[IronicDeadBird]

Originally Posted by SenorZ

Like just about every school with the VIKING as a mascot there has been talk among the staff that having a mascot that represents murderous hordes who raped and pillaged isn't a great idea. But it isn't going anywhere.

I think teams should find their own identity. Right now we're "Viking Robotics" and I think its boring more than anything (I mean, there are about 200 Viking related teams out there, all based on school mascots). Teams like Exploding Bacon, or the Cheesy Poofs, have fun and original names that represented the spirit of the team when they formed.

Well if you look at the negative aspects yeah vikings did some, stuff...
But all things have bad sides vikings were incredible navigators. At the end of the day someone or something has pissed someone off, there is no mascot that won't have some negative aspect. I think the line is crossed when something is used with malicious intent.
Also if the team name is something sensitive don't make a big deal out of it. You are less likely to bother someone with your name if you don't bother them at all.