Isis Salon is changing name
Response to “Offended by Isis” (Letters, Monday):
Our business name was chosen over a year ago prior to the ISIS terrorist group coming to the forefront of our media. We understand anyone’s concern with the ISIS acronym and what it evokes in our American hearts and minds today.
Therefore, on Aug. 31, we published this statement on social media and our old website to clearly state our position and our plans for rebranding.
“Recently, we have observed the growing issues of a radical terrorist group whose name, translated into English, is Islamic State of Iraq and Syria – often referenced by the acronym ISIS. However coincidental, we have no interest in sharing our business name with a group whose name has become synonymous with violence. Our hearts go out to those who are suffering. As a company, we have made the decision to rebrand. Changing names and brands are never fast or easy processes, but we feel this is the right decision for us.
“For the record, Isis is a fairly common name. Some examples include Isis, the ancient mythological goddess, several rock and roll bands, and the Bob Dylan’s song Isis.
“Thank you for your continued loyalty and support as we undergo these changes. Keep your eyes opened for our new name and signage!”
Since our announcement, we have launched our new name on all social media venues, created a website to reflect our new name and logo and are working diligently with a team to revamp all of our signage and marketing material. Unfortunately, these tasks take time, but we are nearing completion of our rebranding.
We are thankful we have our rights in America and that you critiqued your concerns. This allowed us to respond and share our stance.
We are proud to be Americans and a small business in our community. Please keep your eyes peeled for our new signage.
— Brandy H. Skok
Salisbury

Within rights
This is in response to the letter in the Monday, Sept. 8 paper, titled “Offended by Isis”:
The author seems to think that she has a right to not be offended, a common misconception. Nowhere in the US Constitution, the Bill of rights, or any of the amendments does such a right appear. In fact, the freedom of expression granted by the first amendment gives every person the right to express themselves, even if that offends other people. If the author of the letter does not like seeing the four letters on a sign, I-S-I-S, then she has the right to ignore it, to never enter the business, and generally to go about her business.
What I find sadly ironic is that she also complains about the removal of Christian symbols from government property. The same Constitution which grants everyone (not just Christians) the right to express themselves, also grants everyone (including Christians) the right to not have their government endorse or enforce any religion. ISIS is the epitome of religious intolerance, but if we allow ourselves to become intolerant of groups other than Christians, how can we claim to be that different? I would prefer to be entirely different, rather than simply not as bad.
How would you feel and react if someone told you a sign on your business was offensive because it reminded them of something completely unrelated, and that you should remove it? How would you feel if any government decided to celebrate Muslim holidays, or to allow a large public Muslim display? Would you still feel the way you do now? Our Constitution is there to protect the rights of everyone, not just you. You have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. You also have the responsibility to allow everyone else to do the same.
— Kenneth Rickman
Salisbury