Zen may Not be racist

.THE EDITOR: It is with heavy heart that I read a letter in your newspaper regarding racial profiling at Zen nightclub. I find it speaks to the worst in the Trini psyche. The reflex to immediately identify any problematic social situation as the result of racial bias is endemic here. As is typical, the writer has completely neglected a number of relevant factors — the issue is not as “black and white” as made out to be. First and foremost, I disagree with the letter writer that the issue is solely racism. Having worked and studied abroad, both in the US and the UK, I have had the opportunity to frequent a number of nightclubs catering to a cosmopolitan audience.

The “baseless” rejection of prospective patrons is commonplace, and not contingent upon race, class, or outfit at all. It is founded strictly on the whims and fancies of the doormen and management. Even if you are dressed “nicely” and are accompanied by females you may consider to be good-looking. Both locally and abroad management reserves the right to refuse admission and at times they may be harshly selective to achieve the desired clientele. That is not racist.

Secondly, in order to ensure the above they must take a closer look at how they enforce their dress code. If the people in the VIP line appear to be too casually attired, make sure to take them aside and tell them, specifically to avoid these types of accusations that prove groundless under closer scrutiny. The final point that must be made here is for us to stop and consider the many facets of these types of social situations, outside of this facile racial paradigm.

MARLON JOHN
Barataria