The controversy surrounding Gross’ Burgers in Danville has sparked a heated debate across social media and the local community. At the center of this firestorm is a bumper sticker that some have called racist, while restaurant owner Brad Gross has staunchly defended it as a symbol of patriotism and his own military service. The viral image, shared by customer Sam Schnell, sparked a wave of comments both condemning and supporting the restaurant.
The bumper sticker in question, which read “If you can’t read it, thank a Marine” along with the Arabic phrase “Allahu akbar”, became a lightning rod for controversy. Some seem to associate Arabic with terrorism, while others see it as a nod to the complexity of modern warfare and the need for language skills in the military.
According to restaurant owner Brad Gross, the sticker is one of his “patriotic items” and has been a part of the business for more than a decade. He even admitted to getting it from a Marine while he was serving in Iraq, according to Fox News.
However, the patron who posted the image of the restaurant is still concerned. Sam Schnelle’s Facebook post titled “f— Grossburgers” received more than 800 shares. ugly in the extreme. Later, Schnelle claimed she called the restaurant and asked them to remove the sticker, but did not receive a satisfactory response:
“Immediately handed the phone to the manager and he said they wouldn’t take it. YOU PEOPLE are too sensitive these days. She then proceeded to argue against my suggestions and points before hanging up on me,” she added, “Nice.”
Many tweets and Facebook updates have been deleted since the original image was released. Gross, who now runs a burger shop that employs Marines, used to be a Marine himself. Those around him stood up for him and defended him against criticism. “I can’t thank them enough,” he continued. In addition, he claims that his extensive military background deserves respect and admiration. It was very clear to him that he would not remove the sticker.
However, the reaction of the restaurant owner was criticized. On Schnelle’s Facebook post, for example, a commenter asked, “Why are all these Americans promoting ignorance? It’s admirable when someone can speak multiple languages. Pathetic.”
“Hey Danville don’t eat at Grossburgers,” Rachel Parker tweeted. “Don’t support racism!”
Plus scathing remarks like “I know. I don’t believe in racism in the slightest, but all this talk about disgusting hamburgers makes me crave their fries.”
The Gross Burgers controversy taps into broader societal debates about the limits of free speech, the meaning of symbols, and the role of businesses in enforcing or challenging cultural norms. It’s a reminder that in an interconnected world, actions and messages can have far-reaching consequences, with opinions amplified through social media platforms.
As the controversy continues to unfold, it serves as a stark reminder of the power of symbols and the ways in which individuals and businesses navigate the delicate balance between personal beliefs, public perception, and the larger cultural context. The debate surrounding Gross’ Burgers is likely to continue, raising questions about the limits of free speech and the responsibilities that come with it in an increasingly connected and diverse society.