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I read the article on Marc Barnes’ club Dream (“Bourgie Nights,” 7/26), and I had some issues withSarah Godfrey’s very opinionated story. First and foremost, I’d like to congratulate Barnes for having the hottest nightclub on the East Coast. Second, it’s his club, and if he doesn’t want to play go-go in his club, then that is his choice. Third, I didn’t appreciate the writer’s
following comments:
1. “You can’t just throw on your jeans and Timberlands, grab a group of friends, jump in your hoop ride, and roll out. First, you have to find something to wear. Like many clubs, Dream enforces a strict ban on athletic wear—no T-shirts, sneakers, or anything else that is remotely comfortable.”
We were all young once, and this wear was cool, and it is; but some of us want to look nice and be around others who look nice. As for me, I am comfortable in heels and casual wear. Also, this sounds as if you’re making people adversaries because some want to dress up and others don’t. It’s a preference, and it’s Marc Barnes’ club, and it’s his right. I would not go to Dream if the dress code were not enforced. It brings in a different crowd.
2. “The members of Washington’s young black bourgeoisie…”
Why do you have to be bourgeois because you want to dress up, achieve, and have some money in your pocket? What is the problem if you want to be surrounded by others like you? The writer is again pitting two types of people against each other. And the people she doesn’t speak of can do the same if they want to.
3. “Gone are the nationalism and activism of the ’60s and ’70s and the gangster posturing of the late ’80s and early ’90s—it’s finally OK just to be rich. African-American music, art, and other cultural expressions are singing the praises of making it big, reflecting a whole segment of Black America that is flaunting its success to the point of excess.”
What?! So I guess you’re supposed to be ashamed of your college degree and hard work that enabled you to buy this or that—or just to be successful? Please! Godfrey is a hater. As soon as black people get ahead or whatever, then it’s a problem. What about country clubs and other elite white places?
And I don’t necessarily call it flossing or flaunting. If you can afford it, then buy it. What is the problem? There is too much information out here in this world for anyone to feel left out. And for those who can’t do, there are plenty of people out there to help. People back in the day came up from far worse situations than the ones today; so don’t make excuses for not working hard and getting yours. There’s no excuse for that.
4. “After years of partying behind closed doors and being ashamed to display the wealth gained on the backs of previous generations, especially in a city where so many of their peers are struggling, young black professionals are now eager to put the trappings of their success on display. And Dream is providing a grand stage for the show.”
This is ridiculous. So those who are successful or striving for their dreams should hide out for fear of someone else who doesn’t want to? What?! D.C. is the most superficial place in the world. What about those houses they just built on Ridge Road and Minnesota Avenue SE, right in front of those low-income apartments—is that a grand stage? Is BET a grand stage for all the flaunting and flossing that they show on television all day long—viewed by the same struggling peers as well as young black professionals? They should have built better apartments, then put those houses up on a hill overlooking Southeast.
I didn’t graduate from Howard, nor am I from a rich family. I can’t believe the garbage you print in this paper—you are pitting people against each other, and I hope they are smart enough to realize it. You have some of the same people who are financially stable in these go-go clubs acting like thugs from the ‘hood. Don’t make me call names.
I could go on quoting things from this article for hours. The men at Dream don’t fall into two categories, and who was the author’s source for how much the women’s haircuts cost? This is outrageous. If you want to wear Timbs, T-shirts, and stretch jeans, go elsewhere…bottom line. Everyone has her own tastes, and if Dream isn’t your preference, then don’t come. Plain and simple. But don’t hate on patrons of the club and then get personal. Especially the term “Cosby-esque.”
The article was hilarious, because it reeks of hate and havoc. You’ve put a rift between people because of their preferences and tastes in people and surroundings. Everyone likes to look nice every once in a while, just as sometimes people want to dress down. This city has something for everyone. Don’t criticize something just because it’s not your taste.
I hope those who read this (whether they are for or against Dream) have sense enough to realize what is going on in the article. Don’t fall for it and hate your brother because he is successful or hate your brother because he settles for what he has. This article is bigger than Dream. Read between the lines.
Benning Heights