Austin, Texas enjoys its reputation as one of the region's most progressive, modern, and socially aware metropolitan areas. It is the state capital, a supposed beacon of justice. And as a haven to hippies and everything "weird," one expects the community to demonstrate a norm of tolerance and goodwill. However, beneath the city's shimmering exterior, lurks an antiquated and loathsome, unwritten code of racism, rooted in the ignorant and hateful sentiments of traditional Southern prejudice.
Racism in Downtown Austin
Home to the University of Texas, Austin caters to a population of youth, and 6th street is where hordes of fun seekers can unwind, imbibe, listen to quality music, and stagger the neon streets in disarray. Scratch the euphoric surface, though, and revealed is a gross and blatant civil injustice, unaddressed.
This may not come as a shock to some, but a considerable proportion of the 6th Street bars intentionally profile blacks and, to a lesser extent, other minorities. Indeed, many bar owners encourage or imply to their doormen to allow only a minimum of minorities into their establishments.
Bar Owners, Shame, and Prejudice
According to a source wishing to remain anonymous due to fear of retaliation, a bar owner once said to his doorman: “You know, it’s getting a little dark in the bar.” Naïve, the doorman responded that he was not in charge of the lighting. Then the owner made it clear that too many blacks were enjoying his club and that if it continued the doorman’s job was in jeopardy.
Obviously, in this day and age overt racial profiling at public institutions is viewed as morally and legally reprehensible, but bar owners thwart justice by instituting malevolent practices to bypass American civil rights.
Doormen repeatedly and fragrantly refuse blacks and other minorities on false grounds, claiming that certain individuals clothes are too baggy, the wrong color, et cetera. Though some of these claims of dress-code violation may be valid, all too often these rules are used as loopholes for racial discrimination.
The San Marcos Square
These practices of prejudice seem to permeate the region. In San Marcos, Texas, home to Texas State University, similar racism exists on the bar-lined town square. For example, on an evening during summer graduation, two young black males, in dress shoes, sweaters, and jeans were refused from a bar due to their “baggy pants,” while indoors young, white males were lounging around in flip-flops and shorts.
Bar owners sometimes justify their behavior with the claim that keeping minorities out their bars prevents fights and violence, which ultimately saves money. Therefore, bar owners typically only allow minority race individuals in when the individual is impeccably dressed or with a group of whites, while also making exceptions for regulars and athletes. Such abhorrent practices, however, create hostility, ill will, and de facto nightlife segregation.
Not Tolerating Intolerance, Reforming Discriminatory Practice
This is the year 2009. We now belong to the 21st century, yet the ignorance of centuries ago still lingers and rots away at society. Citizens must keep an eye to the arch of progress and cannot silently allow hate and stupidity to openly fester on the streets.
Witnesses to discriminatory behavior must address the problem by reporting bars to proper authorities and voicing their outrage. The degenerate misconduct of racism deserves immediate and significant, legal consequence.
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