Rubbin' Buttz BBQ logo (Photo : Facebook)
A Latino-owned barbecue restaurant in Colorado is planning a "White Appreciation Day" in June, seeking to reduce nationwide racial tension in America. It has clarified that all races, not just Whites, will get the 10 percent discount in June.
The event was originally a joke. However, the restaurant discount at Rubbin' Buttz BBQ later became a serious suggestion.
Several public protests about policing have occurred in recent months, in response to the fatal arrests of African-Americans by police officers. They include high-profile incidents in Ferguson, Missouri; New York City, New York; and Baltimore, Maryland.
Rubbin' Buttz's co-owner Edgar Antillon says that there is an entire month that honors African-Americans and Latinos. The restaurant thought it would be fair dedicating one day to "appreciate" white Americans.
Antillon says that he has experienced racism in the United States as a Mexican-American. However, he believes that a month-long honoring of any race is racial discrimination.
As a result, Antillon made an announcement about the restaurant's special event next month. All white patrons at Rubbin' Buttz were to receive a 10 percent discount on June 11, according to Daily Caller.
Antillon has received public criticism for the discount offered to Whites. However, he argues that his goal was to celebrate Americans of all races, according to CNN.
While he describes the U.S. melting pot as an "amazing culture," Antillon said that should also include white people.
Antillon said in an interview this week with KUSA-TV that he would unlikely offer a discount named for non-white racial groups. However, he clarified that patrons of all races will get the discount on June 11.
This happened after his restaurant's bbq restaurant discount received mixed reviews across the U.S. It prompted the restaurant to address the issue on its Facebook page.
The page explains that some people's responses showed "hate" or "misunderstanding." It then encourages people to remain happy.
Responses to the Facebook post were also mixed. Some visitors called the restaurant promotion a "publicity stunt," while others agreed that discrimination against white people could be prevented by showing them the same appreciation as other races.
