Overview

In a bold twist of humor, Benjamin Jackson, bar manager at The Penthouse strip club in Vancouver, captured attention with his latest marquee sign reading: "Forever neighbours, never neighbors." The cheeky message, which plays on the different spellings between Canadian and American English, was a pointed jab at U.S. president-elect Donald Trump’s ongoing suggestion that Canada might join the United States as its 51st state.

Suspension of the X Account

Upon posting the sign to the club's X account, Jackson was left shocked when the platform flagged it as potentially hateful content. By the end of the evening, The Penthouse's account was suspended.

Jackson's Reaction

“I was blown away,” Jackson recounted, highlighting how a seemingly lighthearted sign could evoke such a strong reaction. Originally from Ontario, he has worked at The Penthouse since 2015, where he combined his roles as a bar manager and social media manager, utilizing the club's marquee as a canvas for his witty insights.

Past Controversies and Creative Process

For years, Jackson has climbed the ladder outside the club at 1019 Seymour St. each month to craft clever one-liners, limited to 40 characters. His amusing updates have often gained traction on social media but have not been without controversy. What began as an effort to amuse his coworkers evolved into something much larger when he tackled topics far and wide.

In 2017, when one of his signs declared, “We take off more than WestJet,” the gesture caught the attention of the Canadian airline, which subsequently sent the club a cease-and-desist letter that led to the removal of the message. "I knew I could do better," Jackson reflected on the previous mundane advertisements that merely promoted events without a hint of creativity.

Shift to Political Commentary

While he initially vowed to avoid political commentary, Trump’s election in 2016 prompted Jackson to rethink that stance. His marquee messages quickly shifted tone, with provocative lines such as, “Our poles are more reliable than CNN projections,” and a cheeky jab following the January 6 Capitol riot: “Better security than the U.S. Capitol.”

Sports Humor and Creativity

Jackson also turned his sharp wit on local sports, taking digs at the Vancouver Canucks during their rough patches. Once, he jested, “Canucks drink for free after you win one” amid a seven-game losing streak.

Inspiration and Future

His creativity often flourishes during unexpected moments, be it in the shower or while grocery shopping—where a humorous thought will pop up, prompting him to jot it down for later use. “You’re never going to make everybody happy,” he admits, but adds, “I feel lucky because every day I get to make people smile, which makes me smile.”

Continuing the Humor

Despite the suspension of his account, Jackson continues to spread laughter and engage audiences with new signs that reflect current events and playful jabs at societal norms. As he navigates the world of sign-making and social media, he remains committed to his mission of bringing joy, one clever message at a time.

Looking Ahead

With the eyes on The Penthouse now more than ever, will his next sign provoke even bigger reactions? Only time will tell!