Pete Freedman
More Allegations of Discrimination at Dallas’ Kung Fu Saloon.
Hey, remember last year when we told you that it sure seemed like a few too many people were crying “RACIST!” in the direction of the Austin-transplanted Uptown arcade-themed bar Kung Fu Saloon? You do! Good!
Then we won’t need to remind you that there’s a whole boycott of the spot already in place or that similar allegations have long been a problem at the Kung Fu Saloon locations both in Austin and in Houston.
We will, however, point you in the direction of DeAndre Upshaw, a Dallas-based marketing professional who now stoking the racist allegation fire against Dallas’ Kung Fu Saloon once more.
Upshaw’s battle began a little after 4 p.m. on Sunday, with the following tweet:
Just got turned away from @kungfusaloon for literally no other reason than being black. Literally.— DeAndre Upshaw (@deandresays) May 18, 2014
From there, it gets worse:
Protip: if you’re accused of racially discriminating you prolly shouldn’t have your GM call the accuser and be rude to them @KungFuSaloon— DeAndre Upshaw (@deandresays) May 19, 2014
A guy behind me was turned from @KungFuSaloon for “wearing shorts”. Everyone inside was wearing shorts. Guess what color he was? Black.— DeAndre Upshaw (@deandresays) May 19, 2014
Got turned away from @KungFuSaloon for “wearing high tops” when 3 people I was meeting inside were wearing them. The difference? I’m black— DeAndre Upshaw (@deandresays) May 19, 2014
GM said “dress code changes at 1″It was 6 and he expected me to believe ppl in shorts had been there since 1 PM @wfaachannel8 @KungFuSaloon— DeAndre Upshaw (@deandresays) May 19, 2014
When your “dress code” (which isn’t posted) only applies to people of color, that’s racism. @KungFuSaloon @wfaachannel8 @nbcadfw— DeAndre Upshaw (@deandresays) May 19, 2014
Upshaw goes on to say that Kung Fu’s manager told him its dress code is based on “who you know”.
Ugh. This is all rather sickening stuff to hear in 2014. And, the fact that this is not the first time we’ve heard these exact claims against the establishment makes it all more than just a little disconcerting.
The good news, I suppose? Unlike the “Kung Fu Bar Boycott” crew, Upshaw seems to have the social media savvy to ensure that people really take notice of these ugly practices. Hell, he already is.
Take note, racist bars in Uptown: Your racism has been noted. #nokungfudallas pic.twitter.com/tmL501HkKg— DeAndre Upshaw (@deandresays) May 19, 2014
Better yet? He’s rallying troops behind him.
#NoKungFuDallas #NoKungFuDallas #NoKungFuDallas #NoKungFuDallas #NoKungFuDallas #NoKungFuDallas pic.twitter.com/yCKGhBFCvc— #NoKungFuDallas (@Acquired_Taste) May 19, 2014
Hey, whatever it takes.
(H/T Eater.)