Calgary's racism problem [Archive] - SkyscraperPage Forum

SFUVancouver

May 5, 2007, 12:39 AM

Actually if you watch the video you see that it is five clubs and in the taped instances the camera crew catches the bouncers turning the two black guys away for various reasons, untucked shirts, running shoes, under 25, while allowing white people into the clubs without applying the same criteria.

Clearly the video has been cut and presented in such a way as to make a strong case but to say it was only one club is just not correct based on the video.

The second half of the video is here.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=KgHelRCSxQw&mode=related&search=

Lyle

May 5, 2007, 12:48 AM

That LAPD-style police brutality video on the news today that showed two white Calgary cops beating a (shackled) black man doesn't help...

valleyflyfisher

May 5, 2007, 1:16 AM

jeffwhit...get your head out of your ass man.....it IS Calgary's problem, just like it would be any cities problem if that was happening, embarrassing to say the least and all Calgarians should be shamed and to dismiss it by saying, "well it happens everywhere" is total bunk. I love Calgary, but I am starting to think that perhaps my opinion might be different if my skin colour was not what it is.

Xelebes

May 5, 2007, 1:19 AM

Tantra? Now that's a cruddy. No wonder the dnb scene is still as tight as it is there.

Riise

May 5, 2007, 1:59 AM

A year or two ago; and it's not "Calgary's" racism problem, it was one bar. Don't try and pretend that isolated cases such as this can only happen here.

Actually, it's not just one bar. It's a problem visible minorities face at numerous bars and clubs around the city. I'm love my city but I have to admit it does have some faults with this being one of them. At the same time I do have to bring up two facts.

1) Profiling will always happen so long as there is a cause. It is no secret that some groups of minorities have started trouble at numerous establishments in the city. However, the problem is not big enough to warrant the profiling that is currently taking place. For the most part it is no longer profiling but rather blatant racism. Add to this, white people as well can get rowdy at times and start trouble.

2) Dress Code. If you dress like a thug you'll be treated as if you're a thug. At the same time though, I've seen some non-minorities that dress rather poorly get into some of the established clubs. It doesn't matter if you are black, brown, or white, if you are dressed like a punk/skater you shouldn't be getting into these "posh" nightclubs with strict dress codes like Tantra, or Mynt.

That LAPD-style police brutality video on the news today that showed two white Calgary cops beating a (shackled) black man doesn't help...

That was pretty bad. Seeing as though this is the first time I've seen something like this in Calgary I might be able to write it off as brutality by the piggies, I mean police. Wasn't it last year that they beat up some Caucasian crack-whore in holding? What I'm really interested in is how the Police will act and discipline the officers in question. Under the current Chief I've sensed heightened corruption in the police service. Will they once again protect one of their "brothers"?

vanman

May 5, 2007, 3:15 AM

Wow, remind me to never go to Calgary.

1) Profiling will always happen so long as there is a cause. It is no secret that some groups of minorities have started trouble at numerous establishments in the city. However, the problem is not big enough to warrant the profiling that is currently taking place. For the most part it is no longer profiling but rather blatant racism.

Profiling IS racism. Singling out anybody solely because of the colour of their skin is racism, period. There is no way it can be justified. Calling it 'racial profiling' is just sugar coating the ugly truth.

Add to this, white people as well can get rowdy at times and start trouble.

Of course white people can get rowdy at times, the same goes for any race.I think it is a problem of perception. If a white person starts a fight in a club nobody is going to bat an eye,fights happen,it comes with the alcohol induced territory.When a minority starts a fight in a club, everyone notices and singles out that race as being violent, and they therefore should be 'profiled'.

Dress Code. If you dress like a thug you'll be treated as if you're a thug.

But if you look like a rockstar I guess you should be treated like a rockstar? And what exactly does a 'thug' look like? Black, with baggy clothes?

Only The Lonely..

May 5, 2007, 3:21 AM

Racism is pretty bad everywhere.

In Winnipeg we practically have whole neighbourhoods in the North and West End that can only be described as an Indian Ghetto.

There are some bars and places in a Winnipeg where a white guy just doesn't go. Similarly you always get a weird feeling whenever you see an Aboriginal out here in the burbs. I'm sure the cops watch them closely.

Yume-sama

May 5, 2007, 3:22 AM

That certainly does paint Calgary in a negative light, now doesn't it? Unfortunately, this kind of thing is not unique to just this one bar in Calgary, nor is it something unique to Calgary. Whether it be Toronto, Vancouver, Edmonton, anywhere in the World, it does exist. I seem to recall studies saying that it is actually worse in cities like Vancouver. The "redneck" stereotype of Calgary and Alberta is fast disappearing, anyways. With all of the people who are moving from around the Country, it comes as no surprise. Didn't Calgary recently have the Gay & Lesbian games? Who would have thought that would happen years ago.

Rusty van Reddick

May 5, 2007, 3:27 AM

Wow, remind me to never go to Calgary.

yeah- bigotry is horrible here- like when dozens of prostitutes (most of them aboriginal women) were murdered and the police did fuck all... and the gay man murdered, again police do nix, and two of the murderers get away scot free...

OH WAIT, that was VANCOUVER, gay bashing, poor-woman-murdering capital of the fucking country.

Yes what Vickers and his ilk do here is a fucking shame and SHAME ON ALL OF YOU WHO PATRONIZE RACIST CLUBS, but for the love of Christ, Vanman, clean up your own PIG FARM before you say shit about Calgary.

Only The Lonely..

May 5, 2007, 3:31 AM

I think too often people confuse racism with conflict between economic classes.

A lot of people in Winnipeg harbour racist views towards inner city aboriginals, and a lot of aboriginals hold racist views about suburban whites.

The problem isn't really racism, it's just rich vs poor.

I'm sure this black fellow being rejected from a Calgary club has more to do with his attire than his race. A high end club doesn't want scrubby thugs lingering around, plain and simple.

In any case the problem isn't unique to Calgary.

401_King

May 5, 2007, 3:38 AM

i've experienced this in calgary (tequila nightclub was the only one i remember the name), and by coincidence i somehow managed to post this vid in the NHL thread when it got a little off topic!

401_King

May 5, 2007, 3:40 AM

From today's Calgary Sun
http://calsun.canoe.ca/News/Alberta/2007/05/04/4153198-sun.html

Fri, May 4, 2007
Alleged cop beating caught on videotape
UPDATED: 2007-05-04 02:06:11 MST

Two officers suspended

By SARAH KENNEDY, SUN MEDIA

Two Calgary police officers have been suspended from duty after a videotape was sent to police brass that apparently shows two cops punching a man in the head and using excessive force during an arrest.

The video, shot on April 25 from what appears to be a balcony overlooking the 200 block of 13 Ave. S.W., shows a man lying on his stomach during the course of an apparent arrest, with one of his hands cuffed behind his back.

In the video, the man is punched twice in the side of the head and pinned forcefully to the pavement by the knee of one of the two men apparently arresting him.

The man is then dragged a very short distance on his stomach before being pulled to his feet.

The video was mailed to police brass late Wednesday night and Chief Jack Beaton said when he viewed it yesterday, he immediately launched an internal investigation.

Two officers were relieved from duty with pay.

"You can imagine when I reviewed this tape I was concerned... very concerned," said Beaton.

"The complaint was of excessive use of force and I agreed there may be some indication of that."

Beaton said the complaint was made by the witness who taped the incident, and not by the man apparently arrested in the alleged incident.

However, after police reviewed the tape, Beaton said they immediately contacted the man.

"We have been in touch with the individual who was arrested and told him we are taking this very seriously," said Beaton.

Beaton said the arrest was drug-related and the alleged victim is known to police.

The internal investigation will be conducted by members of the Calgary police professional standards section and the officers will remain suspended pending further investigation and a criminal review by Alberta Justice.

Beaton said the investigation could take six months and if it's determined excessive force was used, criminal charges could be laid.

One of the suspended officers has been with the service for two years, while the other constable has only been on the street for nine months.

Investigators are hoping to speak with the witness who videotaped the situation to get more details about the events leading up to the arrest.

Beaton said the videotape will allow the investigation to move along more quickly.

Riise

May 5, 2007, 3:57 AM

Profiling IS racism. Singling out anybody solely because of the colour of their skin is racism, period. There is no way it can be justified. Calling it 'racial profiling' is just sugar coating the ugly truth.

Profiling is not necessarily racism. Can the bar owners help it if the types of people repeatedly starting trouble in their establishments are of the same race. If in the month of May on your way home you get jumped by 6 males wearing red shirts are you not going to avoid males wearing red shirts in June? Now what if 5 of those males were Latin, would you be guilty of profiling?

But if you look like a rockstar I guess you should be treated like a rockstar? And what exactly does a 'thug' look like? Black, with baggy clothes?

Oh come on! The chances of a guy dressing like a rockstar and actually being a rock star are not as high as a guy dressing like a thug and thinking he's bloody reincarnation of Tupac. If you were walking around town and saw a group of mulitrace young males dressed like they were in a 50 Cent video what would be your thoughts and actions? I'm guessing you wouldn't tip your hat and say "Lovely day isn't it gentlemen!"

Coldrsx

May 5, 2007, 4:30 AM

happens in every city...ive seen it 1st hand in Edmonton, Calgary, Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal.

Black Box

May 5, 2007, 4:43 AM

No, it's not unique to Calgary, but it is still racism. I have to give it up to the media in Calgary for taking on such an uncomfortable issue. We certainly have racial issues in Seattle and the rest of the United States (it's something that my country is known for). One thing I've learned about how race plays out in my country is that it does no good to berate one place for a problem that exists everywhere. To me, what happened to those men, is racism.

204

May 5, 2007, 4:46 AM

http://www.ffx2.com/photopost/data/500/45791133809789818-thumb.gif

Wow... what a horrible title for a thread.

There is racism everywhere folks, it's a fact of life.

One doesn't have to be white to practice it either....

dubiousmike

May 5, 2007, 4:56 AM

Tantra is a pretentious shithole, filled with consumerist jingos, polo-shirt wearing date rapists, and witless drama queens who appear to have applied their makeup with a garden trowel.

That club embodies everything I loathe about Calgary.

edit: No, racism is certainly not unique to Calgary. That's not the point. It's not about everywhere else. We're the ones who have to live here, remember?

Stop rationalizing, stop denying. Be an adult. Take ownership. Do something.

Wooster

May 5, 2007, 5:00 AM

Yeah. People are going to understandably be upset if one place is singled out. it is not really a fair thread title. You could insert any city's name in there. Pulling up news stories from any city is possible.

Clearly racism happens everywhere, and it would be difficult to argue that any of our cities has appreciably greater amounts of racist individuals. It is individuals not places that are racist.

I've lived in both Calgary and Toronto and the only really bad racism I've witnessed was in Toronto. I worked at a Future Shop that was managed by Iranians, and mostly Iranians worked there. I transfered there when I moved to Toronto. Throughout the two years as one of the only white guys in the store I had a lot of racist customers. They would come to me because they didn't want to be served by an Iranian guy. I heard some unspeakable slander by several people and outright refused to serve them, and asked them to leave the store. Toronto's previous mayor even made racist remarks.

I know people from Vancouver that are outright racists. There is a lot of backlash that I've seen from people there against the Asian population. One girl I went to grad school with would talk about how she wished they'd stop letting Asian people in saying "this isn't China" or "they're taking over the place" Really disgusting stuff.

Wow, remind me never to go to Vancouver again.

Now, does that make Toronto or Vancouver racist cities? of course not. There are racist individuals in these places and ALL places for that matter.

And that is not to dismiss racism that occurs in Calgary. It is equally appalling. It is Calgary's problem, just like racism in any city is that city's problem.

Jay in Cowtown

May 5, 2007, 5:07 AM

Profiling IS racism. Singling out anybody solely because of the colour of their skin is racism, period. There is no way it can be justified. Calling it 'racial profiling' is just sugar coating the ugly truth.

I think 9/11 was enough justification for profiling.

As far as clubs profiling, I suppose it should be up to the owners, it's their liability if someone gets hurt inside their building, and if a certain group is involved in starting most of the violence, by all means... profile away!

dubiousmike

May 5, 2007, 5:18 AM

I think 9/11 was enough justification for profiling.

As far as clubs profiling, I suppose it should be up to the owners, it's their liability if someone gets hurt inside their building, and if a certain group is involved in starting most of the violence, by all means... profile away!

Part of me agrees with you.

Another part hopes that you get stabbed by a drunk white guy.

Calgarian

May 5, 2007, 5:35 AM

This is a fucking bullshit thread, good dude you are a fucking TOOL for starting it!!!

Sure Calgary has racism, so does Vancouver (Vanman you are a fucking idiot too), Toronto, Montreal, Winnipeg...

It is sad to say, but racism is human nature. people don't like people who are different, and always feel the need to give them shit. Look at the divisions within white culture, Punks hate preppies, who hate bangers, who hate nerds, who hate jocks...

And for the record, I've been in Tantra, The Whiskey, Coyotes... and seen tons of non white people. Calgary is not a perfect city, but starting a thread with the apparent intention of making it look bad is just juvenile!

Lock this thread before this gets really nasty!!!!

Hardhatdan

May 5, 2007, 5:41 AM

I just prefere if they keep thug life wanna be out of the bar. I get it guy, you a fucking gangsta as shit, here is the mad fat dope bomb props. Now take your stupid flat brim sideways hat and plastic chains and go smoke blunts and pour 40s on the curb.
White guys are the worst for this too. THUG LIFE FROM THE BACK O MY DADDY'S BMW.

This might seem funny as people who know me, know I listen to the most gangstertastic music in the world. However, nothing about makes me want to wear pants so big I have to walk doing the splits to keep them from falling down to my ankles.

401_King

May 5, 2007, 5:42 AM

^ he must be from calgary.....:D

j/k

yea there is racism everywhere. but this type of 'problem' seems to be known in calgary more than other cities for some reason. word of mouth? more media coverage on it? i dont know. but it is what it is. i've had my problems in calgary on regular nights. but i've also had no trouble in the ultimate cowtown festival called the "stampede", so the truth to this topic isnt really as obvious as it seems.

Hardhatdan

May 5, 2007, 5:48 AM

^ he must be from calgary.....:D
Holy crap, if that is pointed at me...don't even joke about something like that. My head still fits through regular size doorways.

Wooster

May 5, 2007, 5:55 AM

yea there is racism everywhere. but this type of 'problem' seems to be known in calgary more than other cities for some reason.

No it's not. Unless you're the ignoramus type that extrapolates and believes stereotypes.

This is the problem and why people get defensive. We are used to facing stereotypes about our home that simply are not true. I get it all the time from people in other parts of the country. It is amazing what they think is true about Alberta or Calgary without any real knowledge of the place. And you try and tell them it is not that way and you get resistance and denial. It doesn't fit into their neat simplified opinion. Pure ignorance. Human nature is to seek out confirmation of stereotypes, and reject what does not fit with preconceived notions. No one wants to be told what they believe to be correct is completely wrong.

Calgary is a place that is derived of people from other places, including people of diverse race and ethnic background. Is there evidence that there racism is more of a problem than other cities? I highly doubt it. But people assume it must be the case because of this mythical cowboy (and therefore obviously racist) image Calgary portrays itself as for the benefit of tourism to a festival.

Beazley66

May 5, 2007, 6:01 AM

adeep88

May 5, 2007, 6:05 AM

Racism is everywhere, but Calgary certainly has a problem with regards to bars/clubs.

I've been rejected like those guys myself, 4 times in one night. The excuses are identicle, ''you have to be 25,'' ''shoes'' ''you need 3 pieces of ID'' ....

Another time, an asian group ahead of us wanted to get in, the bouncer just simply told them ''not tonight guys'' and they knew what it meant.

It is a pretty big problem - hell even people on calgarypuck.com will admit to it. It's shameful, and hopefully it won't continue in the near future.

adeep88

May 5, 2007, 6:07 AM

I think 9/11 was enough justification for profiling.

No, it wasn't.

It's merely a self-fulfilling justification.

Wooster

May 5, 2007, 6:08 AM

adeep88

May 5, 2007, 6:12 AM

I've seen it happen in Toronto, and Kingston too. Bars and bouncers seem to be particularly bad.

I doubt it's as common in Toronto...

For the most part, Alberta is a white province. Not that it's a bad thing, but I can definitely say from my experience in Vancouver and Toronto, it's more welcoming for minorities.

dubiousmike

May 5, 2007, 6:29 AM

Honestly. We're a bunch of white , architectural aesthetes. What the fuck do we know?

Let's stop beaking off at eachother as if we actually know what we're talking about.

It's Friday night and we're bitching on SSP, our opinions are unqualified at best.

We could all display an enormous amount of tact by just shutting the fuck up.

Wooster

May 5, 2007, 6:33 AM

Honestly. We're a bunch of white , architectural aesthetes. What the fuck do we know?

Hey! who are you calling an aesthete?! ;)

Agreed. shut this bugger down. I'm just having trouble sleeping really.:(

jeffwhit

May 5, 2007, 7:49 AM

Wow, remind me to never go to Calgary.

Profiling IS racism. Singling out anybody solely because of the colour of their skin is racism, period. There is no way it can be justified. Calling it 'racial profiling' is just sugar coating the ugly truth.

Ok, don't go to Toronto then either. (http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=navclient-ff&ie=UTF-8&rls=GGGL,GGGL:2006-24,GGGL:en&q=julian+fantino+racial+profiling)

My point wasn't clear but it remains the same, the thread's title and intentions were totally meant to be inflammatory.

Policy Wonk

May 5, 2007, 8:42 AM

absolutely, nothing is more represenative of Calgary in 2007 than the door policy of Vick the Dick's Honkytonks.

401_King

May 5, 2007, 1:31 PM

No it's not. Unless you're the ignoramus type that extrapolates and believes stereotypes.
.

Its not believeing stereotypes. Its experiencing this crap first hand as a minority and hearing it from almost everybody. Well, one thing I do know is that my network of friends in calgary and the minorities i've met in Calgary have this mentality that they won't get into clubs because they are minorities. this is what i've encountered with all my friends, and this video about the club is exactly what was experienced on a weekly basis. I experienced this stuff for a whole year in my time in calgary and I wasn't alone. We learned the hard way never to go out with a big group of minorities, always take a few "white guys" with us just to be safe lol! The only thing I am surprised about is how we had no trouble during Calgary stampede which was a wicked time , btw.

i can say with confidence after clubbing here for 5 years, that minorities, do not have this mentality over here in Toronto. Im usually on richmond st, and from what i see every single weekend, there are MORE minorities than caucasions...we dont go out at night thinking about not getting into clubs, if it happens it happens and we go somewhere else without much thought about it. I'm sure there are places which profile some types of peoples, but I havent experienced this enough to even think about it. i think you "non minorities" shouldnt try to argue against this until you know what it feels like going through this on a weekly basis-----as a minority.

Again, perhaps minorities get the same treatment in Toronto on a weekly basis ( i really, really doubt this, but u guys can keep insisting:rolleyes: ), but one thing for sure is different----------the mentality is different, which is unfortunate.

But then again it could be "club selection"? Like we tried to go to the big places in Calgary. But the places i go to in Toronto, not many white ppl go to. Its mostly indians, tamils, blacks, asians. Inside Nightclub on friday night....good luck getting in if ur Caucasian!

and YES, there have been problems with racial profiling in terms of police here. It made big news last summer actually. Here's a video, listen to the lyrics... http://youtube.com/watch?v=bUBRtSyEsgk&mode=user&search=

401_King

May 5, 2007, 1:37 PM

Honestly. We're a bunch of white , architectural aesthetes. What the fuck do we know?

hey, im not white! LOL though!

on another note, i also agree the thread title is very misleading...calgary isnt a racist city.

biguc

May 5, 2007, 4:21 PM

This is a fucking bullshit thread, good dude you are a fucking TOOL for starting it!!!

blah blah blah Vanman you are a fucking idiot blah blah

blah blah

blah blah blah

Lock this thread before this gets really nasty!!!!

Is there anything irony can't do?

caltrane74

May 5, 2007, 4:39 PM

I dont worry about Racism at all in Toronto. I'm black and i do whatever I want..with no worries of police harrasement. But....

I can see how things may be different in Calgary. But still, I'm canadain, unless I go looking for trouble, im likely not going to find it, even in Calgary ( a city I have not yet been too)

My friends most of whom are black or brown , have all told me they've had a great time in Calgary and they wanted to go back. Kinda boring compared to Toronto but the chicks were willin'. Which means, I will definelty be there to hang out, maybe this summer.

I dont believe Calgary is more or less racist than other cities in this country. But Racisim is also about individual perception. I dont preceieve racsim therefore I dont encounter it. Infact, I am more concerned with myself being racist towards people of all races, especially those people that were not born in Canada..because sometimes they get on my fuckin' nerves.

Edit: that is so touching, you see I'm even concerned about people that piss me off everyday in Toronto. (I've never once told anyone to go back to whatever country they come from or I have never used a rascist langauge against any immigrant)

salvius

May 5, 2007, 5:02 PM

I've never heard Calgary having a racism problem; now Winnipeg... That I've seen.

But, let's be real, racism is not 'beaten' and can happen in any city, anywhere. My girlfriend used to live at Jane and Finch when she was going to York University here in Toronto; the area was by far most predominantly black (to the point where riding the bus around often made me realise I was the only white guy on the bus).

So can you imagine my surprise walking just north of Jane one day when this white thug and his girlfriend, trip and push this young black girl (she must have been about 17) into a ditch, yelling ni**er a few times. They then proceeded to giggle and walk away. I ran up to the girl, stunned... I offered to call the police, but she brushed it off saying there was little point (probably true). She was really upset and had tears in her eyes.

What the hell?? And how long did he think he could last at Jane and Finch doing that, I don't know.

But yeah, racism is not a thing of the past. Maybe police profile much less in Canadian cities (I had few Americans tell me stories I find almost difficult to believe), but it's not like racism doesn't happen at all. And I really doubt Calgary is any different from elsewhere in the country.

240glt

May 5, 2007, 5:10 PM

Originally Posted by johnnyc
This is a fucking bullshit thread, good dude you are a fucking TOOL for starting it!!!

blah blah blah Vanman you are a fucking idiot blah blah

blah blah

blah blah blah

Lock this thread before this gets really nasty!!!!

Umm.... Kettle, the pot is calling....

I don`t like this thread title either. Racism occurs most everywhere. However, That is no excuse to sluff this off because it is such a widespread problem, therefore nothing can be done about it.

Calgarian

May 5, 2007, 5:42 PM

Umm.... Kettle, the pot is calling....

I don`t like this thread title either. Racism occurs most everywhere. However, That is no excuse to sluff this off because it is such a widespread problem, therefore nothing can be done about it.

What?

240glt

May 5, 2007, 5:44 PM

^It's an expression, Johnny... the pot calling the kettle black... your post reeks of hypocracy

Calgarian

May 5, 2007, 5:54 PM

^It's an expression, Johnny... the pot calling the kettle black... your post reeks of hypocracy

how the hell do you figure that? I was a little drunk when I wrote it, but I think I made a point.

I am just getting sick of having to defend my city, everyone is looking cut down Calgary and it is getting really annoying!

240glt

May 5, 2007, 6:01 PM

^Ahh PWD... that's a logical explanation for your little hissy fit:D , I understand your frustration at having to defend your city... I lived in C-town for three years, & was constantly defending the city, as many from outside have a distorted impression of Calgary.

My point is that racism occurs everywhere, but it's not enough to just say "oh well, it happens everywhere, so what can ya do ?" Racism in Calgary is Calgary's problem, just like racism in Edmonton is Edmonton's problem, or wherever else.

Calgarian

May 5, 2007, 6:06 PM

PWD?

Racism IS Calgary's problem, so why do people from outside Calgary have to jump all over it? this stuff really bugs me, people love to criticize other cities for problems that they have in their own city, that was my point.

Boris2k7

May 5, 2007, 6:07 PM

^
Posting While Drunk

I don't have much of a problem with the subject matter of the thread, but I do have problems with its presentation. The title really bugs me, and why could it have been posted as a thread about racism in Canada/our cities in general? It is very easy to take as a case of Calgary-bashing.

Calgarian

May 5, 2007, 6:18 PM

SteveP

May 5, 2007, 6:20 PM

I saw this and it made me sick...

http://youtube.com/watch?v=plQpLPy1eao

Does anyone know when this report was done?

Man I hate these stupid posts. It's stuff like this that keeps me away from the Canada section.

You've summarized that this one incident is now "Calgary's rasicst problem" Fucking moron.

SteveP

May 5, 2007, 6:26 PM

Wow, remind me to never go to Calgary.

You obviosusly are too stupid to see the irony of your comments

It's people like you with your kind of thinking is exactly what you see on the video.

Deepstar

May 5, 2007, 7:55 PM

Wow, remind me to never go to Calgary.

Wow, are you ever a ignorant dumb ass.

You need to do some research. There was study that was posted here on the forum a while back, where they polled people in various cities, asking them whether they would mind having a neighbor of ethnic origin. Calgary and Edmonton fared better than Vancouver, and a bunch of other Canadian cities, but hey the stereotype is still there by the look of it.

BTW, I'm of Chinese origin, and have lived in Calgary most of my life. I've hardly ever come across any racial issues. I haven't dealt with that since I was a child.

And, to the moron who posted this in the first place. What's the whole point of the post?? To show that Calgary has racism issues?? No shit Sherlock, every city has these issues, including your city. Your thread title should be: Canada's racial problem.

WHISTLERINMUSKOKA

May 5, 2007, 8:55 PM

I've seen it happen in Toronto, and Kingston too. Bars and bouncers seem to be particularly bad.

Really, because I've been going to clubs in Toronto for over 10 years now and I've yet to see that happen. If bouncers here turned people away because of the colour of there skin they'd be turning away 50% of the people in line. If this was a problem here it would have been front page news a long time ago.

m0nkyman

May 5, 2007, 9:51 PM

I'm curious about one line. One of the bouncers said, "I know who you guys are"... Considering that we only saw the response of the bouncers to these two guys, and the reporter didn't ask the doormen directly what the reason was, and they didn't talk to the club owners, there seems to be something missing from the story.

I'm not denying that racism exists, or that incidents similar happen, but this particular story seems to be a bit fishy.

Boris2k7

May 5, 2007, 10:00 PM

IIRC (I'm watching the vid again right now to doublecheck) the only club they managed to get into... was Cowboys?!? That seems a little bit off to me, as Cowboys is notorious for racism. Not denying that other clubs don't perhaps have racist policies, but nowadays it seems everyone screams "racism!" whenever shit happens to non-caucasian people.

mexx_P

May 5, 2007, 10:27 PM

What bugs me about the report is the guy is wearing runners. And if you have done any clubbing in Calgary, you know 90% of the places DON'T allow runners. In fact, I have been denied entry for wearing runners during a night out on the town. Racism does happen at bars (Paul Vicker establishments), but I think he intentionally wore sneakers, knowing full well most of the places he tried to get into would not allow him entry with that foot wear. I laughed when he tried to get into Mynt with sneakers. You have to dress like you are about to do a GQ photo shoot to get into that place, and we're supposed to be shocked he didn't get in?

CCF

May 5, 2007, 11:04 PM

mexx_P

May 5, 2007, 11:20 PM

Point is, other people were let in who were also wearing sneakers.

They didn't show anything...And I have been to the Roadhouse many times, and unless the person knows the bouncer, everyone I have seen wearing runners have been denied entry.

But, that still doesn't change the fact that there is a problem with this at some Calgary bars

softee

May 5, 2007, 11:29 PM

Racist or not, I wouldn't want to set foot in any of those wannabe elitist lame-ass clubs!

Boris2k7

May 5, 2007, 11:37 PM

^ Hear, hear! I'm not a fan of clubs myself, more of a pub/lounge kinda guy. I was at Tequila last week and I have to say I wasn't all that thrilled about it.

dubiousmike

May 5, 2007, 11:41 PM

^ Hear, hear! I'm not a fan of clubs myself, more of a pub/lounge kinda guy. I was at Tequila last week and I have to say I wasn't all that thrilled about it.

Tequila blows nuts. Limelight Lounge, however, which is upstairs, can actually be pretty cool, depending on what's going on.

Riise

May 5, 2007, 11:48 PM

Point is, other people were let in who were also wearing sneakers.

While that may happen at one of Vicker's bars if it happens at Mynt it is usually because they have greased the bouncers.

93JC

May 6, 2007, 12:09 AM

OMG last night I went to <insert club name here> and tried to get in but was refused entry by the bouncer. But he let a bunch of skimpily-dressed 18-year-old girls in! Sexism, I tell you, sexism!

[/sarcasm]

Yes, the nightclubs have racist entrance policies. Welcome to Earth. Not saying it's right, not saying it shouldn't happen, but it does. All the time. Everywhere. The day clubs stop caring about your appearance, including the colour of your skin, is the day they stop caring about how much money you have and how slutty the girls you brought along are: that is to say, not in the near future.

It's stereotypical, it's discriminatory, it's wrong, and it's a club's SOP. Why? Because they seek to exhibit an image of only allowing attractive, sexually promiscuous wealthy young people, coincidentally mostly white, into their club. Why? They've deemed that desireable, and people go along with it.

Anyone who wants these shenanigans to stop needs only do one thing: not go to these places. I lied, they need to do two things: the aforementioned, and tell everyone they know not to go to these places.

The only reason these places do it is because they still make hordes of money, ergo they have no pressure to change. If they lose money over this they'll change.

Besides, you want to have a fun time with your friends in a similar environment? Go to a nice pub or lounge.

mexx_P

May 6, 2007, 12:16 AM

While that may happen at one of Vicker's bars if it happens at Mynt it is usually because they have greased the bouncers.

Yep, I've seen it when someone can't get in due to dress code/whatever, slip a bouncer 20 bucks or something and go right in.

I'll reiterate. The guy in the story DELIBERATELY wore sneakers knowing full well he would get denied at the door of most clubs because of this. The funny thing about it, is that every place they went to require dress shoes, except one...Guess which place that was...the one they got in too.

Deepstar

May 6, 2007, 2:26 AM

Really, because I've been going to clubs in Toronto for over 10 years now and I've yet to see that happen. If bouncers here turned people away because of the colour of there skin they'd be turning away 50% of the people in line. If this was a problem here it would have been front page news a long time ago.

I'm of Chinese origin, and I've never had an issue getting into a bar in Calgary and believe me, I've done more than enough night outs.

It's more how you act and dress more than anything.

Calgary is much smaller than Toronto, so it's possible that some of the people refused may have had previous issues at the bar. A friend of mine used to be a doorman at The Drink (now Tantra's) He once refused a group of young Vietnamese guys because they had caused trouble on an earlier occasion.

WHISTLERINMUSKOKA

May 6, 2007, 2:50 AM

I'll reiterate. The guy in the story DELIBERATELY wore sneakers knowing full well he would get denied at the door of most clubs because of this.

What about the other guys that got in with running shoes?

spiritedenergy

May 6, 2007, 3:15 AM

malek

May 6, 2007, 7:41 AM

WhipperSnapper

May 6, 2007, 3:24 PM

I think the real irony comes from the guy who took the effort to create this about racism when he, undeniably, holds animosity towards Calgary

WhipperSnapper

May 6, 2007, 3:28 PM

post of the month!!

huh?

Only The Lonely..

May 6, 2007, 3:41 PM

Winnipeg is so racist against natives to be disgusting... but there seems to be no racism at all against black or asian people.

That's because they pay the bills.. :jester:

alright, alright..i digress.

Just Build It

May 6, 2007, 6:02 PM

^It's an expression, Johnny... the pot calling the kettle black... your post reeks of hypocracy

His post wasn't reeking of hypocrisy. He called the guy an idiot, singling out someone for being an idiot, and singling out someone for being from an ethnic group or a certain city aren't the same thing at all.

Stupid people come in any race or from any city. JohnnyC was simply calling the guy an idiot, and he was right. stupid people do stupid acts or say stupid things.

Hardhatdan

May 6, 2007, 6:23 PM

His post wasn't reeking of hypocrisy. He called the guy an idiot, singling out someone for being an idiot, and singling out someone for being from an ethnic group or a certain city aren't the same thing at all.

Stupid people come in any race or from any city. JohnnyC was simply calling the guy an idiot, and he was right. stupid people do stupid acts or say stupid things.
No one was saying that was this hypocrisy, they were saying the following was.
"This is a fucking bullshit thread, good dude you are a fucking TOOL for starting it!!!

blah blah blah Vanman you are a fucking idiot blah blah

blah blah

blah blah blah

Lock this thread before this gets really nasty!!!!"

:tup:

mexx_P

May 6, 2007, 6:23 PM

What about the other guys that got in with running shoes?

They didn't show anything. The news just took the guys word for it that people where getting in with runners. Evertime I have went to that bar, anyone wearing runners, I have seen them get turned away at the door. Unless its a female, or the guy(s) obviously knew the bouncer.

Funny story, I went to the roadhouse last night with friends. One of them was wearing runners, and was refused entry. He was white, with white people...Thats why this news report rubs me the wrong way. Get a person of ethnic background to try and get into bars without meeting the clubs dress code, and when refused entry because of this, shout racism. I would have liked to see what would have happen if he was dressed to meet the clubs code, but then if he got into these places, that wouldn't be much of a news story...

Calgarian

May 6, 2007, 9:49 PM

No one was saying that was this hypocrisy, they were saying the following was.
"This is a fucking bullshit thread, good dude you are a fucking TOOL for starting it!!!

blah blah blah Vanman you are a fucking idiot blah blah

blah blah

blah blah blah

Lock this thread before this gets really nasty!!!!"

:tup:

Well if you people want to persist, at least quote MY post, not someone who modified it.

Besides, there is no hypocracy in what I said, there was irony, not hypocracy. Man, there are some stupid people on here.

nec209

May 7, 2007, 12:04 AM

It's stereotypical, it's discriminatory, it's wrong, and it's a club's SOP. Why? Because they seek to exhibit an image of only allowing attractive, sexually promiscuous wealthy young people, coincidentally mostly white, into their club. Why? They've deemed that desireable, and people go along with it.

It is what night club you go to .There are lots of night clubs in Toronto that have no dress code and you see many people in baggy clothes.Than there are others in Toronto that have a dress code and will not allow baggy clothes.

Well not allowing black people in night clubs in Toronto they be turning them away every 3 minutes so it is impossible.I remember areas here that are ALL white people but with all the people moving to Toronto now you are seening more and more blacks and Asians coming here.

May be he will have better luck going to rave or night club that have rap or fast music where people dress more lose to move around than a prepy night club where it is more tight and dress up.

WHISTLERINMUSKOKA

May 7, 2007, 1:12 AM

They didn't show anything. The news just took the guys word for it that people where getting in with runners.

Funny story, I went to the roadhouse last night with friends. One of them was wearing runners, and was refused entry. He was white, with white people...

Perhaps the recent publicity about this issue had something to do with it? Essentially all you nay sayers are accusing these guys in the report of lying. What do they have to gain out of this?

All of you who are suggesting this is a pack of lies I suggest doing you're own undercover report.

nec209

May 7, 2007, 1:28 AM

Well people really need to start to source the information to back up the claims .

And when did dressing in baggy clothes = thug look ? More stereotype:shrug:

mexx_P

May 7, 2007, 1:29 AM

Perhaps the recent publicity about this issue had something to do with it? Essentially all you nay sayers are accusing these guys in the report of lying. What do they have to gain out of this?

All of you who are suggesting this is a pack of lies I suggest doing you're own undercover report.

Perhaps the recent publicity does have something to do with it.

I'm just pointing out the fact that he didn't want to get into any of these places, and thats why he was wearing runners...It wouldn't be much of a news story if he had got into the bars, now would it? And all the places he tried to get into require you to wear dress shoes. The place he did get into, didn't require dress shoes, and he got in.

Think of it like a Micheal Moore documentary. I think this story had half truths in it. He said other people where getting in with runners, but doesn't say if they were female, or the guy knew the bouncer ect. Before this story even became public, they would not let you in with runners, unless you fell into one of the catagories above, and anyone going clubbing knows your options will be limited with runners on, but that didn't stop him from wearing them anyway and trying to get into places with dress code. So why am I supposed to be shocked when he doesn't get in, when my friends and I wouldn't even be let in if we wore runners?

And I'm not suggesting the whole thing is a pack of lies. I have already stated this stuff does happen at some places.

Policy Wonk

May 7, 2007, 2:05 AM

And when did dressing in baggy clothes = thug look ? More stereotype:shrug:

Hmm, when did "Straight Outta Compton" come out?

1988 I see, okay since then

401_King

May 7, 2007, 2:07 AM

Hmm, when did "Straight Outta Compton" come out?

1988 I see, okay since then

haha those NWA boys wore tight clothes. look how tight ice cube's jeans are

malek

May 7, 2007, 3:25 AM

baggy pants = thug style

you wont get in most clubs in mtl you being white or black.

good_dude

May 7, 2007, 4:37 AM

i feel like a tool for this thread - in some ways, there is undeniably a racism problem in calgary, but didn't mean it's not in other places/cities also, and I also don't believe cities don't have the ability to grow and change.
thread's dead as far as I'm concerned. everyone's opinions' have been aired. If they can finish the thread, i say go ahead.

:deadthread:

Hardhatdan

May 7, 2007, 4:53 AM

Well if you people want to persist, at least quote MY post, not someone who modified it.

Besides, there is no hypocracy in what I said, there was irony, not hypocracy. Man, there are some stupid people on here.
Sorry sweetheart wanna kiss and make up?
Or do you not kiss retards?

rousseau

May 7, 2007, 5:36 AM

Honestly. We're a bunch of white, architectural aesthetes. What the fuck do we know?
I have no business being in this thread, but I have to ask: where in the world did this come from? There's a thread/poll somewhere (or maybe it's on SSC) where it turns out that almost 1/2 of the posters in Toronto are non-white. I know that's just Toronto, but still, they make up a large percentage of the forumers here. Perhaps this is unwitting commentary on the sort of expectations a white Calgarian might have about a forum such as this as informed by your environment?

P.S. This is not to imply anything vis-a-vis perceived racism in Calgary whatsoever. I simply found the assumption a bit peculiar in this day and age.

Riise

May 7, 2007, 5:48 AM

I have no business being in this thread, but I have to ask: where in the world did this come from? There's a thread/poll somewhere (or maybe it's on SSC) where it turns out that almost 1/2 of the posters in Toronto are non-white. I know that's just Toronto, but still, they make up a large percentage of the forumers here. Perhaps this is unwitting commentary on the sort of expectations a white Calgarian might have about a forum such as this as informed by your environment?

P.S. This is not to imply anything vis-a-vis perceived racism in Calgary whatsoever. I simply found the assumption a bit peculiar in this day and age.

I believe he was making a sarcastic comment about Calgary and not this forum. He was playing on the stereotype that Calgary is full of Caucasian honky-tonks. Or I just completely misunderstood what he was saying.

nec209

May 7, 2007, 9:02 AM

I don't see the problem there are lots of night clubs that have no dress code just don't go to preppy night club.

If he was dress preppy that black guy and still not getting in that that would be a problem.

malek

May 7, 2007, 1:57 PM

people still use the term preppy? :p

dubiousmike

May 7, 2007, 5:09 PM

I believe he was making a sarcastic comment about Calgary and not this forum. He was playing on the stereotype that Calgary is full of Caucasian honky-tonks. Or I just completely misunderstood what he was saying.

Wasn't referring to Calgary in general (which is by no means monolithically white), I was referring to Calgary forumers.

theman23

May 7, 2007, 7:15 PM

It's nice to see people care more about an attack on their city on an internet forum than racism.

Rusty van Reddick

May 7, 2007, 8:20 PM

It's nice to see people care more about an attack on their city on an internet forum than racism.

Montreal's Racism Problem:

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/montreal/story/2006/07/26/racism-montreal.html

Toronto's Racism Problem:

http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/racial_profiling/

Vancouver's Racism Problem:

http://www.turtleisland.org/news/donnajoe.htm

Okay, folks, talk about how RACIST Montrealers, Torontonians, and Vancouverites are! Admit to your RACISM! And don't get all defensive, because we're talking about RACISM here and not whether not you are RACIST, you bunch of RACISTS.

Nutterbug

May 7, 2007, 8:38 PM

Profiling IS racism. Singling out anybody solely because of the colour of their skin is racism, period. There is no way it can be justified. Calling it 'racial profiling' is just sugar coating the ugly truth.

The way I see it, true racism is racism for the sake of racism itself, and hating certain races without any rational or practical reason. (eg. Not liking the sight of people of other races, wanting to kill them on sight, wanting to keep the gene pool 'pure', etc.)

Racial profiling is more a matter of following the stereotypes or statistics, and playing the odds accordingly to save your own ass or better your own situation. I would accuse racial profilers more of selfishness than true racism.

Calgarian

May 7, 2007, 9:00 PM

harls

May 7, 2007, 9:30 PM

why did I click on this..

m0nkyman

May 7, 2007, 9:32 PM

Same reason we slow down and stare at car crashes... .

Riise

May 7, 2007, 9:34 PM

Wasn't referring to Calgary in general (which is by no means monolithically white), I was referring to Calgary forumers.

My bad! I was thinking that maybe you were but I went with the safe bet of referring to Calgary in general. While I thought about that I also thought about creating a poll to get some info on the ethnic backgrounds of the Calgary forumers.

Lyle

May 7, 2007, 9:35 PM

Montreal's Racism Problem:

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/montreal/story/2006/07/26/racism-montreal.html

Toronto's Racism Problem:

http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/racial_profiling/

Vancouver's Racism Problem:

http://www.turtleisland.org/news/donnajoe.htm

Okay, folks, talk about how RACIST Montrealers, Torontonians, and Vancouverites are! Admit to your RACISM! And don't get all defensive, because we're talking about RACISM here and not whether not you are RACIST, you bunch of RACISTS.

The interesting thing about each of the links you posted is that each city took steps to address the problem. In Montreal, the bar owner was convicted of racial discrimination and hit with big fines. In Toronto, a huge debate over racial profiling by police and over police relations with minorities in general. In Vancouver, a pig farmer is on trial for a series of murders and a shamed police force has reexamined its own attitudes in the aftermath of this tragedy.

You're absolutely right: racism exists everywhere. It's our collective response to it that matters. Do we deal with it, or do we stick our heads in the sand saying it's worse elsewhere?

Rusty van Reddick

May 7, 2007, 9:58 PM

Lyle-

You're right, I was pointing out that every city has a "racism." How the practices of bar owners become a means to demean an entire city is the issue. When that horrible act of explicit racial discrimination happened in Montreal, nobody cried out about how "racist" Montreal is, deserved or no.

My complaint is with the inflammatory, derogatory title of this thread.

And wrt responses to this: I say again, anybody who frequents these clubs is complicit and should be ashamed. With private businesses, ones that are not (vs the one in Montreal eg) saying "we don't allow Asians in here" or whatever, it's not as simple as calling the cops or taking it to the courts. Our best response is to boycott these places.