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Alicia
LIF Toddler
Member since 4/07 390 total posts
Name:
We Are So Grateful!
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Would you join a gym where you were...
in the minority?
The post re the KKK has me thinking...sigh.
My DH and I visited a gym last night that we are thinking about joining. When we walked in the guy who greeted us seemed surprised to see us there. However he was a young guy and I just chalked it up to that.
The guy who took us on a tour of the facility was very nice and helpful. However, while walking around I noticed that several people were staring at us. I did not know how to take that. My DH and I were in business clothes so I figured maybe they are just wondering what we are doing...I don't know.
After reading the post about the KKK it just reminded me, that as far as we have come in this society we still have a long way to go.
I'm just wondering if the looks we got were meant to let us know that we are not welcome. 
Please share your thoughts...
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Posted 10/22/08 2:57 PM  |
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MrsPJB2007
MBA at your service!
Member since 7/06 12020 total posts
Name:
MJ
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Re: Would you join a gym where you were...
i really wouldn't care---i'm not at the gym to make friends--i'm there to work out.
black, white, spanish, asian...whatever as far as I'm concernred we're all equally stinky & sweaty when we're working out. 
my gym is rather diverse - but honestly i barelyl pay attention to people there--i'm too busy blasting my iPod in my ears and cursing the existence of the elliptical machine that is punishing me for my chub. 
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| Posted 10/22/08 2:59 PM |
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Luv2bAmom
LIF Adult
Member since 2/08 1255 total posts
Name:
J
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Re: Would you join a gym where you were...
I think that you cannot assume that they were looking at you because of race. Maybe they were just plain and simply curious to see the potential new members, or maybe they thougth you were good looking, or maybe they thought you were too fat, too skinny etc....
Yes there are people out there that are racist and ignorant and will not accept someone merely because of the color of their skin, but you cannot live life on the defensive, it takes to much precious energy.
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| Posted 10/22/08 3:02 PM |
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Jessica
I'm a mommy :)
Member since 1/06 7322 total posts
Name:
~Jess~
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Re: Would you join a gym where you were...
i would
i lived in any area until the age of 12 where i never met a "white person" in realy life.
then at 12, i moved to a neighborhood where i was 1 in a 3-5% hispanic population...
So, i've been on both ends and know if i am just myself, i will fit in just fine.
Message edited 10/22/2008 3:03:52 PM.
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| Posted 10/22/08 3:02 PM |
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mrsej
The cutest!
Member since 1/07 2495 total posts
Name:
Mommy
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Re: Would you join a gym where you were...
I was the minority in the gym i went to and didn't have a problem. I went there to exercise and didn't even pay attention to who was around me - it didn't really bother me - except the choice of music at the gym - it wasn't really my taste!
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| Posted 10/22/08 3:03 PM |
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Ophelia
she's baaccckkkk ;)
Member since 5/06 23378 total posts
Name:
remember, when Gulliver traveled....
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Re: Would you join a gym where you were...
Posted by Luv2bAmom
I think that you cannot assume that they were looking at you because of race. Maybe they were just plain and simply curious to see the potential new members, or maybe they thougth you were good looking, or maybe they thought you were too fat, too skinny etc....
Yes there are people out there that are racist and ignorant and will not accept someone merely because of the color of their skin, but you cannot live life on the defensive, it takes to much precious energy.
I agree with this.
don't assume it's race until you are given reason.
walking around a gym in dress clothes is a curiosity getter. I would assume they were diggin my pencil skirt 
besides, I am used to being in the minority. curiosity b/c you ARE different isn't inherently malicious either.
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| Posted 10/22/08 3:05 PM |
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TheWhiteRabbit
Thru the rabbit hole!
Member since 7/06 4412 total posts
Name:
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Re: Would you join a gym where you were...
People always stare at the people touring the gym, it has nothing to do with race.
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| Posted 10/22/08 3:06 PM |
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NinaLemon
It's a boy!!!
Member since 10/07 6453 total posts
Name:
Jeannine
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Re: Would you join a gym where you were...
I am in the minority at my gym - I joined weghing 230 lbs at 5'3". I sometimes noticed people staring at me as I run on the treadmill - but who knows what they were thinking, maybe it was "what the heck is she doing here" or maybe it was "I wish I could run" or maybe they weren't staring at me at all and just staring off into space in my direction. Who knows?
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| Posted 10/22/08 3:07 PM |
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Re: Would you join a gym where you were...
i would be comfortable being the minority in all but gender. I do not feel comfortable being the only female in the room to ogle at.
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| Posted 10/22/08 3:11 PM |
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Alicia
LIF Toddler
Member since 4/07 390 total posts
Name:
We Are So Grateful!
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Re: Would you join a gym where you were...
Thanks everyone. I appreciate your honest opinions. I didn't totally chalk it up to the stares being b/c were were in the minority, but I did wonder.
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| Posted 10/22/08 3:27 PM |
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Alicia
LIF Toddler
Member since 4/07 390 total posts
Name:
We Are So Grateful!
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Re: Would you join a gym where you were...
curiosity b/c you ARE different isn't inherently malicious either.
Good point! Never really thought about it like that. I think I 'll have to use this one day! 
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| Posted 10/22/08 3:30 PM |
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Alicia
LIF Toddler
Member since 4/07 390 total posts
Name:
We Are So Grateful!
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Re: Would you join a gym where you were...
I am curious about those of you who said NO. Do you mind sharing why?
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| Posted 10/22/08 3:31 PM |
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JessInCA
live laugh love
Member since 8/06 5082 total posts
Name:
Jess
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Re: Would you join a gym where you were...
Posted by KittyTheStray
People always stare at the people touring the gym, it has nothing to do with race.
That's what I was thinking too.
That said, whether or not I would join the gym depends... if me being in the minority made me feel uncomfortable being there, I might not join. It's hard enough for me to find the motivation to get to the gym in the first place, so if I'm not feeling 100% like it's a place I want to go, then it's not worth it to spend the money on the membership. But if you would totally be fine with going and were just concerned about the stares, then don't worry so much what other people are thinking. 
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| Posted 10/22/08 3:44 PM |
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Jenn627
Laaaaaaaambert!
Member since 5/08 9818 total posts
Name:
Jenn
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Re: Would you join a gym where you were...
Posted by Alicia
I am curious about those of you who said NO. Do you mind sharing why?
I wouldn't want to be the only girl and I wouldn't want to be the only person dressed appropriately for working out... i.e. not wearing make-up. 
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| Posted 10/22/08 4:04 PM |
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IrishLasss334
I'll be there soon!
Member since 1/08 6549 total posts
Name:
Patty
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Re: Would you join a gym where you were...
In a way, I am a minority at the gym. Even though I am a white female, I am not one of the "perfect" people, I have lost ALOT of weight over the past few years (about 160 lbs in 3 years). Needless to say, when I first started going to the gym there was a lot of staring,, etc. that made me feel highly uncomfortable. My race had nothing to do with it.
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| Posted 10/22/08 5:23 PM |
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