that's too bad for you, then. the duck is awesome.
just hide the duck image(s) using adblock if you can't handle it..

If you use Firefox I suggest Stylish add-on, there are some themes for DDG and most of them turn off the duck by default.
The one I like the most so far is "Duck Duck Go Dark Compact"

As much as I like DDG and promote its use, I do not like the duck specially in a professional environment as my homepage, maybe if it was faded in the background with dark colors it was more appealing to me :)

Of course everyone has an opinion but I just don't get the whole ugly duck/unprofessional slant at all.

I proudly display my duck and use it daily in a professional work environment.

It's actually not that frequently that people see what search engine I'm searching with anyway. When they do I think the duck is probably part of what clues them in that I'm not using Google.  The duck makes for good conversation and I have several converts now.

I say:
Don't be afraid.

Display your duck proudly!

OH