Dress codes are nothing new to Tigerland.
In past years, some bars’ dress codes have even been subject to accusations of discrimination, according to past articles in The Daily Reveille.
And since MTV’s “Jersey Shore” premiered, some bars have adopted an “if it’s On Jersey Shore, it’s not coming through the door” policy to keep Ed Hardy and Affliction-laden fist-pumping champs out bars.
Last spring, I first noticed a sign that read just that at Republic, a semi-respectable club in New Orleans.
Later that semester, I spotted a similar sign in Tigerland — outside Mike’s Daiquiris and Grill.
Not long after, I noticed a huge “dress code strictly enforced” sign above the front door at Reggie’s Bar.
I thought this was strange, to say the least.
In the midst of these appearances, Andrew Robertson, former Daily Reveille opinion editor, received a letter from an international student who complained Fred’s Bar had once prevented him from coming in and another time kicked him out because he “smelled bad.”
Needless to say, it seemed as if these scum-of-the-earth bars were trying to make some sort of progress — by keep people they deem undesirable out.
Let’s cut to the chase — I decided to push the limits at Mike’s on Saturday, Feb. 12.
Instead of wearing a perfectly ironed Polo Oxford, khaki pants and my nicest pair of Sperrys, complete with a dangling pair of Costa Del Mar sunglasses, I dressed in a 1980s camouflage jumpsuit. To accompany me, I had a buddy wear a Rev Run-style black Adidas tracksuit.
We arrived at the bar around 11 p.m., and oddly enough, I was able to get in. The doormen didn’t question my camouflage outfit. “Maybe they didn’t see me,” I wondered.
It was a different story for my friend. They stopped him and told him his tracksuit wasn’t acceptable attire for their respected bar. After a few words, he was able to get in by telling the doormen he had just left a party put on by his fraternity — Iota Zeta (a.k.a. Izod).
Once inside, we were outcasts in a sea of Ralph Lauren polo shirts.
After testing the dress code, we decided to see what kind of behavior we could get away with. We continually tried to dance with girls and violently fist-pumped our way to the stage while incessantly asking guys if they would join Iota Zeta. We got a few confirmed recruits and a few to say “@#$% off.”
We took over on the stage, grabbing girls from every guy we saw in an attempt to see if it was possible to take it too far and get kicked out.
When nothing happened, I started to take note of other people’s behavior in the bar, and mine was rather conservative.
I noticed countless people grinding and making out. I saw guys attempting to learn the female anatomy. And I saw a girl throwing up in a trash can.
When I thought about what I had just experienced, I was confused.
The dress code appears to be a way to keep undesirable people out of the bar. But all the code is doing is keeping preppy white kids in and preventing people who like to dress like DJ Pauly D and Lil’ Boosie from enjoying themselves.
Keeping these people out of the bar doesn’t change what goes on inside.
The bar may not get as many orders for Jagerbombs, but it certainly isn’t reducing the number of STDs transferred.
Moreover, the dance floor will still look like a “Girls Gone Wild” video no matter who they let in.
That’s what happens when you let 20-something-year-olds drink
All the bars in Tigerland have dress codes, but not all of them enforce them as strictly as the next. Then again, just because they don’t all enforce them doesn’t make having them right.
In the end, Tigerland dress codes are pointless. They simply give the bars a right to discriminate if you don’t appear to be a devoted member to the Interfraternity Council.
But keep in mind, if you actually want to go to Tigerland and not look like a “bro,” wear camouflage — the doormen won’t see you. Or wear anything you want and just tell them you came from an Iota Zeta party. Then, for some reason, your skin color or attire may become acceptable.
 
Chris Grillot is a 19-year-old mass communication and English sophomore from New Orleans. Follow him on Twitter @TDR_CGrillot.
 
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Contact Chris Grillot at [email protected]