The opening of a politically-themed bar in Washington, DC, called Political Pattie’s, faced backlash from the community due to the presence of a Republican symbol on the building’s facade. The owners, Andrew Benbow and Sydney Bradford, decided to remove the GOP symbol after online critics criticized the bar for featuring both a red elephant and a blue Democratic donkey. The owners, who come from opposing political ideologies, stated that the judgment surrounding their business based on its exterior appearance reflects the societal prejudice that many marginalized groups face daily.
Benbow and Bradford highlighted that their business was judged without people taking the time to learn about what they stand for on the inside, echoing the prejudice that many minority communities experience. The backlash questioned how Political Pattie’s, which aims to put the “Lit in Politics,” could operate in a location surrounded by gay bars. To address the concerns of the community, the owners decided to remove both the donkey symbol and the word “Political” from the building facade but expressed their intention to replace it with large blue font instead.
Despite acknowledging that the GOP symbol was hurtful to the community, Benbow and Bradford defended their establishment against critics, calling the online backlash “mean-spirited.” The owners emphasized their commitment to creating an inclusive space for all individuals, including members of the LGBTQ community, and made it clear that they do not tolerate any form of bigotry within their establishment. As Black Americans, Benbow and Bradford stated that being anything other than inclusive would go against their very existence, highlighting that their bar was intended to be a fun and welcoming environment that uses humor to poke at politics rather than causing pain.
Considering the criticism they faced, the owners of Political Pattie’s expressed disappointment at the mean-spirited online reactions, especially since their original intent was to create a place that welcomes everyone. Benbow and Bradford wanted to clarify that their bar was meant to be a space where all individuals, regardless of their backgrounds, could feel comfortable and have fun without facing discrimination or judgment. They emphasized their commitment to creating an environment that is free from homophobia, transphobia, racism, and other forms of bigotry, highlighting that any other approach would go against the core values of their existence as Black Americans.
The removal of the Republican symbol and donkey from the building facade marked a significant moment in the establishment of Political Pattie’s, as it reflected the owners’ willingness to listen to the concerns of the community and adapt accordingly. Benbow and Bradford hoped that by making these changes and clarifying their intentions, they could rebuild trust with the community and create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all patrons. Despite the initial backlash, the owners remained focused on their goal of providing a space where people could come together to engage in political discussions and have a good time without feeling excluded or discriminated against.
