So I just read two articles, ones that made me stop and think – postulate on an idea that’s been reoccurring in my head off and on over the past few years.
The articles are:
Why Won’t Millennials Join Country Clubs? Written by Kelsey Lawrence July 2, 2018 and found online at Citylab.com (https://www.citylab.com/life/2018/07/will-millennials-kill-the-country-club/563186/)
Breaking Faith. The culture war over religious morality has faded; in its place is something much worse. Written by Peter Beinart for the April 2017 Issue of The Atlantic (https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2017/04/breaking-faith/517785/)
Lawrence argues that Millennials won’t join country clubs due to things like price (it costs a lot) but Lawrence goes on to say that “many young people are put off by the image of the country club—stuffy and formal, with old-fashioned dress codes and rules about cell-phone use. Not to mention the rich history of racial and religious discrimination that accompanies many such organizations.” In her article she quotes Larry Hirsch, president of Golf Property Analysts, who says “[Country clubs] are not doing a good job of welcoming Millennials, minorities and moms—the three M’s.”
Lawrence quotes Jeff Morgan, CEO of the Club Managers Association of America, who concedes there’s an image problem at play. “In the past, the model for a country club has been very golf-centric and largely male-centric.” An image problem centered on one homogeneous group.
Interesting isn’t that – these are very similar items and issues that the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks has been dealing with. People being put off by the Elks image of old drunk men hanging out in smoky rooms complaining when people come in wearing a hat, etc…
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