“I really do believe something was said to me because I’m not thin so it’s not considered sexy,” she wrote in the caption. “What really sucks was that was a new shirt. I’ve never owned a crop top before and I was nervous at first about wearing it but my husband loved the way it looked on me and encouraged me to wear it since I liked it so much. I really felt cute in it and now I never wanna wear that shirt again even though it was the first time I ever wore it and I felt good about myself in it.”

Advertisement
Advertisement

Selective enforcement is why dress codes—explicit or otherwise—are problematic. As Emke asked, would a teenage girl wearing a similar outfit have been asked to leave? Or is the manager’s request, presumably based on another’s diner’s complaint, related to Emke’s age and weight? Several comments have made note of the Golden Corral’s location next to a waterpark, meaning families might be more likely to dine there in casual or even swimsuit-esque clothing.

To me, Emke is dressed like plenty of people walking around the beach, mall, or grocery store. If that’s offensive to you, buffet diner, good luck out in the real world. Let those among us who have not been inappropriate in a budget buffet restaurant cast the first stone.