I'm not on the "cool list" ... never have been

I don't go to clubs in NYC. Or anywhere really. Why is it that they are practically the only places left in the modern day U.S. that can openly practice discrimination as long as they call it a "door policy"? And I don't mean clubs that refuse entry because you're wearing sneakers or because your date doesn't have a suit jacket on. You can always put on a pair of heels or whatever and go back. I mean places that leave the "right" of entry to the "bouncer's discretion," places where how you look (physical appearance) and who you know are the only two things that matter.

The Eldridge on the LES embodies everything about this stupid scene. A friend and I went to this super exclusive club because a band we like a lot was hosting an after-party there. We did not get in, even while a group of girls right before us did. I wasn't expecting to get into the place -- I had read the yelp reviews, after all -- but the whole experience made me feel pretty crappy. Inevitably I wondered, "why didn't I get in? were those girls prettier / skinnier / cooler than me and thus better than me in some way?" I know that these sorts of places thrive on playing on people's insecurities in precisely this way, but at the same time, I can't help but fall into the trap.

It all stems from the superiority that people feel when they get to be part of the elite. I was never popular in high school / middle school / ever, so I have always tried to be inclusive to everybody because I don't want somebody to feel the sense of rejection and inadequacy I did for so long. The owner of The Eldridge obviously doesn't feel the same.

Yes, I would have felt differently had we gotten into the place. Yes, it's hypocritical that I still want validation from these douches. But it makes sense- like I said, nobody wants to feel like they're rejected, particularly because the reason is something like "you don't look cute enough" or "you don't know [insert somewhat famous person here]."

So folks, if you want to see legal discrimination practiced in public practically every night, hang out at Eldridge and Stanton. Or you could grab a truffle mac & cheese from Spitzer's or a burger from Mikey's Burger nearby and actually have an enjoyable night on the LES.