PGHIMC - Pittsburgh Independent Media Center

Anti-Racist Wednesday
by alice Thursday, Apr. 03, 2008 at 4:38 AM

About 50 anti-racist protesters demonstrated outside the Garage Door Saloon in Oakland on Wednesday, April 2 from 9-11pm to bring further attention to the presence of a racist bar in Pittsburgh.

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Recently, the bar began running a drink special for Coronas and tacos called "Wetback Wednesdays." When it started making headlines in early March, it spawned a lot of controversy. Most either insisted that it was offensive and should be taken down or that it was a harmless joke. Those who came out Wednesday strongly disagree that using a racial slur in a joke is harmless, and also don't think that it's enough to claim that the drink special itself is the whole of the problem. The problem is deeper than a sign; the problem is that a white supremacist who owns and operates two bars in our city is trying to spread his hateful ideas through his business. The owner's name is Michael Papariella. As reported here on Indymedia recently, rumors have been flying for some time that Papariella, former drummer for local hardcore band Built Upon Frustration, had been kicked out of Built Upon for his white power views. On Wednesday night, demonstrators sent a message to Papariella, passersby and patrons of the bar that racist businesses and organizing will not be tolerated in our city. Some attendees handed out flyers about the bar. The group even convinced five people not to go in. The protesters left shortly before 11pm and promised to be back soon.

some people went in anyways
by alice Thursday, Apr. 03, 2008 at 4:38 AM

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some stopped to find out what the deal was
by alice Thursday, Apr. 03, 2008 at 4:38 AM

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and read the flyer
by alice Thursday, Apr. 03, 2008 at 4:38 AM

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and thought about it
by alice Thursday, Apr. 03, 2008 at 4:38 AM

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and came back out! victory!
by alice Thursday, Apr. 03, 2008 at 4:38 AM

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'merica
by alice Thursday, Apr. 03, 2008 at 4:38 AM

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nuthin' beats drunken arguing
by alice Thursday, Apr. 03, 2008 at 4:38 AM

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hahahahaha
by alice Thursday, Apr. 03, 2008 at 4:38 AM

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immigrants are welcome here
by alice Thursday, Apr. 03, 2008 at 4:38 AM

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these guys REALLY showed the anti-racists what's up
by alice Thursday, Apr. 03, 2008 at 4:38 AM

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