What in God's name are you suggesting here, that I should spend 5 minutes or possibly more grooming and changing my work clothes??? That's 5 minutes that I could be playing pool...
Dress Code for Gold Crown Billiards, Erie, PA
- Thread starter Paul Schofield
- Start date
What in God's name are you suggesting here, that I should spend 5 minutes or possibly more grooming and changing my work clothes??? That's 5 minutes that I could be playing pool...
Well, unfortunately for you - the dress you choose belongs to a culture and lifestyle associated with drugs, gangs, crime and violence.
I know where you're coming from. I know that people shouldn't be judged by how they appear. There are people who are bikers that are good, decent and civilized people. There are those who dress like thugs, but who are good people.
But they are the exception. It is unreasonable to expect others to see you or anyone else as an exception or different, or maintain an open mind given the typical trend of people who dress that way.
You enjoy riding bikes and the whole lifestyle and look of it. The same is true of young people who like that thug look. For some, it's just about fun and they aren't genuine thugs.
The dress code doesn't suggest you're undesirable. Your dress suggests you're undesirable. You choose to dress in a way that, in the view of many people, associates you with undesirables.
It's not right. It's not fair. Yes, it's prejudiced, it's biased and it's judgmental. But that's life.
If you're ok with the consequences and inconveniences, so be it. Those that aren't, can either complain and be bitter - or choose to dress differently and avoid being treated as a potential menace. The world isn't going to change. It's not going to be unbiased.
Truth is, this term "biased" is actually biased. It's not bias to use common sense awareness and precaution. Someone who doesn't want to be around bikers and thugs isn't some kind of bigot. It's someone with a brain trying to avoid risk. That said, the whole premise of those complaining is that somehow everyone else should lose their common sense, their being cautious ...all in the name of not being prejudicial.
Let's be honest and open here. Anyone criticizing such a policy does so with the root implication that there's some kind of unreasonable judgement going on. This comes from people who aren't criminals, bikers and thugs - but who like to dress that way.
I think those people are unreasonable in their thinking. It's like saying you want to dress like a terrorist, but not be given any suspicious looks.
This only demonstrates a lack of understanding. You are assuming that somehow I dress the way I do as some kind of entertainment or something and that I don't associate with those "other people" for whom this dress code is designed. You seem to feel that somehow those "other people" are somehow less desirable.
Some of the people that I trust most in this life wear colors. Some of the people that I trust most in this life are the ones you are talking about and are somehow trying to set me apart from. That is your error.
Some of the people I trust least in this life wear ties. Their "gangs" sport corporate logos and are more deadly than any of the supposed thugs you are talking about that might wear biker leather.
I know 1%ers that are more honest, honorable, decent, and have more integrity than the guy who sold you your mortgage, sold you your car, sold you your life insurance, runs your kids school, is the governor of your state, or sits on the judicial bench.
You are saying that I am asking to be an exception, that I am different than those that my clothing represents.
I am not disturbed because I am different from those who you think my dress represents. I am one of them my friend. So I am disturbed because you don't understand that.
Key word *some* ...you know some. But most are rightfully associated with crime, violence, drugs etcetera.
No argument about the corporate, white-collar criminals. However, when a person is in a pool room, it isn't the white collar corporate or government scum that is going to break out into a fight, bring drugs into the place, or mug someone in the parking lot.
Also, that is an illogical argument. Just because one group of a different form of criminal operates in a way that victimizes all of us and in different ways (money, law, medicine, business), doesn't mean we need to embrace or forgive the lower level criminals and thugs, or somehow view them as a lesser threat.
I understand where you are coming from. In many ways, the biker or thug is more honorable than some of these white collar criminals. At the very least, they are more honorable because they are honest about who they are. Rather than pretend to be this dignified and righteous individual.
At the end of the day, it comes down to whose money is the pool room owner wants most. Does he want the thug money, or my money? If he's smart, and he can count, he'll see that our money is more than theirs. And many of us don't want to be around those undesirables. Thus, the room owner needs to choose.
No more pajama bottoms? I missed yet another fashion trend. 
Here's a concept...
Get off your high horse. There is no reason that anyone should be kicked out of anywhere for wearing clean jeans, a plain, clean t shirt, and a pair of red wings. It's not like I walk in to shoot with my welding leathers, dirty burned up jeans, and dirt caked on my hands and face. I take care and keep more clean than most outside of work, even in a (sometimes) dirty environment.
I'd venture a bet that you wouldn't be able to pick me out from a guy who just showered and dressed unless you looked at my feet.
And also, I don't know where you live, but I'm in the Midwest. The poolhall is 25 minutes west from my work and I live 25 minutes east from my work. Not exactly a short jaunt to stop by the house.
You are obviously afraid of anything different from your comfort zone, which is fine. Just don't pretend the rest of society has the issues.
No more pajama bottoms? I missed yet another fashion trend.
We actually have a "pajama bottom" wearer that frequents where I play. I don't get it myself.
Paul Schofield for president!! imo.
Ray
No, that isn't the key word, it's just how you wish to interpret it so it fits comfortably for you. I understand. :wink:
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This is as good of a post as I've ever seen on this website!!!
Maniac (could not have said it any better)
First a biker, then a thug, now we're talking terrorist.
Has somebody been watching Sons of Anarchy?
Just a side note: leathers and work boots aren't necessarily a fashion statement when riding. Then have been worn for protection long before Johnny (Brando) rode into Carbonville.
Wow, this thread is interesting.
First, I have played at Erie Gold Crown many times, and it is a very nice place to shoot some pool. I have never encountered any riff-raff in there.
One thing I have always enjoyed about pool is the people who play it. I would describe pool, overall, as mostly blue-collar. So, if there is to be a dress code, it should represent the majority of participants. I agree that no one needs to look like a complete slob in public, but this whole argument about how people dress dictates the type of person they are is pretty preposterous. The way people dress usually reflects their socio-economic level, or even their geographical area more than their moral or legal attitudes. I certainly think it is a lot to ask someone to dress the same way to shoot pool as they would to spend a night out at a five star restaurant and a show at the theater. This all leans toward some sort of elitist attitude, and is very reminiscent of golf in the 20th century. I also believe it represents a glaring difference in the generational gap. Because a kid wears baggy jeans and his hat on backwards does not make him bad. That same kid may get his ass handed to him if he dons a pair of chinos, a nice polo shirt, and some wingtips by the other kids. The fact is, things change. Fashions, trends, even society in general. Sometimes, a compromise has to be made.
But, I REALLY hate these people going out in pajamas. Has anyone ever been to a Walmart at 8 a.m.? It is the land of the dishevelled. Some of these people look like they slept in the automotive section. No one should be in a public department store in ragged pajama bottoms, duct taped flip-flops, and a "WHO FARTED?" tee-shirt. Especially in January. But, mom is still a big hit at Wallyworld!
Braden
First, I have played at Erie Gold Crown many times, and it is a very nice place to shoot some pool. I have never encountered any riff-raff in there.
One thing I have always enjoyed about pool is the people who play it. I would describe pool, overall, as mostly blue-collar. So, if there is to be a dress code, it should represent the majority of participants. I agree that no one needs to look like a complete slob in public, but this whole argument about how people dress dictates the type of person they are is pretty preposterous. The way people dress usually reflects their socio-economic level, or even their geographical area more than their moral or legal attitudes. I certainly think it is a lot to ask someone to dress the same way to shoot pool as they would to spend a night out at a five star restaurant and a show at the theater. This all leans toward some sort of elitist attitude, and is very reminiscent of golf in the 20th century. I also believe it represents a glaring difference in the generational gap. Because a kid wears baggy jeans and his hat on backwards does not make him bad. That same kid may get his ass handed to him if he dons a pair of chinos, a nice polo shirt, and some wingtips by the other kids. The fact is, things change. Fashions, trends, even society in general. Sometimes, a compromise has to be made.
But, I REALLY hate these people going out in pajamas. Has anyone ever been to a Walmart at 8 a.m.? It is the land of the dishevelled. Some of these people look like they slept in the automotive section. No one should be in a public department store in ragged pajama bottoms, duct taped flip-flops, and a "WHO FARTED?" tee-shirt. Especially in January. But, mom is still a big hit at Wallyworld!
Braden
Pajama bottoms? really?
Right or wrong heres the bottom line........Its his place, his rules. When you guys own a room then you can make up your own rules.
I play pool in my fuzzy dog slippers and shorts btw.....but thats in the comfort of my own home
I play pool in my fuzzy dog slippers and shorts btw.....but thats in the comfort of my own home
I see you have a need to be understood. That is quite a burden. Frankly, I don't care how people interpret my dress code. I care about my business and my existing customer base. I don't judge character. I only judge clothes and conduct. My dress and conduct code has rewarded me with the best regulars that a room owner could ever hope to have. I truly enjoy my place.
I have read all through this thread about people who would never come to Gold Crown because of the dress code. I can tell everyone that this is just plain B.S. If a room owner bends over back-wards to make a great place, everyone conforms and I do mean everyone. I do not know even one instance of a pool enthusiast avoiding Gold Crown because they disagreed with the dress code...and that is over 33 years.
Ditto. My folks live about 30-45 minutes from Erie. Next time I get back there with time to kill I'll try to get over to see ya.
I actually have two former Marines that come in regularly to play pool wearing pajama bottoms. They come in to play pool before going to the gym, I think. It's their workout clothes? Most of my headaches come from people wearing Kangol hats.
Unless customers are half naked, we are fairly lenient on dress code. We evict most our people based on behavior. Either they are doing something illegal, damaging equipment or offending most people. And as people in this business say," If you're getting kicked out of a pool hall for your behavior?"....
that's pretty bad, lol...
