When writer Victor Fiorillo stopped by the Old Philadelphia Bar, he was struck by a bold sign: “If you’re not proud to be an American, do not bother to come in.” Inside, he witnessed a former firefighter announce he was Mexican—“just a joke”—then play Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the USA.” The entire bar sang along, echoing the song’s patriotic spirit.
The bar embraces old-school Americana: $1.50 beers, televised sports, and a firm stance against “hipsters” and yuppies. It markets itself as a haven for “real men,” celebrating blue-collar values and patriotic pride. Google reviews praise it for being free of “hipster douchebags.”
But the sign sparked local outrage after a photo of it circulated on Facebook. Critics argue it promotes exclusion and discomfort—especially for people of color or those who don’t conform to its image of “American.” One woman said she wouldn’t enter with her Indian boyfriend, fearing the atmosphere.
The bar’s staff remain unapologetic. “If you’re in this country,” one bartender said, “you should be proud to be an American.”
Lesson: Patriotism should unite—not divide. Pride in one’s country shouldn’t come at the cost of inclusion, respect, or making others feel unwelcome in public spaces.