The P&L District is the latest place in Kansas City to submit to cultural elitism and coded messages to people of color and so many others who admire their style.
In an enthusiastic post, the KC Beer Blog reveals that the P&L District has followed the lead of other local clubs and put a ban on bandannas and baggy pants.
The Cordish Co. has implemented a dress code for events at the Kansas City Live block. It’s a move that has stirred controversy elsewhere.This same kind of nonsense is enforced all over Kansas City and it's essentially a De facto ban against casually dressed young, minority males.
“We believe it will be a safe and friendly environment,” said Jon Stephens, Power & Light District marketing director. “The live courtyard is built to be an environment that can be controlled. … all events will require wristbands and IDs to purchase alcoholic beverages.”
The dress code will include prohibitions on “bandannas, work boots, and ripped and excessively baggy clothing.” Stephens said the code would be posted prominently.
There is NOT A SINGLE SCIENTIFIC STUDY THAT PROVE BAGGY CLOTHING OR BANDANNAS CAUSE VIOLENT BEHAVIOR. But it's not about evidence of causation or even correlation . . . It's about public perception and Electric Avenue playing catchup since there has already been instances of violent robberies at the P&L District.
Still, pathetic attempts to enforce cultural stereotypes are still no match for proximity. No matter how much it discomforts visitors; downtown is located close to minorities and their various styles of dress. I've always thought that the deep racial divisions in Kansas City would contribute to the impending failure of pricey downtown developments and with corporate interests starting off their business by relying on stereotypes about clothing and appearance . . . They're doing their best to prove me right.