Global Courant 2023-05-09 12:41:00
SEOUL – A coffee shop’s decision to ban older customers has sparked renewed criticism amid ongoing controversy over “no kids zones,” where some restaurants or commercial venues ban children’s entry based on owners’ preferences.
A photo posted to an online community on Monday showed a cafe with the text on the door: “No senior zone (no entry for the elderly over 60).”
There is also a sticker welcoming guide dogs next to the text.
The netizens who posted the photo criticized the cafe, saying, “I don’t know why the owner of the cafe decided to put up such signs, but I’m afraid my parents might see them when they pass by.”
Other community users joined the criticism, lamenting that it could lead to more establishments banning access for people of certain age groups.
The post comes amid growing concern over public displays of intolerance in South Korean society.
“The continued emergence of ‘nothing zone’ in our society means that exclusion between groups is increasing, while attempts to understand each other are disappearing,” says sociology professor Lee Min-ah at Chung-Ang University.
In an effort to raise public awareness of such discriminatory actions, Representative Yong Hye-in of the small progressive Basic Income Party gave a speech against no-child zones with her 23-month-old son by her side at the National Assembly last week.
“We need a society that values not only speed and competence, but also slowness and inexperience. To address the problem of the lowest fertility rates in the world, we must transform a culture that marginalizes both children and the elderly,” said Ms. Yong.
Meanwhile, the Jeju Provincial Council announced on Monday that it would review this Thursday the ordinance banning no children’s zones.
The ordinance before the council seeks to “recommend” companies not to designate themselves as no-kids zones in order to protect human rights and create an environment for the healthy development and growth of children.
Mr. Chung Ick-joong, head of the National Center for the Rights of the Child, said a fundamental shift in public understanding among citizens is needed.
Anyone can be the target of hatred, discrimination and exclusion, he added.
“It can be uncomfortable dealing with children or the elderly, but everyone was a child once and becomes an elderly person at some point in their life. Naturally, if someone understands that he or she can also be a victim of discrimination, they will behave with caution when dealing with others,” said Chung. THE KOREA HERALD/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
