bears...
So far, the only justification I have noticed for why a lamb would represent Haskell users is that there is a pun about lambda's -- which only makes sense if you know English. Sheep are generally thought of as:
- weak and needing protection - easily lead astray - being lead to the slaughter - dumb and easily lost
A lamb-in-arms is the antithesis to all those. It stands up with determination and might against mainstream oppression and stereotyping.