[Spider-Man]

I don't know if this belongs in this part of the forum. If not, feel free to move.

Actually, I have a confession to make. I understand that this forum is mostly about nightclubs and nightlife entertainment, which makes what I'm about to say a mite difficult to handle.

I'm not quite a club person.

Now before you throw your highball glass full of wine cooler at me, please let me explain. The way I was brought up by my family was the way that they lived, during the 1950's and 1960's. Life was simpler then. There were no dance clubs, fashion promoted modesty and natural beauty, and only opposite-sex couples got married before they had sex. This is what I have always believed that people should live, and they would be happy.

That, unfortunately, is not the case in this century. Nowadays, it's all about bootie-shaking hoochies and greasy-haired X-chompin' playas looking for a piece of ass that are drawn to establishments where they could listen to music in which repetitive bass thumps carry the melody and get drunk off of a variety of adult beverages. And if you were unlucky, there'd be raids where the police would shut down a club and arrest everybody there, guilty or innocent. Think I'd want to be wrapped up in that mess?

Now don't judge me based on these comments. I still like everything that most folks my age do. I am very capable of going to movies by myself, and hey, I've even been to bars, particularly those with performance spaces where local bands ply their trade for a willing public. And I like that. It's these big mega-clubs with bouncers and well-dressed party people imbibing on much alcohol until they go loco that give me a case of the uncomfies.

Today, a fellow I know showed me some fliers from a club advertising parties where ladies get in free, and the men pay for everything (his admission, their drinks). He calls it a "business strategy". I just shook my head and asked "why do these establishments exist?"

So why am I here? Simple: I was invited. And there are still places on this forum where I have a certain comfort zone. But I must ask: what is fun nowadays?

Sincerely,
Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man

[Ec[lips]e]

I think what you posted is very appropriate for discussion here. Honestly, how much conversation can a forum have if everyone agrees all the time?

While I can definitely understand where you're coming from, I think you're focusing too heavily on stereotypes and the negative aspects of today's culture, as well as ignoring the limitations that were around back in the good 'ol days you speak of. Every generation has it's flaws. It's a vicious cycle. Once changes are made to improve current issues, new problems surface.

The time you refer to did have is highlights, but it was also a time with heavy racial segregation, practically no women's rights, and modesty wasn't just just the style, it was an expectation that limited people's ability to express themselves.

Today we have less segregation, many more women's rights, and people can be pretty much free to look however they want. On the other hand, teens are having sex at younger ages, materialism has sky-rocketed and the gap between rich and poor is continually increasing. The list could go on and on.

At a club you're going to run into the stereotypes you already mentioned, but there will also be people wanting to simply have a good time with friends, and maybe burn off a few calories from dinner. I don't go to clubs all that often either as I'm actually more of a live music venue or bar/pub kind of girl. But if you're looking for a reason to get a little more dressed up for an evening or just looking for a great beat to get out and dance to - the clubs are a great choice. You don't have to be one of those bootie shaking hoochies or greasy haired playas, and you can definitely find a place that has more than a repetitive bass beat for music.

Ultimately everybody has different tastes and enjoys different activities. Clubs definitely are not for everyone. I agree with you and find it incredibly distasteful how some people dance, how wasted some people always get, and how snobby some clubs can be. However, if you're continually focusing on how bad something is, you might never get a chance to experience the fun that could be had, and then you'll always be asking; "what is fun nowadays?"

[Luke]

everyone has different taste and opinions, and every one has been brought up differently.

but i have to agree, id much rather a bar with a local band playing, people chatting, having a drink rather than a club with music pumping...i know i havent been to a club, but i think thats just the person i am. i prefer to the sociable in an environment where people can have a chat rather than a loud club where the music drowns out your voice.

[Spider-Man]

I like the way you think, Eclipse. I never would have thought about every generation having its own problems, nor would I have thought about basing my judgments solely on stereotypes which do not necessarily define a culture.

And I guess I'm not alone when it comes to my choice of entertainment in the form of live music. I mean, who doesn't enjoy a live performance now and then? But I never drink at these places. Nope. It's diet coke all the way for me. It helps me keep my near-perfect record of non-alcohol consumption.

As for clubs, I guess the closest thing I've ever come to one was a private party at a celebration hall, like for a wedding reception or a big birthday party. It's always been about people celebrating a rite of passage with breaking bread, popular DJ music, dancing between courses. I guess I've never saw myself as much of a dancer since (and don't contradict me on this please, because I know it truthfully) men don't dance.

So yeah. I guess that's the biggest thing I have against dance clubs. It's what you're expected to do, and that's not what I do, especially amongst the inebriated (stereotyping, I know ).