The beloved Tigerland establishments have been embroiled in controversy since a Reveille article last week detailed allegations of racist dress codes in some bars.
As one of the few conservative Greeks on the Reveille staff, I felt compelled to defend the bars. Since my column didn’t run for nearly a week after the story broke, I had time to gather my thoughts and clear the emotions from my mind. Emotions run high on both sides of the issue, but the truth generally lies beyond emotion.
The controversy centers around a Reggie’s sign that details its dress code policy, which mentioned among other things, “No Mr. T Starter Kits” and “No FUBU.” I could not find any reasonable defense for the sign’s wording. At best, it was made in poor taste, possibly an attempt to add humor or flavor. Although no person can judge the heart of those in charge, the sign certainly conveys a unwelcoming message to potential black patrons.
Unfortunately, a legitimate complaint became a witch hunt. For many people, the loaded term of “racist” is now synonymous to Tigerland bar owner. The NAACP got involved and allegations of discrimination at various Tigerland bars became rampant. Many chose to bring all dress codes and a DJ’s music selection into the crosshairs of racist allegations.
Dress codes aren’t unique to Tigerland bars. Gas stations, restaurants, country clubs, schools, work places and bars all over the world use dress codes. Owners have differing reasons for putting dress policies into place.
Ensuring safety and reducing liability are obvious ones. We live in a litigious society and business owners now have to take every attempt to reduce the risks of a lawsuit. “No shoes, no shirt, no service” is the most common code. Requiring shoes reduces the risk of customers cutting their feet on sharp objects, braking their toes or even contracting athlete’s foot.
Some bars may have dealt with problems mostly caused by certain groups of people, so they tailor their policies to prevent troublesome clientele.
Still others design their policies around their clientele. Biker bars would not forbid leather from their bar, while a jazz club with yuppie regulars probably wouldn’t allow T-shirt and jeans in its establishment. Bars in Tigerland go through trends, and from time to time a particular type of people frequent one bar. In order to stay in business, owners must cater to their clientele through music, atmosphere and even drink specials.
Race and clothing don’t go hand in hand. It is true, some races are stereotyped for wearing certain clothing items, but many deviate from these stereotypes.
Most Tigerland bars ban jerseys, chains and flip-flops. But Club Upscale, a bar with a predominantly black clientele outside of Tigerland, has a much stricter dress code policy. They don’t allow urban wear, including FUBU, jerseys and Echo, jeans, tennis shoes and charge extra if patrons choose to wear a hat according to several students who frequent the club.
Tigerland bar owners shouldn’t be ashamed to defend reasonable dress codes. Not speaking allows critics to make unchallenged accusations.
Boycotts and protests should be directed at businesses who truly use discriminatory policies. Lumping in all dress codes and all bars weakens the cause.
Going to Tigerland bars is an essential part of the LSU experience for many students. It is wrong to deny students this experience through discriminatory policies or by changing Tigerland with pressure because of unfound charges of racism.