As a loyal UNH hockey fan, I believe that the decision to stop playing "Black Betty" between periods at the Whittemore Center is ludicrous. I have trouble finding anything anywhere in that song that degrades African-Americans. It's a travesty that another simple, innocent tradition has to go by the wayside in the name of political correctness. I guess since they can't get rid of the "sex" and "orgy" chants, which are somewhat offensive, they want to do the next best thing by taking away a good song that gets the crowd into the game.
I think it's a shame that one person has ruined the fun for thousands of others. My mother came to the North Dakota game this fall and she thoroughly enjoyed herself, and much to my surprise, joined in on some of the "offensive" chants. My dad came for the Northeastern game, and actually liked "Black Betty" because it wasn't hard-core heavy metal garbage. Lots of people like "Black Betty" because it has a simple rhythm, simple lyrics (even if they are "offensive"), and it's played on a consistent basis, so the crowd knows it's coming.
I hope Marty Scarano can sleep better at night knowing he has saved the world from one more offensive song. This sets a dangerous precedent, as the successor to "Black Betty"; AC/DC's "Thunderstruck" has lyrics that could be offensive to Vietnam veterans or women. Mr. Scarano, my parents once told me "Don't try to please everybody, because that is the only job destined for failure." Who would you rather have on your hands? One angry hockey coach, or thousands of angry students marching to the UNH Fieldhouse demanding the return of "Black Betty?" Just remember, we give money to this institution as well, and we have plenty of other educational options.
Michael Elliot
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