Message 1271 of 22774 in Behind the Bar

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> > We as humans MUST categorise in order to make sense 
> > of an environment that is getting progressively more
> > diverse every year... 
> 
> I stand by this opinion. Judgement calls, labels, classifications, 
> stereotypes, are all part of the tools of the mental process.
> 
                           *  *  *  *  *> 

> Shock horror, if a rowdy group of frat boys comes in I MAKE AN 
> ASSUMPTION based on their appearances about what they would like to 
> drink, what music they'll be wanting to listen to, where I'd like to 
> see them seated.
> They are followed in by an elderly Japanese couple.
> Guess what? I will TREAT THESE FOLK DIFFERENTLY - based on something 
> as un-PC as their nationality.
> 
> When I do this, 'its logical extension is the shallow brutalism' that 
> means that in this case possibly both groups will end up with an 
> experience they are happy with. Nobody invaded nobody. In fact, those 
> two members of their respective stereotype may have minutely become 
> more tolerant of each other.


Dan,

I am always in awe with this topic solely spurred by my own personal 
experiences.  While I understand where you are coming from and your rationale 
behind it, but sometimes it makes me want to puke.

I have been fortunuate to travel to some wonderfuly exotic citys worldwide.  
No matter where I am, someone always seems to be offended and judges me based 
upon their execution of "judgment calls, classifications, stereotypes" based 
upon my nationality.

In Fiji, while purchasing a Wallstreet Journal in the resort gift shop, 
without my a speaking word, some Texan initiated conversation with a remark of 
how interesting it was to see a little native girl with such a purchase.  I 
allowed him to continue what it was he thought he saw, with a giggle as I 
returned to our beautiful beach.  Little did this pea brain understand he was 
speaking to an Ohioan and fellow unintentional cultural botching American 
travelling abroad.

I have been chased out of Hawaiian bars by some rather large and hostile women 
wondering why I stepped into a bar targeted for tourists.

Thailand, well, I was continuously spoken to in their very foriegn language 
and from what I could discern, it didn't appear to be friendly, polite witty 
banter based upon the scowl on their face and the puzzed look I provided.

Same too when I vacationed in Cancun and dared to visit a Mexican "disco" that 
was just throbbing with a beat that resonated through your bod and a blinding 
lightshow to accompany.  Upon entering and being seated at a table, as was the 
way at this place, our server refused to serve us since obviously the poor 
blonde hair blue eyed boy was speculated to have ventured into a local type of 
liason frowned upon.  But that was years ago, and perhaps this sort of view 
may hopefully has changed....

Peace, love and much success, but I do stress, keep this in mind - only 
possibly these "...both groups will end up with an experience they are happy 
with."

Unsure about this one, but I have learned with a few scars to show that 
sometimes treating everyone differently may backfire even when your intentions 
were to provide careful consideration.

xoxoxoxoxo

Lynn