Off The Record
Oklahoma Liquor Store Faced Backlash Over ‘Offensive’ Sign In Their Window
It’s growing easier to believe the widespread belief that everyone these days can find something offensive… in everything!
Some may be stretching things to call this generation the “snowflake” generation, but there is no denying the air of transformation that permeates the globe today.
There are some behaviors that were once considered normal but have no place in today’s society, so this is a good thing. However, there are other times when it seems like we’re taking the desire to police each other a little too far.
After receiving criticism for a controversial sign, an Oklahoma liquor store found itself at a crossroads.
While it’s true that we should all strive for a world devoid of prejudice, hate, and bullying, I think we can all agree that there’s a distinction between eradicating actual forms of bigotry and acting out in faux outrage.
It’s become increasingly usual for people to be publicly “outed” online for inappropriate behavior or comments. It only takes a few mouse clicks to become the eye of an online controversy…
Midwest Wine and Spirits, an Oklahoma City liquor store, learned this the hard way when they posted a sign in their store window reading “Pull your pants up or don’t come in.”
The sign further read: “Try to have some decency and respect for others. No one wants to see your underwear.”
It doesn’t seem offensive at first glance. They are not targeting anyone on the basis of their political or religious beliefs, or any other such nonsense.
However, some customers were visibly offended by the sign and the store’s arrogance in assuming they could dictate customers’ wardrobe choices.
Eventually, the sign made its way into the web, where it sparked further discussion amongst internet users. And they kept on with it.
Apparently, word of the fiasco spread like wildfire. Chad Gilbert, a manager there, justified the sign by saying, “I realize wearing pants low is a fashion statement for some, but it doesn’t work for me and I find it somewhat offensive.”
An employee at the store added: “Usually, when people come in with their pants sagging, it’s easier for them to steal bottles.”
Sunshine Weatherby, a regular shopper from the neighborhood, said, “I can see that if it was like a church. There are families there, you might have a problem with that, but this is a liquor store. I’ve seen worse at a liquor store.”
What are your thoughts on the matter? Did the liquor store break any laws by putting up the sign? Or are we exaggerating its significance?
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