Town Of Staines Renames To Distance Itself From Sacha Baron Cohen Character

Sacha Baron Cohen as "Ali G"

The British town of Staines in Surrey, has officially changed its name to Staines-upon-Thames, to get away from Sacha Baron Cohen's character Ali G and his negative use of their city in his television show and film. I can't say I blame them. Surrey is a very nice place, but when you have someone using a town in your county as the backdrop for idiocy, it can leave a stigma. Cohen has done the same to foreign nations as well, angering their people.

In America, groups like NWA placed a stigma over the city of Compton, California, in the 1980s, leading the world to believe it is the most violent place on earth. However, tennis stars, Venus Williams and Serena Williams are from Compton and have done great things domestically and internationally in tennis, winning many prestigious awards.

In short, stereotyping people and places is not a good thing to do and entertainers need to be mindful of their deeds in trashing or mocking places.