Dozens of people turned out Saturday to protest an anti-Iranian poster that has hung in a Katy restaurant for more than three decades.
John Nonmacher, owner of Nonmacher’s Bar-B-Que on South Mason, said he has no plans to take down the controversial poster, which depicts an Iranian man hanging from a rope surrounded by cowboys, one of whom is wearing a T-shirt that reads “Iranians Suck.”
“Let’s Play Cowboys And Iranians,” it reads.
“Nothing’s going to change my mind,” said Nonmacher, who received the picture during the Iranian hostage crisis in 1979.
Protesters stood across the street from the restaurant Saturday, while supporters flocked to the business. Drivers passing by honked, gave thumbs up and even conversed with the protesters.
Husein Hadi, 28, one of the organizers of the protest, said the poster promotes racism and ignorance.
“A poster like that doesn’t unite people,” he said. “There’s no reason why there should be racism around.”
The line to get into the restaurant stretched out into the parking lot and was even more crowded inside.
Derek Auflick, 24, came to support Nonmacher.
“This is my first time here,” Auflick said. “I just wanted to come show my support.”
Nonmacher was surprised by the show of support from people and the amount of business it has generated. “Yesterday was one of the best days we’ve ever had,” Nonmacher said. “I’m pleasantly surprised, yes. I mean I knew we had fans and friends, but this is just golly God.”
Both sides waved American flags as they touted their stance on the issue.
“We’re both Americans, and I don’t think they understand that,” Hadi said.
Doc Holliday, 49, stood on the side of the street waving his flag and said it was a First Amendment issue.
“I’m here to support out First Amendment rights,” he said. “The sign’s been up there for 30 years, why all of a sudden are they protesting it now?”