Honoring customs and community
On the internet, a Dairy Queen restaurant in the quaint Wisconsin hamlet of Kewaskum has gained attention. The cause? The establishment’s “political incorrectness” was declared on a placard that was prominently displayed on its front window. What does it signify, though, really?
With festive phrases like “Merry Christmas,” “Happy Easter,” and “God Bless America,” the sign is a joyous celebration of the holidays. The restaurant uses it as a means of embracing the customs that many people in the neighborhood hold dear. The placard not only spreads holiday brightness but also expresses gratitude for veterans’ service and offers them free sundaes in exchange.
Kevin Scheunemann, the restaurant’s owner, adds that the sign was up nearly four years ago to be open about their commitment to serving God and the nation. It was a reaction to a patron’s grievance regarding the playing of Christian music within the eatery. The sign hasn’t caused any problems since then.
A recent Facebook post by an Oregonian tourist raised questions about the sign’s purported exclusivity. Before the post was eventually removed, it garnered a lot of attention. While some individuals agree with the sign’s message, others have taken offense and expressed their thoughts. Local business owners, on the other hand, support Scheunemann’s choice, saying that patrons are free to depart if they don’t agree with the restaurant’s guiding principles.
It’s crucial to remember that Dairy Queen has explicitly said that they do not support Scheunemann’s methodology. They stress in their official statement that regardless of a customer’s religious beliefs, all franchisees and employees have a need to treat them with respect and dignity.
Nonetheless, the sign is easily accepted by the people of Kewaskum, who see it as a representation of the owner’s views. Regardless of your opinion of the sign’s meaning, it serves as a helpful reminder that people are what give diversity and vibrancy to a community, and that we should all value our own customs and beliefs.
