This Bar’s Dress Code Is Being Called Racist, But Is It Really?

This Bar’s Dress Code Is Being Called Racist, But Is It Really?

This Bar’s Dress Code Is Being Called Racist, But Is It Really?

23,789 Shares By Mike Miller 4 hours ago 

 

Can a dress code be racist? Some people in Minneapolis say, emphatically, yes. Bar Louie in uptown Minneapolis bars a host of apparel, including “flat bill hats,” “large chains” and “excessively baggy clothing.” “Might as well just say, ‘No black folks allowed,’” says one local resident. “It’s ridiculous.”

In order for a dress code to be “racist,” one would have to assume that an establishment would admit white people if they wore the barred clothing. And yes, we’ve all seen white guys who “dress black.” (See: Justin Bieber)
This is not to suggest that all white people – or black people – who dress like Justin Bieber behave like Justin Bieber. Or Tupak Shakur. But it is to suggest that there is a certain behavior pattern that generally goes along with those who wear all or most of the gear barred by Bar Louie’s dress code.
So it’s really a matter of barring behavior vs. barring blacks – or people of any color, is it not? 
Besides, do those who call the dress code “racist” really believe that blacks who adhere to the policy will be turned away at the door? Or treated less welcome?
Let’s look at it another way: If the dress code listed the apparel that was acceptable vs. that which is not (collared shirts, casual slacks, etc.), would that be “racist” as well?
The bottom line is this: if a bar or restaurant wants to establish a dress code in an effort to protect its investment, it should have every right to do so.