An Indiana “dive bar” observed and contemplated the backlash against Bud Light for its decision to partner with a transgender promoter and activist and the resulting drop in the beer maker’s revenue and decided to take action, The Daily Wire reported.
“Hold my beer,” said The Fairfax Bar and Grill in Bloomington, Indiana. The Fairfax continued stocking Bud Light, but it didn’t stop there. The bar released a statement on Facebook that may read to some as potential satire but is not. The statement began with this:
“We are tired of all of the hate. We are very open to debate and discussion and it’s truly a shame that we can’t have open conversations about this important political and cultural topic. Bars, in our opinion, exist as public spaces where ideas should be exchanged.”
So far, the message is clear and seems unlikely to stir up much controversy. Without even a paragraph break, however, the message continued, changing course sharply. Those resenting what they see as a ramming of trans propaganda down their throats by America’s largest beer maker were treated to this:
“Unfortunately due to all of the bigotry and hatred that has surfaced around the Bud Light controversy any patron wanting to voice their concerns about the issue will be immediately asked to pay their bill and leave our establishment.”
Observers have noted that The Fairfax seems to really hate it when others see things differently. The bar’s statement was posted to Facebook where hundreds of commenters reportedly roasted the bar for its intolerance. The statement has since been deleted.
The Fairfax took another crack at it on Wednesday, releasing a new statement. It read in part:
“In the last two weeks since sharing a post stating that we will not tolerate intolerance, our social media has been flooded with blatantly transphobic, homophobic and racist comments. We are all inclusive and welcome all kindhearted customers.”
Observers noted that The Fairfax seemed lacking in self-awareness, and its response to criticism for its intolerance — doubling-down on its stand that it will not tolerate people whose views it considers intolerant — appears to be said without irony.
Although the statement said, “we are all inclusive,” it did not indicate that it was reversing its policy of excluding those with whom it did not agree. The statement continued.
“After making that post, the comments on every post since include hate speech saying that transgender people are mentally ill, biological women are being erased, and showing a plethora of disgusting memes.”
Conservatives and other critics have argued that “the woke” use terms like “hate speech” absent any real understanding of, or commitment to the integrity of, such terms, employing them as simple substitutes for “opinions I get angry when I hear,” or “the speaking of facts that I don’t like.” Others, of course, do not agree with that assessment.
In its initial statement, The Fairfax spoke more than once of bigotry and hatred. Here, it spoke of hate speech. And by hate speech, The Fairfax clarified that it meant … “saying that transgender people are mentally ill, biological women are being erased …” and “disgusting memes.”
The reaction of the public and of the bar’s clientele to the statement was negative.
Regarding the first example of “hate speech,” transgender activists sought to have “gender dysphoria” officially classified as a mental illness. This accompanied the successful exertion of political (as opposed to scientific) pressure to amputate the word “disorder,” which was replaced with the preferred word, “dysphoria,” so as to lessen stigma.
The American Psychiatric Association states, as Pj Media reported: “Gender dysphoria is a diagnosis listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), a manual published by the American Psychiatric Association to diagnose mental conditions.” Here is the Mayo Clinic on the condition. Additionally, many have become familiar with claims of the alarmingly high rate of suicide attempt among those suffering from the condition, which often is cited as 40%.
Can such a fact be used in an unkind way? Certainly. But the flat assertion that simply stating of the fact constitutes “hate speech” received a negative reaction from the public.
The classification of the opinion that “women are being erased” as hate speech is even less likely to be embraced by the bar-going public. Activists frequently claim that transgender people are being “erased,” but The Fairfax did not cite this as hate speech.
The reaction to The Fairfax’s escalation in its second statement also was negative, and that second statement now has been deleted.
The Indiana bar later said that “with the departure of some of our regulars, we have needed new clientele, and you have answered. I’m not gonna lie, we still need more of you right now. Please continue to consider supporting us.”
The scene has taken on a familiar shape to those who have followed the fortunes of Anheuser-Busch throughout its controversy.
The Fairfax issued a new statement Thursday, doing a 180 — or, as the statement reads, “clarify[ing] my stance.”
“A lot has been said – some correct, and some incorrect – and I want to clarify my stance. What I really want to convey is this: just be respectful. Different opinions are welcome here as long as they are delivered respectfully. We’d no more want ugly, aggressive or rude interactions about which sports team someone thinks is better, than about societal issues.
“We do not and will not censor opinions, but we do require civility in this establishment,” the statement added. “So if you can’t play nice, then get out of the sandbox. That goes for everyone! Let’s remember why we even gather at a bar – to enjoy each other’s company – and raise a glass to civility.”
If the statement is to be believed — if it truly does go “for everyone” — then those disagreeing with transgender ideology can hope to raise their glasses in peace, rather than be called bigots as they are “immediately” thrown out — if they ever return to The Fairfax, that is.
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