Stay out of bars if you don’t like rules
I am tired of hearing of racial issues on this campus. Every semester black LSU students have a serious issue, they feel it is absolutely imperative for change. First it was the name change of the Union’s Plantation Room, then it was the purple and gold Confederate flags flown on game day, next came funding for the Black Student Union, and now blacks are not allowed in the bars around Tigerland.
I can certainly remember seeing black people in those bars in my days here at LSU. Dress codes are enforced at these bars, deal with it. If you want to come in, conform to the rules the bars mandate to enter their establishment; otherwise stay at home or go somewhere else.
This, in my opinion, is not an issue until a white person is allowed to enter the bar with a FUBU shirt on or he comes in, as the black folk would say, “bling-blinging” with his Mr. T starter kit. It would also be an issue if black students are denied access to the bars even after conforming to the rules. Rules are in place for a reason; if the bar chooses to set a dress code then follow it. Don’t try to make it a racial issue if they will not let you wear the clothes you want to wear. If you cannot conform to the rules then stay home; I promise I will not miss you.
Chad Roberts
Graduate Student — Business
Student applauds Reveille’s integrity
I would like to applaud the Reveille for always maintaining journalistic integrity. I have always been impressed by the thoroughness and freshness of the daily publications. But since the publication of the story concerning the Tigerland bars dress code, I have new respect for The Reveille.
They reported the facts and are unapologetic for it. The article has made people uneasy, and it should. It is upsetting when the ugly truth stares you in the face. The information presented was from primary sources, and the dress code policy was taken from the establishment. We can speculate on the reasoning of the bar owners to implement such a dress code, but since they refused an interview, it wouldn’t have been journalistically correct to offer a speculation.
I find it deeply disturbing that in 2003 there are LSU students who don’t like going into Tigerland bars if “they are black.” However, I am happy that The Reveille has brought this to the attention of the student body, so those of us who do see the circumstances as being unacceptable will not spend our money at the establishments.
Monique Green
Sophomore — Mass Communication
Discrimination claims are off base
Discrimination in Tigerland must end! If I want to wear a line of clothing made for blacks by blacks (FUBU) and you don’t let me in your bar, then you are a racist. Now you may say that the very meaning of FUBU can be construed as racist; but I am a minority, and I have the right to play the victim as long as I want. You may say if I don’t like the rules I should go somewhere else. I say even though it is your bar, I want to go in and do whatever I want. It is my God-given right to break the rules of your privately owned establishment. If you don’t let me in, I’ll call the NAACP and the ACLU!!!!
That is the sum of the absurdity of this whole situation. First, I am a minority. I’ve visited the Tigerland bars on many occasions and have never had a problem. I attribute that fact to the clearly posted rules. I have been a witness to many people (white, black, Indian, Latino — yes there are more races than just black and white) who didn’t follow the clearly posted rules and were turned away. The LSU NAACP president was right to say this is 2003 and not the 1950s. Minorities in 2003 are not the victims of that 1950s generation. In 2003 we don’t need “leaders” playing the race card whenever they get the urge. It takes away from real issues.
People, if you don’t like Tigerland policies, then go elsewhere. If you believe the bars are racist, then go where they aren’t racist. There are plenty of bars in Baton Rouge. LSU is a collection of educated individuals. Do not make your decisions based on people who sensationalize things, but base your decisions on your own experiences and ability to think.
One more thing — if the NAACP gets the ACLU to file a suit against Reggie’s about this whole situation, can they also get the ACLU to sue the people who make billiards balls? Something about seeing a white ball knock around “colored” balls doesn’t sit well with me. (Sarcasm is wonderful!)
Tyrone Kyle
Senior — Biochemistry
NAACP right to boycott Tigerland
In regards to your article about the dress code that is being enforced in Tigerland, I am happy that this issue has finally been brought out into the public’s attention. I, for one, have seen the bars not allow certain people in just because they had a hair wrap or have “too baggy” pants on. While they let other people in that have hats on and pants are sagging below their boxers.
I feel that most of the bars in Tigerland are racist and do not allow many African Americans into their establishments. It is not right that they have put up signs that read “No Mr. T starter kits” or no FUBU; that is just like as reported in the story as saying no Gap or American Eagle allowed in here.
I believe that the NAACP is right for boycotting Tigerland, though I do believe it is going to take more than that to change some of the things around there. If we got the media more involved in this issue, or even if the Black Student Union called awareness on these things could turn for the better. These rules do need to be a changed, and we need to make a stand about it.
Jennifer Summer
Freshman — Mass Communication
Hornets wrong to fire Coach Silas
The firing of New Orleans Hornets coach Paul Silas is mindboggling. Last season as the Hornets’ owners searched for a new hometown and Charlotte fans bailed, Silas got his players to focus and took them to the second round of the playoffs. This season, as the team suffered injuries to Baron Davis, Jamal Mashburn and David Wesley, Silas almost took them to the second round again. The Hornets are a good team, but not great. There are some great players on the Hornets in Davis and Mashburn, but Silas took a pretty good team and made them the most overachieving team in the league.
Everyone in the NBA, and the sports community in general, is shocked by this move. Shinn and Woolridge have made a big mistake, but Paul Silas will succeed under any circumstances as he has shown the past two years. Thanks Coach Silas.
James Eustis
Senior — Kinesiology