It’s becoming increasingly easier to believe that individuals nowadays can find a reason to be offended by almost anything.
While it may be a stretch to call this age the “snowflake” generation, there is a palpable feeling of change pervading the world right now.
While this is a good thing in certain circumstances—after all, there are some things that used to be regarded as the standard that have no place in modern society—there are others when one can’t help but feel that we’re going a bit too far with our urge to police one another.
One Oklahoma liquor store found itself at this crossroads after putting up a sign that sparked outrage.
While we all want to live in a society free of bigotry, hatred, and bullying, I believe we can all agree that there is a distinction between stamping out legitimately unpleasant things and acting upset in order to produce drama.
It’s quite usual these days for someone to be ‘outed’ on the internet for anything they’ve said or done. It just takes a few clicks to become the contentious center of an internet storm.
Midwest Wine and Spirits in Oklahoma discovered this after posting a notice in their shop window that stated, “Pull your pants up or don’t come in.”
“Try to have some decency and respect for others,” the notice said. Nobody wants to see your undies.”
On the surface, it doesn’t appear to be so objectionable, does it? They’re not actively criticizing any single group, nor are they discriminating based on political or religious beliefs or anything else.
Nonetheless, a lot of people were plainly outraged by the sign as well as the store’s belief that they had the authority to tell others what they could and could not wear.
It wasn’t long before the sign was posted on the internet, where online discussion could continue. And they did not stop there.
According to sources, the spectacle rapidly went global. Chad Gilbert, one of the store’s managers, defended the sign, stating, “I realize wearing pants low is a fashion statement for some, but it doesn’t work for me, and I find it somewhat offensive.”
A store employee said, “Usually, when people come in with their pants sagging, it’s easier for them to steal bottles.”
Sunshine Weatherby, a neighborhood client, said, “I can see that if it was like a church.” There are families there, which may bother you, but this is a booze shop. Worse has happened at a liquor shop.”
What are your thoughts on the debate? Is there anything improper with the booze shop putting up the sign? Or are people exaggerating it? Please let us know in the comments section.