In 2017, a Dairy Queen in Kewaskum, Wisconsin grabbed attention online with a message posted in its front window, causing quite a stir across the internet.
Some words or expressions, like ”Merry Christmas,” can stir up controversy, even when they seem harmless to some.
In a world filled with different beliefs and traditions, what feels like a simple greeting to one person might come across as exclusionary to another.
It’s that clash of perspectives that can turn a seemingly innocent phrase into a hot topic. Take, for example, a Dairy Queen in Wisconsin that made headlines with a bold sign on its window — sparking a heated debate online.
For years, a Dairy Queen in Kewaskum, Wisconsin, has proudly displayed a ”politically incorrect” sign on its window. While locals have long been familiar with it, back in 2017, an out-of-town customer took notice and set the internet on fire.
The store’s owner, Kevin Scheunemann, is the one who put up the sign, and he stands by its message.
“I felt the sign was appropriate to hang in terms of being transparent about the views of the owner and staff supporting God and country,” Scheunemann explained to WeAreGreenBay.com.
The sign in Kewaskum
So, what did the sign actually say?
It proudly declared the restaurant’s stance on “political incorrectness,” emphasizing holiday greetings like “Merry Christmas,” “Happy Easter,” and “God Bless America.” It also included the phrase “In God we trust” and offered free sundaes to veterans on Veteran’s Day.
According to the owner, he decided to put up the sign back in 2012, after a customer was upset by Christian music playing inside the restaurant.
“I just felt it was more appropriate to disclose these kinds of expressions,” Scheunemann continued. “It just seems that those kinds of values and principles are becoming controversial in society.”
Despite the occasional controversy, Scheunemann stands firm, willing to have a conversation with anyone who disagrees, but also proud of his values.
”Pretty tasteless”
But as mentioned, not everyone agreed with Scheunemann’s perspective. One customer from Oregon posted the sign on Dairy Queen’s national Facebook page in 2017, complaining about its exclusive nature.
This sparked a flood of negative comments, with people like Steve Thomas from Milwaukee saying, “I feel this is a pretty tasteless thing to have posted at one of your franchises. The part I disagree with is his use of the term ‘snowflake’… he’s alienating half the population by using that term.”
Thomas continued, “The other thing I don’t like is him belittling ‘safe spaces.’ Young adults need a safe place to talk when they’re struggling but won’t go because of the criticism they might receive. That’s why I disagree with this sign.”
Despite the backlash, many showed their support for Scheunemann, with some people even traveling long distances to snap a picture with the owner.
I just had to post this. Naturally, it was really busy tonight. This customer comes up to counter and says he has…Posted by Kevin Scheunemann on Saturday, June 30, 2018
In response to the controversy, Dairy Queen released a statement:
“American Dairy Queen Corporation does not encourage our independently owned and operated franchisees to post non-business related messages. This sign expresses the views of this independent owner only and does not speak for ADQ Corporation or other franchise owners. We expect our franchisees and employees to treat every customer with dignity and respect.”
New controversy
Then in 2020, the same Dairy Queen found itself at the center of another debate when a Donald Trump campaign sign, placed next to the restaurant’s parking lot, was nearly stolen.
CCTV footage showed two people trying to take the large Trump sign, but they couldn’t fit it into their car. Scheunemann, who posted about the incident on Facebook, even offered a $500 Dairy Queen gift card for information leading to the suspects’ arrest.
Love it or hate it, Dairy Queen’s politically charged sign has certainly sparked conversation over the years.
Whether you’re all for Scheunemann’s unapologetic stance or feel it crosses a line, it’s clear that his message has struck a chord with people from all walks of life. From heated debates on social media to those who travel miles just to snap a photo with the sign, it’s a reminder of how a single statement can ignite a much larger conversation.
So, what do you think? Does Scheunemann’s sign represent standing strong in your beliefs, or is it a step too far in today’s divided world?
I have found out why many of my neighbours are placing spoons in their front yards.
Have you seen the spoons being placed in the front yards of your neighbors? Well, this strange gesture has an interesting explanation. You may help save humanity by taking part in this simple deed. How? by assisting in the conservation of the bee population.
Ninety percent of the world’s population depends on bees for their food, making them extremely important pollinators. Sadly, there has been a startling one-third decline in the bee population during the past five years. David Attenborough, the well-known narrator of “The Blue Planet” and “Planet Earth,” has issued a warning due to this deterioration. Attenborough claimed that humanity would only have four years to survive if bees disappeared off the face of the planet.
Now, you may be wondering how bee preservation may be aided by something as basic as a tablespoon of sugar and some water. As often happens, bees can get fatigued and run out of energy to go back to their hives. They frequently end up being carried away by this and looking dead. Nevertheless, you can assist in reviving these weary bees by offering a spoonful of a solution consisting of two tablespoons of white granulated sugar combined with one tablespoon of water. This tiny deed of generosity goes a long way toward keeping the bees nourished and hydrated so they can carry on with their vital role as pollinators.
Educating others about this problem is another way that you may contribute. Spread the word about this article and the easy ways people may support. Furthermore, think about establishing an abundance of flowers and bee-attracting plants. By doing this, you will not only give your landscape some color, but you will also be creating a warm and inviting space for these amazing animals.
Attenborough’s request for assistance has received an incredible amount of support, with many individuals thanking her and sharing their own stories. Some have even gone so far as to offer electrolyte water to other creatures in need, such birds. Some have told touching tales of successfully resurrecting bees and feeling thankful for the chance to assist.
So let’s band together and do our part to save these vital pollinators. Talk about it, impart your knowledge, and together, let’s change things. We can protect our own future and make a big difference in the bee population by making little changes now. Recall that every small gesture matters.
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