Is it because I'm black or new to the area? (San Diego: sales, wedding)

[sdlife619]

It could also depend on what kind of club or restaurant he is applying at. I do believe that many owners like to keep a certain look or theme, and this could also apply to the way the employees look themselves, style and race wise.

This goes for Irish pubs, to Hip Hop clubs, I am sure you will find complete opposites of people working in those 2 very different establishments.

It also comes down to common sense, I'll admit, I felt weird when I walked into a black barber shop in Oak Park one day being, Mexican, I felt outta place, since everybody looked at me like "what are you doing here", but after my first cut, I've been back ever since, because they cut my hair so clean and do a great job. Now I go back every other week or so, and I know my barber by name

I think racism still exist in every community, including SD. Am not saying that the main reason he hasn't gotten hired because he is black, but the reality is that San Diego doesn't have a whole lot of Blacks living here to begin with, and it can seem strange to some when one does apply for a job locally.

But the fact remains that downtown SD is suffering economically in the Gaslamp district. I notice some clubs/bars come and go, or it's dead on certain weekends. The times when the Padres play, is when it can get really crowded and business picks up, but when the Pads are out of town for a game, the Gaslamp suffers badly. The problem is that it is a tourist trap, and it doesn't cater or advertise to local San Diegans like it should.

Hope you find work soon my man, it sucks I know, but jusy keep at it.
Eventually you will find something, even if that does mean working at a lower position for now and moving your way up

[RD5050]

Just from reading your initial post, you sound like exactly the type of person employers would want to hire.

So I would just keep pushing.

Maybe even try to "network" yourself into a job, by becoming friendly with other people in the industry. Hang out in the bars you might like to work at, and let the bartenders, waiters, etc. become familiar with you as a person. Tell them your story, and let them know you're looking for work. Once they get to know you in a friendly social way, they might recommend you to the person who does the hiring.

[Forever Blue]

I have no idea how SD is when it comes to hiring minorities, but just keep being persistent. Go to as many places as you can to look for work. You certainly can't just limit yourself to one tiny area.

I don't know if you've ever been to college yet, but also return back while you're looking for work & once you're working & get a bachelors degree in a field that's in high demand. Then, go for your Masters too. Hey, this is a competitive world no matter what race you are.


Good luck to you!

[MIKEETC]

I agree with others who have stated this: it is the economy. The restaurant business is not doing well now at the moment, restaurants are letting people go, and the positions that are open are fiercely contested.

Keep trying. You'll make it...it will just take longer than 'normal'.

[sdurbanite]

Like others have said, it's the economy that is keeping you down.

It used to be that one could move to SD without a job and easily find a job in restaurant or bar to earn income, but those days are over. As the above poster stated, many restaurants/bars are trimming their staff. That means there are hundreds of people out there competing for the same jobs as you.

Good luck!

[Huckleberry3911948]

depends on how much credence you give to skin tone in a very progressive society.
for some all causation in the universe is a direct result of skin tone.

[John McClane]

depends on how much credence you give to skin tone in a very progressive society.
for some all causation in the universe is a direct result of skin tone.

I also hate people who pull the race card for everything that goes wrong in their life. These people are pathetic.

[OutgoingSon]

I appreciate everyones input to this subject. I wanted to add to why I wrote .."is it because I'm black or new to the area". In a couple of the places I went to drop my resume off, I witnessed my resume kind of thrown (letaraly) into random corners/areas. Kind of disheartening. A clear sign. And a couple other places were hring at the time and I was asked to come back the following day. The next day when I returned, I was told that they were backed up on interviews and that I would be called back to reschedule. My phone is still on standby..lol.

I am not trying to anger anyone, just being more clear to those who had questions about why I included race. As far as the advice I receive pre writing this, I disclosed a little more in detail to them. Believe me, I never use race as an issue, even though I've been told directly "that my race would bring in the wrong type of clientel that they were trying to avoid (non tippers), but they could hire me in the back of the house" (a.k.a. The Kitchen). Let's just say that I just laughed it off and went about my business.

I grew up in an area where everyone liked or disliked you for who you were...period! I haven't given up and I am now looking into other areas in San Diego for the same type of work. Oh and believe me, I had a plan before coming here. A career is definately my goal. The economy is very bad, but using that as a deterrent can never allow someone to go furthur than where they are.

Thanks again for your comments and opinions. Please feel free to reply.

[Beat02]

Originally Posted by OutgoingSon

I've been told directly "that my race would bring in the wrong type of clientel that they were trying to avoid (non tippers), but they could hire me in the back of the house" (a.k.a. The Kitchen). Let's just say that I just laughed it off and went about my business.

Is this even legal? I know stuff like this happens regularly, but not clearly stated by an employer...

Good luck to you though. With persistence and determination, almost nothing is out of reach.

[sav858]

Originally Posted by OutgoingSon

I am not trying to anger anyone, just being more clear to those who had questions about why I included race. As far as the advice I receive pre writing this, I disclosed a little more in detail to them. Believe me, I never use race as an issue, even though I've been told directly "that my race would bring in the wrong type of clientel that they were trying to avoid (non tippers), but they could hire me in the back of the house" (a.k.a. The Kitchen). Let's just say that I just laughed it off and went about my business.

Did that happen here in SD? That is messed up and I don't know I would even react if that happened to me. You took it much better than I would have probably and seem to have a pretty positive attitude about the whole thing. I wonder too if that is even legal, I'd probably file a complaint or something but that's me. Some people would like to believe racism like this doesn't exist but they're naive, white people really just don't understand how that can feel imo. Anyways, good luck man.