Racism in nightclubs: is it really racism or simple stereotypes?
Lately there seem to be some highly publicized concerns with alleged racism in nightclubs, specifically in regards to nightclub security personnel. People are quick to call someone a racist because they believe they are being discriminated against because of the color of their skin. Racism is a loosely used term, which is tragic in itself. In my experience, most security personnel make decisions based on training and experience that allow them to identify factors that affect people’s behavior, not skin color. Some of these factors are attitude, posture, sobriety, attractiveness, disposition, and the company you keep. I think most of the recent complaints about nightclub staff being racist are actually situations where the staff stereotype customers, they are not racist.
1) racism (rszm)
not. The belief that race explains differences in human character or ability and that a particular race is superior to others. Discrimination or prejudice based on race.
2) steroeoootype (str – tp, stîr-)
not. A conventional, formulated and oversimplified conception, opinion or image: One that is considered to embody or conform to an established image or type.
Janitors are certainly guilty of being stereotyped while working and for a good cause. They are also accused of racism, but I think in many situations the boss who feels they have been denied on the basis of race is actually being denied due to the stereotypes that the goalkeeper has based on previous experiences. After 10 years of experience dealing with everything from triads, hell angels, Jamaican gangs, Vietnamese, Indo-Canadians, and the KKK, I can honestly say that at times I will not allow someone in based on my experiences and knowledge and due to a stereotype. that I have formed over the years. It is never based on the color of your skin.
For example, 4 boys approach the door wanting to enter. They all look normal in clothing, and they are all of the same race. Will I let them in? It all depends on their answers and the “tests” I give them as they stand in front of me waiting to enter. I know from experience that a group of 4 or more men together in a beverage establishment could spell a) a big party b) potential problems. How do I make the decision? I will talk to the guys a bit, ask them for identification, make some jokes, ask them how their night is going, and generally I will get an idea of their attitude and start a dialogue with them. If they are distant, reluctant to speak, looking “sneaky,” then I will not allow them to enter, nor will I delay their entry long enough to see if they will be a threat. If they are positive and not full of attitude, I will happily let them in. Regardless of whether it is 4 white or 4 East Indian, I will not let in a group of people if I sense some kind of undercurrent of hostility. Now what if they were all of a different race? The same applies. I judge them based on the “evidence” I give them as I speak to them at the front door.
Education has taught me never to judge a person by their race. Common sense has taught me not to let in 4 guys with bad attitudes. That is the difference. Racism by definition is “discrimination based on race”. I’m certainly not a racist, but I am guilty of stereotypes (one that is seen as embodying or fitting an established image or type) I will not allow 4 guys with bad attitudes in, as I know from experience that they will create a problem, or cause enough tension inside to start a problem. However, I will not deny access to 4 guys just because they are all a particular breed. That would be racism.
In closing, I want to say that, in my opinion, stereotypes are the root of the problem and not racism. Working security at a nightclub is a dangerous and thankless job, certainly not made easier by people yelling “racism” at every turn.