The signage that was inappropriately placed on a chalkboard by Terre Rouge at P.E.I. was not the “Welcome” that one usually sees or expects in restaurants or at any business enterprise. Negative signage, such as what was displayed re: Newfoundland, has no place in any restaurant, period.
The owners and staff of Terre Rouge obviously made an error in judgement and I am sure they regret the incident very much.
And, of course, they apologized, which is appropriate and positive going forward.
A good lesson learned.
As Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, we have heard it all before and, for the most part, we take it in stride and move on.
Messaging can be quite effective for one’s business but it can also be quite costly and detrimental.
Restaurant businesses should encourage and support what they do best, provide good food for the travelling public and a comfortable place to relax and enjoy their stay in safety and without being subjected to negative innuendos and the like.
It’s simply unnecessary and inappropriate.
Our province has many things to be proud of for which we are known throughout Canada and throughout the world: our generosity for giving to many charities especially when families are in need through some misfortune or disaster; our reputation for being compassionate and caring as demonstrated by the many communities in central Newfoundland that showed outstanding leadership in providing care to the thousands of passengers who landed at Gander during the chaos of 9/11; our culture, heritage, values, geography, are second to none; we welcome people from many countries and we extend a hand of friendship and trust to all people; and we inspire others by our leadership and action in our communities.
Our most recent demonstration of our sense of humour is being, and has been, demonstrated by the wonderful people of Dildo who are currently enjoying every moment of their shared fame with comedian legend and talk show host Jimmy Kimmel.
They’re proud of the name of their community and what their community has to offer.
The total scene is funny, it’s reciprocal, it’s in jest, it’s our culture, it’s outport life, and song and fun. It represents the beauty, innocence and touch of the Newfoundland spirit that has been passed on from generation to generation.
From online social media comments, it’s a win, win, win for Dildo, Jimmy Kimmel, the millions who watch his show and for Newfoundland and Labrador.
The show has promoted the community of Dildo and our province like nothing else can, except of course, the well-liked and grounded people of Dildo.
In the coming years, I sincerely hope that the good, fun loving people of Dildo will be supported with thousands and thousands of tourists who will delight in their genuine character and love of community (qualities which are found in abundance in many other communities throughout our scenic province).
Congratulations and well done, Dildonians.
P.J. Dwyer,
Gander
RELATED:
• Dildo residents thrilled after Jimmy Kimmel features town
• Jimmy Kimmel says he’s coming to Dildo, NL
• P.E.I. restaurant's 'How do you tell if a Newfoundlander is gay?’ sign now a ruckus
• LETTER: There are better dishes to serve than inappropriate ‘jokes’
