Nightclub Racism - Is It Really Racism or Simple Stereotypes?

Lately there seems to be some well-publicizedto come in. They all look average in dress, and all
concerns with alleged racism in nightclubs,of them are the same race. Will I let them in? It
specifically concerning nightclub security staff.all depends on their answers and the "tests" I give
People are quick to jump and call someone athem while they stand in front of me waiting to
racist, because they believe that they are beingget in. I know from experience that a group of 4
discriminated against as a result of their skinof more men together in a drinking establishment
colour. Racism is a term that is being throwncould mean a) a great party b) potential problems.
around loosely which is tragic in itself. In myHow do I make the decision? I'll talk with the guys
experiences, most security staff make decisionsa bit, ask for ID, make some jokes, ask them
based on the training and experience that enablehow their night is going and generally get a feel
them to identify factors that effect people'sfor their attitude and build up a dialogue with
behavior, not on skin colour. Some of thesethem. If they are standoffish, reluctant to speak,
factors are attitude, posture, sobriety, attire,looking "shifty" then I will not allow them entrance,
disposition and the company you keep. I believeor delay their entry long enough to see if they will
that most of the recent complaints aboutbe a threat. If they are positive, and not full of
nightclub staff being racist are actually situationsattitude then I will happily let them in. Regardless if
where the staff are stereotyping the patrons, notit is 4 whites or 4 east indians, I will not let a
being racist.group of people in if I sense some sort of
1)raocism (rszm)n. The belief that race accountsunderlying current of hostility. Now what if they
for differences in human character or ability andwere all a different race? The same applies. I
that a particular race is superior to others.judge them based on the "tests" I give them
Discrimination or prejudice based on race.while talking to them at the front door.
2)steroeoootype (str--tp, stîr-)n. AEducation has taught me never judge a person by
conventional, formulaic, and oversimplifiedhis or her race. Common sense has taught me
conception, opinion, or image: One that is regardednot to let in 4 guys with bad attitudes. That is the
as embodying or conforming to a set image ordifference. Racism by definition is "Discrimination
typebased on race". I am certainly not a racist, but I
Doormen are certainly guilty of being stereotypicalam guilty of stereotyping (One that is regarded
while working and with good cause. They are alsoas embodying or conforming to a set image or
accused of being racist, but I believe that in manytype) I will not allow 4 guys with bad attitudes in,
situations the patron that feels as if he has beenas I know from experience that they will either
denied because of race, is actually being deniedcreate a problem, or cause enough tension inside
due to the stereotypes the doorman has basedthat a problem will start. I will not however deny
on previous experiences. After 10 yearsaccess to 4 guys just because they are all a
experience dealing with everything from Triads,particular race. That would be racism.
Hell Angels, Jamaican, Vietnamese, Indo-CanadianIn closing I want to say that in my opinion,
gangs, and the KKK, I can honestly say that I willstereotypes are the root of the problem and not
on occasion not allow entry to someone based onracism. Working security in a nightclub is a
my experiences and knowledge and because of adangerous and thankless job, certainly not made
stereotype I've formed over the years. It isany easier by people screaming, "racism" at every
never based on what colour their skin is.turn.
For example, 4 guys approach the door wanting