One evening, as Victor Fiorillo ventured out for a drink, he chose to visit the Old Philadelphia Bar in the so-called City of Brotherly Love. His intention was to enjoy a beer and some pleasant company. However, upon spotting the sign engraved on the window, he hesitated for a moment. Undeterred, he entered and cast his “vote” by purchasing a beer. It was at this point that a man’s voice rang out, audible to the entire bar.
The man was making his way to the jukebox. But before inserting the coin to play some music, he proclaimed that he was a former firefighter and, with a chuckle, added that he was Mexican, quickly clarifying that the latter part was “just a joke.” He then paid for the music and selected the 1984 hit by Lee Greenwood, “God Bless the USA.” As the song commenced and the chorus blared through the bar’s speakers, every patron present joined in the singing.
“And I’m proud to be an American
Where at least I know I’m free
And I won’t forget the men who died
Who gave that right to me
And I’d gladly stand up next to you
And defend Her still today
‘Cause there ain’t no doubt
I love this land
God Bless the USA”
This bar endeavors to uphold the values enshrined in the song. This is precisely why Victor Fiorillo took notice of the sign emblazoned on the front of the establishment when he first walked in.
“If you’re not proud to be an American, do not bother to come in.”
For decades, the bar has been a mainstay in its Philadelphia neighborhood. However, this sign is a recent addition to the otherwise classic bar. Their aim is simply to convey that patrons will be greeted with patriotic cheer upon entering.
The bar has also retained other traditional elements from bygone days, such as inexpensive 1 – an absolute bargain.
The bar takes pride in being free from the hipster crowd. It caters to “real men,” as opposed to the yuppies and working professionals who are gradually encroaching on the neighborhood and, in the eyes of some, spoiling its charm.
One Google review aptly stated, “Not overrun with hipster douchebags. And even if you do see some hipster douche McDouchebags, they know to keep their abject stupidity to themselves.”
When a passerby noticed the sign on the door, they snapped a photo and shared it in a local Philly Facebook group. Outrage ensued. People were incredulous that the bar was promoting such values.
Locals who are not white men even express apprehension about the bar. A woman from Fairmount, aware of the bar nicknamed “Old Philly,” said she would avoid going there because she has an Indian boyfriend with a beard.
“I would stay away,” she confided to Victor Fiorillo. “It’s usually okay. But sometimes, in certain places, it’s not. As is evident from that sign.”
The bar manager seems oblivious to the fuss. As a bartender informed Fiorillo, “If you’re in this county, you ought to be proud to be an American.”
What is your perspective on the sign?