Who's a better Earth Day mascot then Bigfoot? He wanders around the Pacific Northwest not wearing any shoes. In other words, he's a hippie. Hippies and Earth Day go together like granola and petuli. So in honor of Earth Day we are celebrating our favorite crytid. What if you don't believe in him? Listen, Bigfoot has plenty of other things to worry about besides whether or not you believe in him. Global warming, deforestation, leprechaun immigration. Believe in him or don't. It's no hair off his foot. Or ours.
Image taken from Patterson Film
Bigfoot made his small screen debut in 1967 thanks to the now infamous Patterson Film. And although the authenticity of the film itself is still being debated among Bigfoot researchers and skeptics, the imagery of the animal featured in it persists and has found a permanent place in our popular culture.
Bigfoot hasn't always been Bigfoot. He also goes by Sasquatch, Skunk Ape, Wild Man or Hairy Man. But in 1958 the name Bigfoot was born after numerous large foot prints were showing up around a work site near Bluff Creek, California. The locals began referring to whatever was making the tracks as Big Foot and the nickname has stuck ever since.
But it takes more than a cool name to make a legend stick. What is it about Bigfoot that has captured our imagination for so long? Why does he inspire hoaxes, and music festivals, and beer?
"Every so often we hear of another sighting or footprint find in some part of the country. The icon can't die because he keeps appearing to remind us he is still around" says Harold Benny of the Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization or BFRO. He's right. There are Bigfoot sightings and encounters documented and reported every year. Bigfoot is still apart of our culture because he isn't going anywhere. He's a living legend.
Michael Esordi, President of the Believe It Tour has another perspective. "For me Bigfoot is the perfect icon for anti-establishment. He doesn't care what's cool or not and prefers not to be bothered by society." Damn straight. The Man ain't gonna keep Bigfoot down or in or whatever. Walking barefoot through the forest, no rules, no cellphones, no clothes. Bigfoot is a hippie. Or maybe not. But maybe there's a part of us that wants to be like Bigfoot. No responsibilities other than staying alive and not being seen.Tempting.
In early accounts of the creature dating back over a hundred years, the local Native North American tribes were frightened of the creature. There are even stories of a Bigfoot like creature attacking humans. But in recent years Bigfoot has become a friendly, almost comical figure. Thanks to Harry and the Hendersons, released in 1987, Bigfoot was reborn as a friendly, lovable creature who wants to hang out, watch TV and eat junk food.
"Years ago Bigfoot was portrayed as a frightening beast on film in The Legend of Boggy Creek, which scared many kids back in the day. Then came Harry and the Hendersons and Bigfoot was transformed into a lovable character. That movie really had an impact on how mainstream culture imagines Bigfoot to be" notes Esordi. And being featured on television shows like The Simpsons and Family Guy does nothing but help solidify your pop culture icon status.
Bigfoot's footprints (too much?) can be seen not only in film and television. He's helped to cheer on athletes as well. He was the Seattle SuperSonics mascot before they moved to Oklahoma in 2008. But they should have kept him. Oklahoma has several Bigfoot sightings each year. And my favorite Bigfoot inspired mascot to date has to be Quatchi.
The big guy has also been busy selling products on TV. Most recently beef jerky. In the funny Jack Link's 'Messin' With Sasquatch' ads, a group of hikers are pulling pranks on Sasquatch. All of the commercials end with Bigfoot getting his revenge, normally this means throwing one of the pranksters through the air like a rag doll. Note to self, Bigfoot might not have a sense of humor.
And even though Bigfoot has gotten a lot of exposure and coverage from main stream culture over the years, the fact remains that the search for him is still on. Bigfoot researchers and Paranormal investigators are still out there looking. As long as they are and as long as people keep reporting new encounters, he's not going anywhere. Esordi adds "With the numerous reality shows out there showing explorers in the field looking for evidence of the creature, viewers can sit back and dream of being that person on TV that's out to make the next big discovery. For me when I'm out doing research I hope that if I do run into an eight foot tall Bigfoot he's like Harry and just smiles back at me." Amen.
Cat Crimins
To learn more about the Believe It Tour check out their website at http://www.believeittour.com/
Want to check for Bigfoot sightings in your area? Log on to http://www.bfro.net/
Check out our new Bigfoot shirt at www.tomboyteez.com
