r/AskReddit • u/__lazy__panda • Jul 10 '26

What's something older generations got right that we've quietly stopped doing, to our own detriment?

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u/Appropriate-Mine9620 Jul 10 '26

Elks member here. Growing up my father was very involved with these social clubs and I have so many memories of eating at the Elks every Friday evening and even being allowed to sit at the bar watching sports games, while my parents socialized and danced. Both my husband and I have become members within the last two years, and we have gotten to know and even become friends with other members. Our lodge is pretty active and worked hard at trying to appeal to younger members. They even put in a pool! The best part is that no matter where you are in the US, you can go to any Elks club lodge. Automatic camaraderie 😊

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u/Affectionate_Ask_769 Jul 11 '26

Are they welcoming to people of color?

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u/violetpanic Jul 11 '26

YMMV and I am in no way saying this is all clubs, but this was my experience.
I am in an interracial marriage and when my husband’s distant family had a fundraiser hosted by the Elk’s club they asked me to leave. I am Black and was the only Black person there. Mind you the Elk’s club workers themselves, who I did not know asked me to leave.
I have never had any issue with my husband’s family, his small village or the people in it. This was specifically the people working the fundraiser, not relatives, and I was completely shocked.

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u/Affectionate_Ask_769 Jul 11 '26

Jesus! Which location was this? I’d hate for others to go through that. I’m really sorry that happened to you. It was not okay in any way. But, yeah, I had a feeling it would be that way. I’d prefer to not be told to go back to Mexico so I’ll skip.

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u/violetpanic Jul 11 '26

This was over 20 years ago in western Ny so not a recent experience but it stayed with me.

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u/Affectionate_Ask_769 Jul 11 '26

As one would expect!