Racism is by all means a serious threat to any community. However, many of us need to be reminded that to wrongly accuse another of racism can be just as destructive. It is to this latter concern that the present article is aimed.

In his article, “Racist Bar Gives Itaewon Bad Name,” Mr. Pedram Tabrisian rightly draws attention to the damage racist actions can have on a multicultural community such as Itaewon. So it is with great regret that we must find the rest of his depiction to be completely mistaken. His characterization of Hollywood Grill is simply misinformed and ends up placing an ad hominem charge against an innocent party.

First of all, the owner (age 22) and manager (age 25) of Hollywood Grill have never refused service to anyone because “they are black.” Many of our good friends are “black” and they have never been refused entry or service because of their color. The charge is simply false.

Second, Mr. Tabrisian correctly points out that many bars and restaurants do restrict access to certain groups. American military personnel and Nigerians are but two of many groups that are restricted from entering certain establishments in Seoul. But Hollywood Grill is not one of them. Anyone may enter, provided they cause no discomfort or harm to other patrons. Hollywood Grill has probably experienced more problems than any other bar or club due to its popularity and long history. It is also true, unfortunately, that most of these problems have been due to a select group of Nigerians who ruin it for the rest. Their repeat offenses include trafficking of banned substances, physical assault, and verbal abuse, to name but a few. As a result, Hollywood Grill has been forced to increase its security and issue warnings to certain groups that if such behavior is experienced they will be refused service and asked to leave. But this is simply a safety measure and is completely necessary to ensure the safety of everyone in Itaewon. It is NOT racial prejudice.

Finally, the owner never asked for ID until he was provoked to do so. A man ordered what the owner thought was “two draft beers.” When the owner brought the two beers, the man got irritated and replied that he really wanted “two screwdrivers.” When the owner brought two screwdrivers, the man laughed and said he only wanted one. The man’s friend, realizing he was being difficult, offered to pay for both drinks anyways. It was then and only then that the owner requested to see the man’s ID. As it so happened, the man was a Nigerian citizen. The owner then warned the man that if he continued to act in this way, he would be asked to leave. The man then responded with gross profanity and threatened the owner. At this point, the owner and manager told the man that he would have to leave. The man and a few of his friends continued to curse and threaten them as they left. Yet, how did the owner respond to all this? He completely refunded them for everything. That’s right, everything.

Although the task of the present article has been largely negative, we would like to end on a positive note that we are sure Mr. Tabrisian would also endorse. In a vibrant multicultural community such as Itaewon, there are bound to be a few who only know how to abuse and mistreat others. However, it is our conviction that even the most selfish of minds can be changed in the face of persistent open-mindedness and forgiveness. So let us all lead by example. As Robert Ingersol rightly admonished, “Men are not superior by reason of the accidents of race or color. They are superior who have the best heart—the best mind. The superior man ... stands erect by bending over the fallen. He rises by lifting others.”