In the bustling town of Clifton, New Jersey, a small business found itself at the center of a heated controversy that quickly spiraled out of control. Cutters Edge, a knife and blade sharpening shop, displayed a sign in its window stating, “Speak English or Pay $10 Extra.” This seemingly innocuous policy sparked a firestorm of outrage, with the business facing a barrage of angry calls, negative reviews, and demands for its closure.
The incident shone a spotlight on the delicate balance that small business owners must navigate when it comes to language and inclusivity. On one side, the shop owner claimed the sign was a response to a frustrating encounter with a customer who “made no attempt to speak English.” On the other, the community rallied against what they perceived as a discriminatory and xenophobic policy, accusing the business of being “racist.”
This controversy highlights the complex and often divisive nature of language policies in an increasingly diverse society. As communities strive to embrace their multicultural identities, the lines between accommodating linguistic differences and upholding a shared language can become blurred, leading to clashes that test the resilience of small businesses and the fabric of local communities.
The controversy erupted shortly after Cutters Edge displayed the now-infamous sign. Within days, the small business was inundated with angry calls and negative online reviews, with many social media users demanding that local officials shut down the store.
One particularly vocal Twitter user, @iamfarias, went so far as to tweet, “SHUT THEM DOWN FOR BEING RACIST PIECES OF S–T! RACISM IS NOT WELCOMED IN NJ!” Others, like Jeremy Pierre, questioned the legality of the sign, asking, “Isn’t this literally illegal?”
The Yelp reviews were equally scathing, with users like Keka R. expressing their outrage. She wrote, “ANYBODY with a parent, sister, friend, or associate who speaks another language should feel enraged by this. I’d rather go to a business that fully understands we are living in a country where 350 different languages are spoken and nobody should be charged for simply that.”
In an interview with NorthJersey.com, the shop owner, Dave Feinberg, attempted to explain the reasoning behind the controversial sign. He claimed that the policy was a response to a frustrating encounter with a customer who “made no attempt to speak English,” which he said had wasted ten minutes of his time.
Feinberg acknowledged that the suggestion of an extra charge was a mistake, stating, “I should have said nothing else than, ‘Just speak English’ — or ‘Make an attempt to speak English.'” He also noted that some customers initially found the sign humorous, with one saying, “Wow, I’m glad someone did this!”
However, as the angry calls began flooding in, Feinberg described the situation as escalating, with some callers being “quite vulgar” and even wishing for his business to fail. This barrage of criticism and vitriol seemed to have taken a toll on the shop owner, who admitted that it might be too late to repair his business’s reputation.
The Cutters Edge controversy highlights the complex and often divisive nature of language policies in diverse communities. On one hand, the shop owner’s frustration with a customer who failed to communicate in English is understandable. Small business owners often face challenges in navigating language barriers, which can lead to misunderstandings, inefficiencies, and even lost revenue.
However, the owner’s decision to implement a policy that penalized customers for not speaking English was widely perceived as discriminatory and xenophobic. In a town like Clifton, which prides itself on its diversity, such a policy was seen as a step backward, as Clifton council member Rosemary Pino eloquently stated, “Messages like this put us back centuries.”
The backlash against Cutters Edge highlights the delicate balance that small businesses must strike when it comes to language and inclusivity. While maintaining efficient operations is a legitimate concern, many in the community felt that the shop owner’s approach was heavy-handed and failed to accommodate the linguistic diversity that is increasingly becoming the norm in communities across the United States.
The Cutters Edge controversy underscores the need for small business owners to thoughtfully consider how they approach language policies and customer service in an increasingly diverse society. Here are some key considerations for small businesses navigating these complex issues:
It’s important for small business owners to familiarize themselves with federal, state, and local laws regarding language discrimination. While businesses may have certain operational preferences, implementing policies that explicitly penalize customers for their language abilities could potentially violate anti-discrimination laws.
Rather than implementing restrictive language policies, small businesses should explore ways to accommodate customers who speak languages other than English. This could include hiring multilingual staff, providing translation services, or investing in signage and materials in multiple languages.
Beyond practical accommodations, small businesses should strive to cultivate a welcoming and inclusive culture that celebrates diversity. This may involve staff training on cultural sensitivity, community outreach, and actively promoting the business as a diverse and inclusive establishment.
When it comes to language policies, clear and transparent communication is crucial. If a small business does have operational preferences regarding language, it’s important to explain the rationale in a way that is sensitive to the needs and concerns of the community.
As communities continue to become more linguistically diverse, small businesses must be willing to adapt and evolve their approach to language accommodations. What may have worked in the past may no longer be sufficient, and businesses should be open to feedback and willing to make changes as needed.
In the aftermath of the controversy, Cutters Edge’s owner, Dave Feinberg, acknowledged his mistake and removed the controversial sign. However, the damage to the business’s reputation had already been done, and Feinberg admitted that it might be too late to repair the situation.
This incident serves as a cautionary tale for small business owners, highlighting the importance of proactively addressing issues of language and inclusivity before they escalate into full-blown crises. By learning from Cutters Edge’s experience, other small businesses can take steps to avoid similar controversies and build stronger relationships with their diverse communities.
The Cutters Edge controversy has illuminated the delicate balance that small businesses must strike when it comes to language policies and customer service. While operational efficiency is a legitimate concern, the backlash against the shop’s misguided sign demonstrates the need for a more thoughtful and inclusive approach.
As communities become increasingly diverse, small business owners must be willing to adapt and evolve their practices to accommodate linguistic differences. By embracing multilingual accommodations, fostering an inclusive culture, and communicating effectively with their customers, small businesses can navigate these complex issues and emerge as pillars of their local communities.
The Cutters Edge incident serves as a powerful reminder that language policies are not just about operational preferences – they are deeply tied to issues of diversity, equity, and social justice. By learning from this experience, small businesses can play a vital role in building a more inclusive and harmonious society, one customer interaction at a time.
