Many years ago, I (along with a desi friend of mine,) was refused entry to a night-club in Montreal, Canada. There was a cover charge – an entry fee, and we were okay with that; but I guess, we were not ‘okay enough’ to be a part of the crowd inside. Realizing that we were dressed too casual for some of the upscale clubs in that area, we went back to our places, changed into something more formal and had no problem after that.
Not sure if it was our ‘outsider’ looks or just the dress code that was the problem for the club, but appearance does matter. You are always judged on your looks, no matter who you are and where you come from.
And, you can say this about any country; this happens everywhere, every day and every night. I have heard stories about some night-clubs in India refusing entrance to foreigners, including Nepalese and those from far north-eastern states.
Recently Manurewa Cosmopolitan Club in New Zealand denied a Sikh man’s entry because he was wearing a turban. The Sikh community is crying foul and calling it a case of racism. On the other hand, the club management is calling it a purely policy issue, and has nothing to do with the racism according to them. It is a private club and they have their own rules, at least that’s what they say. The Sikh Council of New Zealand is seeking action from Human Rights Commission against the club, and is willing to take the battle to the court.
We can fight the battles, we can win the battles, but we cannot change the stereotypes so easily. How we, the human beings, judge others is deep ingrained in our thinking, it is part of how we are raised. It is a part of who we are. You can call it racism, or you can call it stereotype. The fact is we are all different, in one way or another, and quite often these differences are too obvious to ignore. The way someone reacts to these differences is not pre-defined; it is not always the same. Based on our level of tolerance, based on our way of thinking, we are bound to notice the difference. How we react to ‘something different’ is where the problem starts.
Okay, enough on the human behavior, going back to the club, what could you do? The club owner may be trying to cater to the local club-goers only – the mainly white crowd. It is hard to tell the exact reason, but that’s what it is. Even if you win the case in the court, even if you force the club owner to accept the Sikhs, would you really go to that club? I am sure many of you wouldn’t; while others may want to go there just to make a point. In reality, people go to these places mainly to enjoy, not to make a point.
And, if you really like the clubs so much, you may want to start your own club, and make your own rules. May be extreme, butt that’s an idea! And, one of the rules could be, just for an example, not to allow white guys! Now, how about the white women, would you allow them? If you really like the clubs that much, you probably would make an exception! 
Am I being racist or gender biased or both?
Or, does it really matter to you how I think? 
Related Articles:
- Sikh’s turban ban not racism: New Zealand club
- Cross-culture understanding – It is a culture thing
- I am not racist, but my brain may be!
- The ABC of Race Relations in USA – India Abroad!
- Why white women find desi or Indian guys less attractive?
- Overseas perceptions about people from India
- Our Beliefs and the Outside World
- Indian Beliefs or Perceptions of American and European Culture
- NRIs and India diaspora – the key challenges abroad!
