1 Star Review

I almost regret my recent board game convention vacation, having fun with my fellow nerds, because it makes coming back to reality bittersweet. A guy came in wearing an Alligator Alcatraz shirt and wanted to sell me on his ATM business yesterday afternoon.

Before he even spoke to me, I was anxious. Anyone who would wear a shirt about something so fucking horrifying, happening in our country, should not be around my friends. I was also worried about what turning him away would mean for myself and the Pub.

Would he come back and break my windows because I didn't want to be nice? Would he bomb my Yelp and Google with 1-star reviews, making it harder for the people who need what the Pub provides to find or trust it?

I'd like to think that both are unlikely, but with the way things are right now, it felt smart to be cautious. It feels all too common that crime and violence can be forgiven with enough cash or influence.

I was very torn about how to react to this man who 'triggered' my fight or flight response. My typical response has been to fawn to keep the peace, but anyone who doesn't see or care to understand why supporting jailing humans with little to no due process, in such a dehumanizing way, doesn't deserve politeness.

I knew I had the power and had to ask him to leave, but I was weary of the consequences. I am grateful that I had backup with the 3 friends I was playing Magic with at the time, and happier that I didn't need it.

His Review:

I don't know where to start other than if you have a different view & opinion on life don't go here..!

Here's how it went today.. I did some work near by and was in the mood for an adult beverage. I got a business call and while on the phone I saw their sign and I have a friend in another town who's bar has the same name.. So I went inside and looked around. I saw all the board games about a dozen pinball machines and I thought being a 20 year retired bar owner I might like to have a cold brew. I went up to the counter and handed the owner my card to create small talk before I ordered my cold draft, she walked backwards as I was telling her I have a friend with the same named bar she put my business card in the trash.. I was shocked to say the least.. I asked if she put it in the trash she said yes, I asked why and if she wasn't interested she could've handed it back.. As she went into the trash to hand it back she pointed said my shirt offended her. I looked at it and said really.? Are you that triggered over a shirt..? She said yes..

(On my left breast of my shirt it says Alligator Alcatraz..)

As she walked away from me she waved at me and shood me away.. I've never been asked to leave a business before sober anyways.. Lol it was obvious she is only interested in customers with like minds and nothing else.. Obviously she's small minded & not interested in other people's money who think differently than her in her business.. Very sad, I could see myself having a drink or try some food once in a while here, not now... I like owner operator bars but not this one.. I actually give this place a -10 stars because of her being so triggered over a shirt and not wanting to know the person wearing the shirt.. Major missed opportunity...

I do feel like I should have handled it better, or at least more professionally, but I'm proud that I stood up for my friends and my business.

I want to create a book club that meets for social change. We read about what actions we can take that have the most likelihood to affect change, then make time in our busy lives to body double and to push that change forward. Email me if you want to join, help lead, have suggestions for, etc. Ashley@ashleys.pub