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The Truth About Buffalo Wild Wings’ National Anthem Controversy
Buffalo Wild Wings, a popular sports bar and restaurant chain, found itself at the center of a national anthem controversy in September 2017. Reports surfaced that an employee at one of its locations muted televisions during the national anthem at the start of an NFL football game, which coincided with the anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The incident sparked confusion and outrage among customers and quickly spread online, leading to a wave of misinformation and calls to boycott the restaurant chain.
What really happened?
Contrary to initial speculation, Buffalo Wild Wings did not have a policy of silencing the national anthem at the beginning of televised sporting events. The incident at the Eastvale, California location was the result of an individual employee’s actions and not a reflection of company policy. The employee claimed that the anthem was “too controversial” and turned down the volume in accordance with company policy, but both the franchise owner and Buffalo Wild Wings corporate office apologized and stated that they had no policy on the matter.
Misinformation and Boycott Calls
Following the incident, misinformation spread on social media, with many Twitter users mistakenly associating the actions of one rogue employee with the entire company. Some people pointed the finger at the manager of the Eastvale facility, even though media reports referred to only one employee. However, company statements made clear that the incident was isolated and did not reflect company practices.
In addition, calls to boycott Buffalo Wild Wings were misguided. The CEO of the Eastvale franchise, a military veteran, expressed deep disappointment in the incident and emphasized that it was the action of one individual and not representative of the company’s values. Nonetheless, the controversy highlighted the ongoing debate over the national anthem and the NFL, particularly as it relates to protests against police violence against black Americans.
Athletes Protest and Controversy
The national anthem controversy is not a new phenomenon. It gained significant attention during the 2016 NFL season when Colin Kaepernick, an NFL player, began kneeling during the anthem to protest the country’s oppression of black people, specifically incidents of police officers killing unarmed black Americans. Kaepernick’s protest sparked a movement, with numerous players joining him this season.
The NFL initially responded by calling for fines against players who protested during the anthem. However, after the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, the league changed its stance. Commissioner Roger Goodell publicly admitted that the NFL had erred in not listening to its players earlier and encouraged peaceful protests. Floyd’s death led to widespread protests across the country, drawing attention to systemic issues of racial injustice and police brutality.
Bottom line
The national anthem controversy at Buffalo Wild Wings was the result of the actions of one employee, not a reflection of company policy. Misinformation and calls to boycott the restaurant chain spread on social media, despite clear statements from the franchise owner and corporate office denouncing the incident and expressing regret. The incident also highlighted the ongoing debate over the national anthem and protests against police violence against black Americans. Ultimately, it serves as a reminder of the power of social media to amplify and distort information, and underscores the importance of verifying facts before drawing conclusions.
FAQS
Did Buffalo Wild Wings have a policy of silencing the National Anthem during televised sporting events?
No, Buffalo Wild Wings did not have a policy of silencing the National Anthem. The incident that occurred at one of their locations was the result of an individual employee’s actions and does not reflect a company policy.
What happened during the incident at the Eastvale, California Buffalo Wild Wings?
On the opening night of Monday Night Football in 2017, an employee at the Eastvale location muted the televisions when the national anthem began, sparking confusion and outrage among customers. The employee claimed the anthem was “too controversial” and turned down the volume, but the franchise owner and corporate office quickly apologized, saying it was the action of an individual.
Were the calls to boycott Buffalo Wild Wings justified?
No, calls to boycott Buffalo Wild Wings were misguided. The incident was not representative of the company’s values or policies, and both the franchise owner and corporate office expressed regret and made it clear that the employee’s actions did not reflect company practices.
Why did the national anthem controversy at Buffalo Wild Wings gain attention?
The controversy gained attention because of the ongoing debate over the national anthem and protests against police violence against black Americans. The incident coincided with the anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, further fueling the debate and drawing mixed reactions from the public.
How has social media contributed to the spread of misinformation?
Social media played an important role in spreading misinformation about the incident. Many users mistakenly associated the actions of one employee with the entire company, perpetuating false narratives and leading to calls for a boycott. This underscores the need to fact-check and verify information before drawing conclusions.
What broader issues has the controversy highlighted?
The controversy highlighted the ongoing debate about protesting police violence and systemic racial injustice. It highlighted the power of peaceful demonstrations, such as kneeling during the national anthem, to draw attention to social issues and sparked discussions about free speech and the role of athletes in activism.