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?
10 Cultural Tips You Need to Be Aware of Before Traveling to India
There are some traditions that have not gotten lost in time and are still respected. Every country and culture is different from one another, and India is a great example of this. People behave, eat, and even dress differently. They have their own traditions and customs, and as tourists, these need to be honored. And this is exactly what we’d like to bring forth in this article.
We at Bright Side have been mesmerized by the uniqueness of Indian culture, so we’d like to share with you a few useful tips to make the most out of your trip.
1. You must not touch books or instruments with your feet.
In India, children are taught from a young age that books are knowledge. They even have a Goddess of Learning, Saraswati. Therefore, touching books with one’s feet or even kicking a school bag full of notebooks or books is considered disrespectful.
Any instrument that is used to develop one’s knowledge is also considered very important and must not be touched by the feet. Even pens and pencils are important, according to Indian culture, and must be respected as such.
2. Don’t be afraid to explore Indian street food.
Exploring foreign cuisine is generally very important when visiting other countries, and sometimes the best food around is the kind made at that small corner vendor. And Indian food is no exception, as it’s one of the richest cuisines out there. It’s a must-try for sure. Just watch out for that extra-spicy food!
As with any street food experience, you must be careful. Seek fresh food, avoid milk products as they can sometimes be spoiled, avoid ice or water that was not heated well (definitely try to avoid tap water), and generally look forward to trying clean (and busy) vendors.
3. Don’t be too polite.
Saying “please” and “thank you” is normal and respectful for us, like at a restaurant or a shop. However, in India, when used too much, you can come across as rude or impolite. Who would’ve thought, right?
When it comes to friends and family, traditional ways of showing appreciation can sometimes create tension or express a level of formality that should not exist. Instead of saying “thank you,” you can try saying “I appreciate it.”
4. Only use your right hand when giving or taking anything.
Many cultures have actually adopted this practice. In many cultures, the right hand is considered pure and even lucky! In India, it is believed that the left hand is impure, as it is used for cleaning shoes, feet, and generally dirty work. So when it comes to food, drinks, and handing objects to other people, we must always use the right hand to show respect.
5. Do not point your finger.
Usually, we use our pointer finger to give directions at a restaurant or generally when referring to something in particular. But this is definitely not the case in India.
Pointing your finger at an object or place is considered rude and impolite. If you wish to give directions or point out something to someone, you must do so by using your whole palm or your thumb. This way, it’s more gentle and polite.
6. Expect to use cash only.
If you’re visiting a small town in India, you should expect to pay with cash most of the time. While in the bigger cities, malls, restaurants, and shops, credit or debit cards may be accepted, they are still rare, and the smaller cities make use of cash. So it would be smart to keep some cash with you, just in case.
7. Not everyone is going to speak English.
Of course, you might be lucky enough to be able to use English inside bigger cities, restaurants, hotels, or certain shops, however, this is not the case for smaller villages. Here, you should expect people to use their native language, which is not necessarily a bad thing.
Spending time among foreign people and hearing their native language might actually do you some good. You can pick up a new language, getting to know a new culture.
8. Learn about and use traditional greetings.
Respect is required everywhere you go in the world, and India is no exception. You can show your respect for the country and its people by learning about their culture and traditional greetings. One such greeting that is used in a general manner is “namaste.” You can put your palms together and bow to show respect while saying namaste, or, if you’d like to be more formal, you can use “namaskar.”
As English has become more globalized, “hello’’ is also used, especially among tourists and foreigners. Just know that “goodbye” is usually not used, as it implies you won’t be seeing each other anymore, or that you are asking for permission to leave.
9. Don’t use public displays of affection.
Public display of affection is generally looked down upon as it is quite a private thing. However, in India, you must not show affection in public. When you visit a new or foreign country, you might want to blend in with other people so as to not get unwanted stares. This is one of those things you must do.
Try and avoid holding hands or using overly affectionate gestures in public, as it is frowned upon. You can even spend time in jail!
10. Know that in small towns, you must wear decent clothes.
One of the most important things to keep in mind when coming to India is the way you present yourself. As a quite conservative country, it’s good to respect its culture and people, and you can start with your clothes. Even if it’s hot outside, try and cover yourself. This way, you can pay your respects to the country, and also make yourself look like a local.
If you’re visiting a particular attraction, it’s important to wrap a scarf around your head to show respect and politeness.
Have you ever traveled to India? Which aspect of Indian culture intrigues you the most?
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