US village changing logo that was target of national jokes

WHITESBORO, N.Y. – A New York state village is changing its official logo after the image, which appears to show a white man throttling an Indian, was ridiculed on Comedy Central’s “The Daily Show.”

Whitesboro Mayor Patrick O’Connor said Friday that village officials and members of the nearby Oneida Indian Nation will meet to discuss the creation of a new image.

The announcement comes a day after “The Daily Show” aired a segment filmed on Jan. 11, when villagers voted to keep the traditional logo for its historic value. Among alternative designs put before voters were several provided by the comedy show, including a white man and a Native American apparently dancing and a white settler and a Native American beating up a British soldier.

O’Connor said the logo shows a historic wrestling match that figured into good relations between early settlers and the Oneidas.

He said the new seal will preserve history with a more modern and culturally appropriate drawing.

“This is but one of many important examples of communities taking welcome steps to be inclusive and promote our region’s commitment to civility,” said Oneida Nation CEO Ray Halbritter in a statement.

No timetable was given for making the change.