Do We Not Bleed?

Exploring the inflatable mascot phenom, I found a CNN/SI interview article in which Purdue Pete interviews Herbie the Husker and Lil' Red, the duo representing Nebraska.

Purdue Pete explains that other mascots he has spoken with are "... not too thrilled with the recent popularity of these inflatable mascots," and asks Lil' Red, " What do you have to say about this discriminatory attitude?" Red's reply: "It's an injustice. We're mascots, too. I think other mascots just don't understand us. And maybe they're a little intimidated by the tricks we can do."

Does this change our attitude toward "The Inflatable Rocky?" Can we see him as a "mascot, too?"If we cut him, will he not deflate?