Comedy Central Jessica Williams of “The Daily Show” recently did a segment on the town’s seal.
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“I think you have to take all the facts into consideration”, Whitesboro mayor Patrick O’Connor told reporters back in July, spending actual time trying to defend the blatantly terrible village seal.
The Whitesboro village seal will reportedly be changed, following weeks of criticism and controversy.
After the vote, O’Connor said the village was setting up a committee to consider changing the seal, but was keeping it for now. The seal is based on historical events that fostered a good relationship between our founder and the American Indians.
On Jan. 11, 2016, 157 of 212 village residents voted to keep the seal.
Village of Whitesboro via Facebook The village of Whitesboro says this seal shows a white man and a Native American wrestling, but many considered it offensive. “While humbled that the community wanted to preserve the history of the seal and Mr. White’s involvement, they supported the effort of designing a new logo that would celebrate the village’s proud history”, it said.
“As we’ve always said, we are happy to work with anyone who wants to make sure the symbols they are promoting are honoring and respecting all people”, said Oneida Nation CEO Ray Halbritter in a statement. “We applaud the village leaders’ willingness to evaluate their own symbols and how to make sure they accurately reflect their community’s core values”.
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When Williams pointed out that the seal looked like the white man was choking the Native American man, she suggested a vote to change it. But, as the mayor told her, the last time they tried to change it, no alternatives were presented. The vote got the attention of national media, including TPM. Public pressure, including from The Daily Show, was apparently too much.
