A Dairy Queen in Kewaskum, Wisconsin, got a lot of attention online in 2017 when someone put a message in the front window. It caused a big stir on the internet.
Some phrases or words, like “Merry Christmas,” can cause trouble, even if they seem innocent to some.
Our world is full of people with different beliefs and customs, so a simple greeting to one person could seem rude to another.
That difference in points of view is what can make a phrase that seems harmless into a hot topic. Take the Wisconsin Dairy Queen that made the news with a big sign on its window that started a heated discussion online.
There has been a “politically incorrect” sign on the window of a Dairy Queen in Kewaskum, Wisconsin, for many years. People who live in the area have known about it for a long time, but in 2017 a customer from out of town noticed and made the internet go crazy.
Kevin Scheunemann, who owns the shop, put up the sign and stands by what it says.
Scheunemann told WeAreGreenBay.com, “I thought the sign was appropriate to hang because it was clear that the owner and staff support God and country.”
It was written in Kewaskum.
Then what did the sign really say?
It happily said that the restaurant didn’t believe in “politically incorrectness,” and it emphasized holiday greetings like “Merry Christmas,” “Happy Easter,” and “God Bless America.” “In God we trust” was written on it, and on soldiers Day, it gave away free sundaes to soldiers.
The owner says that he put up the sign in 2012 because a customer was upset that the restaurant was playing Christian music.
“I just thought it was more appropriate to share these kinds of expressions,” Scheunemann said. “It looks like people are having strong feelings about those values and beliefs.”
Scheunemann stands firm, ready to talk to anyone who doesn’t agree with him, but also proud of his values, even when they cause trouble.
“Not very tasteful”
But, as was already said, Scheunemann’s point of view wasn’t shared by everyone. In 2017, a customer from Oregon shared the sign on Dairy Queen’s national Facebook page, saying that it was unfair that it was only for certain people.
A lot of people were upset about this. Steve Thomas from Milwaukee said, “I think this is a pretty rude thing to have posted at one of your franchises.” I don’t agree with his use of the word “snowflake.” By using that word, he offends half of the people.
“The other thing I don’t like about him is that he puts down’safe spaces,’” Thomas said. Teenagers and young people who are having a hard time need a safe place to talk about it but are afraid of being judged if they go. That’s the reason I don’t agree with this sign.
Even though there was criticism, a lot of people still showed their support for Scheunemann. Some even went out of their way to take a picture with the owner.
This had to be posted. As you might expect, it was very busy tonight. This customer walks up to the desk and says, “I have…”
“American Dairy Queen Corporation does not encourage our franchisees who are privately owned and run to post messages that are not related to business.” The owner of this business is the only one who can see this sign. It does not represent ADQ Corporation or other franchise owners. Everyone who works for or franchises us is expected to treat every customer with respect and honor.
A new scandal
Then, in 2020, the same Dairy Queen was in the middle of another argument when a Trump campaign sign next to the parking lot was almost stolen.
Two people tried to take the big Trump sign, but they couldn’t fit it in their car, as seen on CCTV. Scheunemann wrote about what happened on Facebook and even offered a $500 Dairy Queen gift card to anyone who could help catch the suspects.
People have talked about Dairy Queen’s highly charged sign for years, whether they like it or not.
The message Scheunemann sent has clearly hit a nerve with people from all walks of life, whether they agree with him or think it goes too far. It’s a reminder of how one statement can start a much bigger conversation, from heated arguments on social media to people driving miles just to take a picture with the sign.➕
