Albuquerque, N.M. (KOAT) — Paisano’s Restaurant in Albuquerque is once again at the center of controversy after putting “Black Olives Matter” on its sign to promote a dish.
It’s now selling t-shirts, which isn’t sitting well with some in town. “It’s just a businessman who has taken advantage of some discord,” said University of New Mexico Professor dr.
Dr. Coleman is teaching an interesting course this semester that dissects the historical events that led to the “Black Lives Matter” movement. He says many might feel that Paisano’s is trivializing an important message, “Many people are very much against any kind of usage of that term or playing on that term or punning that term because people’s lives are at stake.”
But despite all the criticism, Paisano’s tells us that they stand by their shirt. “The thing has gone inexplicably viral,” said owner of Paisano’s Rick Camuglia.
Camuglia said when he put “Black Olives Matter” on his sign he was just trying to sell food, not stir racial tensions. He also said he made the shirts after he got calls from people around the world supporting him and asking if they could buy a souvenir.
“It’s just something to do that’s kind of fun now it’s a little bit different than selling pasta,” added Camuglia.
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