Update:
You can read my thoughts on Roots Bistro’s response to this whole situation. I hope you’ll also consider making a donation to the Houston Area Women’s Center in honor of Roots Bistro. It is a way for you to show your outrage over their insensitivity and help survivors of domestic violence who live in the Roots community. I think everyone would love for this sign to trigger some constructive, positive action, and a donation seems just the thing!
Original post:
This sign went up at Roots Bistro in Houston:
As you might imagine, it did not go over well. People called to complain, and a news crew even showed up to do a story.
Did they apologize? Well …
And a report from someone who called in to complain:
I just called. The (shift?) manager did this with their sign intentionally in a misguided attempt to draw *attention* to the issue of domestic violence. He said they’ve donated food and money to fight against domestic violence for a long time.
It was taken down “immediately,” in response to complaints.
They also said that it’s going to be covered on Channel 2 News tonight.
I shared my opinion that it was abhorrent and ill-conceived, but that i would share what he told me about their intentions on Facebook.
As another friend said, wanting to “draw attention” to an issue doesn’t give you license to be offensive. Or plain stupid, I would add.
The next sign to go up? An apology? A we’re sorry? Well …
The tone of this sign, needless to say, doesn’t suggest genuine contrition so much as ‘get over it, ladeez, we’re just making a joke, so focus on what really matters, ‘mkay?’
Apologize. Here’s how you do it. I’m sorry. It was offensive and harmful. It was wrong of us to put it up. We will institute policies and procedures to make sure we do not do something like this again, and we will make sure that all who were involved with putting it up understand why it was wrong to do so.
I’m pretty sure Roots Bistro has now lost the benefit of doubt with most people who see this.
