Indie Music Snobs Need Not Apply

by Kevin on November 6, 2007

Yes, you read that correctly. I was randomly searching through Craigslist for a job the other day when I came across this gem of a posting:

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Small neighborhood bar seeks friendly, outgoing waitress and/or bartender. Requirements include:

Good personality (see above: friendly, outgoing)
Confidence, not arrogance (indie music snobs need not apply)
Over 21
Able to work weekends at least 90% of the time
Common sense
A healthy sense of mischief-ism
The desire to work, not just the need to get paid
A good sense of humor
A working cell phone

We work extremely hard to find staff members who will not only do good work, but who will also become a part of the “family” here with our other staff and our regulars. This is really a unique working environment, and for the right person, it promises to be much more than a just a job. Previous experience is a good thing to have, and we do usually prefer it, but the number one thing we’re looking for is someone with a great personality. If you’re looking for a place to make friends, make money, and call home, stop by and introduce yourself. We’d love to meet you!

The Other Side Bar (Not a gay bar, just a gay name for a bar. It wasn’t my idea!)
2436 N. Clark
Chicago, IL 60614
(You’re welcome to submit your resume and/or photo via email, but we prefer applicants who can apply in person. It sorta shows initiative, and personality is hard to guess at from a typed letter!)”

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Now, I definitely don’t consider myself a snob when it comes to music; I’ve already admitted to listening to LFO on a regular basis. And for as much as Oz doesn’t like it, I really do like the new Justin Timberlake CD. So much so that I took my sister to see him in concert for her 16th birthday (amazing show, by the way).

Although I’m defending myself, I do feel a bit insulted and called out. What does my taste in music have anything to do with my ability to interact with others? Did they have such a terrible experience with a former employee that they are forever tainted against those who listen to “indie music?”

I’m really rambling, but I don’t see the point in calling out one specific genre of music-lovers to not apply. Has our society really regressed back to water fountains for “colored;” signs placed in store front windows citing “No Irish Need Apply;” or another Crystalnacht? Apparently those with discerning artistic pallets are the new pariahs in our society.

Additionally, if you read right after the name of the bar you’ll see that they are apparently not a gay bar, just a bar with a “gay” name. I won’t even get into the cultural ramifications of that comment because it would be another two long-winded paragraphs with excessive rhetorical questions.

So everyone, I won’t be applying to The Other Side Bar; whether or not its because of my scraggly beard, lack of clean clothes, and Rue Royale on my iTunes, or my cultural objections to their extreme violation of cultural mores. In the meantime, I’ll also not be visiting The Other Side Bar, and neither should anyone else.

Oh, and here’s Rue Royale, some great fall acoustic music by a local Chicago couple.

Rue Royale