In the heart of Clifton, New Jersey, a small business owner found himself at the center of a firestorm after posting a sign in his shop window that asked customers to “Speak English or Pay $10 Extra.” The reaction was swift and unforgiving, as the owner, Dave Feinberg of Cutters Edge, was bombarded with angry calls, one-star Yelp reviews, and even demands for his business to be shut down.
The sign, which Feinberg claimed was posted out of frustration after a customer wasted ten minutes of his time by “making no attempt to speak English,” immediately sparked outrage among those who saw it as an act of blatant racism. Social media was ablaze with tweets calling for the business to be “shut down for being racist pieces of s–t,” while others questioned the legality of the sign, asking, “Isn’t this literally illegal?”
On the other hand, Feinberg reported that some customers initially found the sign humorous, with one person even saying, “Wow, I’m glad someone did this!” However, the situation quickly escalated as angry callers began flooding his phone lines, hurling vulgar messages and wishing for his business to fail.
The controversy surrounding Cutters Edge highlights the delicate balance that small business owners must navigate when operating in a diverse community. Clifton council member Rosemary Pino described the sign as “odd in a town that prides itself on its diversity,” adding that “Messages like this put us back centuries.”
Feinberg acknowledged that his approach was a mistake, stating, “I should have said nothing else than, ‘Just speak English’ — or ‘Make an attempt to speak English.'” This episode serves as a stark reminder for business owners to communicate clearly and with cultural sensitivity, especially when dealing with issues related to language and diversity.
Despite removing the sign and considering an apology, Feinberg admitted that it might be too late to repair the damage done to his reputation. The backlash he faced, both online and in the local community, has undoubtedly taken a toll on his business and his standing as a community member.
This controversy highlights the importance of empathy and understanding, especially in a world that is becoming increasingly diverse and interconnected. While business owners have a right to run their establishments as they see fit, they must also be mindful of the impact their actions can have on the broader community.
The story of Cutters Edge serves as a cautionary tale for business owners everywhere. It demonstrates the need to approach sensitive issues with tact, empathy, and a deep understanding of the diverse communities they serve. By fostering an environment of mutual respect and open communication, business owners can navigate these challenges and build stronger, more resilient relationships with their customers.
