Gina Heslop
In June 2018, a bar in Philadelphia stirred controversy with a new sign displayed on its front door.
The sign read, “If you’re not proud to be an American, do not bother to come in.” This message quickly divided opinions in the community, with some seeing it as a bold statement of patriotism and others as exclusionary and unwelcoming.
Victor Fiorillo, a journalist, decided to visit the bar to see what it was all about. When he entered, he observed a friendly yet distinctly patriotic atmosphere.
Shortly after he arrived, a man walked up to the jukebox, announced that he was a former firefighter, and joked about being Mexican. Then he played Lee Greenwood’s song “God Bless the USA.” As the music filled the bar, everyone joined in singing the famous chorus, creating a moment of unity and shared pride in America.
The bar, known as “Old Philly” to locals, has been a neighborhood fixture for many years. It attracts regular patrons who appreciate its no-nonsense vibe and affordable drinks, including $1.50 domestic pints and even cheaper beers during televised sports events.
The bar has also branded itself as “hipster-free,” emphasizing that it caters to “real men,” not to yuppies or hipsters who are transforming the neighborhood.
When a passerby took a photo of the sign and shared it on a local Facebook group, reactions were swift and intense. Many people were outraged, criticizing the bar for what they perceived as a divisive and unwelcoming message.
Some individuals, particularly those from diverse backgrounds, expressed feeling uncomfortable or even fearful of going to the bar. For example, a woman from the nearby Fairmount area said she would avoid the bar because her boyfriend is Indian and has a beard, fearing they might not be welcomed.
Despite the backlash, the bar manager and some of the staff were puzzled by the criticism. To them, being proud to be American is natural, and they believe anyone in the country should feel the same.
The bar manager stated that the sign was meant to show that the bar embraces patriotic values and a sense of community.
Far from driving people away, the manager claimed that the sign had actually helped increase business, as it resonated with a portion of the local community who valued a space that openly expressed pride in American identity.
