The Black Bitch, a bar in in Linlithgow (Scotland), that dates back to the 17th century is having its name changed to be ‘anti-racist’ …
Originally named after a female dog that is also part of the town’s crest — and oh, by the way, also has monument in the town square — is the latest in the craze to appease lunatic fringe members.
The ownership group said they were not coerced but goodness it is a 350 year old bar that is not racist in any way…. so… maybe stop?
“This is an important decision to take but we feel strongly that it is the right one,” Nick Mackenzie said.
“We are well aware of the pub’s history and where the name originates, and so we are choosing a new name that still reflects the pub’s history and will look to retain the coat of arms and images on the pub’s sign.
“We have spent many months reviewing and discussing this as we understand that changing this name will attract a range of views, but as part of our commitment to being an anti-racist organisation we want our pub names to be welcoming and inclusive and that means taking action when there is a need to make a positive change for the better.”
Well, my dude, if you are ‘aware of the pub’s history and where the name originates’ then you know that it isn’t racist and you wouldn’t change it…
Apparently the story is that this greyhound dog saved her owner when he was sentenced to starve to death on an island in Linlithgow loch. The dog would swim from the town every day with food for him. When this was discovered the dog was chained to a tree on a different island to suffer the same fate as her master. The townspeople took the animal’s loyalty and bravery as symbolic of their own.
Abel Aboh, chair of the West Lothian Community Race Forum, told LadBible that it was time the name changed.
He said: “As a local person who lives in West Lothian, I can remember how I felt the first time when I saw it and every time I go down that particular road, that feeling never changes.
“We believe as a forum that the name of the pub should be changed in response to ensuring that it signals inclusion and diversity. That is what West Lothian is all about and we have seen all kinds of people from all walks of life living and working in West Lothian.
“Linlithgow is one of the oldest towns in the area and we know that name has always had a historical connotation but we need to reflect on what is going on now and ask if the name is reflective diversity, inclusion and equality today – the things you and I need in 21st century Scotland.
“For that reason we felt the name fell short. We are just hoping everyone can embrace the new name.”
