Oklahoma liquor store faced backlash over ‘offensive’ sign in their window

It’s becoming increasingly easy to believe that today’s society can find something to be outraged by in almost anything. While it may be unfair to refer to this generation as the “snowflake” generation, there is undoubtedly a sense of change permeating the world right now.

In many cases, these changes are positive—behaviors once considered normal have no place in modern society. However, there are situations where it feels like our urge to police one another has gone a bit too far.

A liquor store in Oklahoma, Midwest Wine and Spirits, found itself at this crossroads after putting up a sign that caused controversy.

While we all aspire to live in a world free of bigotry, hatred, and bullying, there is a distinction between eradicating truly terrible things and acting outraged to stir up drama. People are often “outed” online for anything they say or do, and it only takes a few clicks to become the focal point of an online storm.

Midwest Wine and Spirits discovered this after posting a sign in their shop window that read, “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.”

At first glance, it doesn’t seem all that offensive. The sign doesn’t specifically disparage any group or make assumptions about its members’ political or religious beliefs. Nevertheless, the idea that the company believed it had the authority to tell customers what they could and could not wear incensed a number of people.

The placard quickly went viral after being uploaded to the internet, prompting public debate. One of the store’s managers, Chad Gilbert, defended the sign, 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.”

A local customer of the store, Sunshine Weatherby, commented, “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 do you think of the debate? Did the liquor store do anything wrong by putting up the sign? Or are people making too much of it? Share your thoughts in the comments box. 📢💬