Chapter 5 of Slim's Table is simply titled "Openness." Basically, this chapter describes how Valois (the Greek restaurant owned by Spiro and Gus in Chicago) has contributed to increased interaction between previously alienated communities (particularly the white, black, civilian, and police officer populations).
The chapter begins with the author telling us about Valois closing for renovations in February. During the renovations, many of the white and black regulars from Valois meet in a Wendy's restaurant...
Chapter 5 of Slim's Table is simply titled "Openness." Basically, this chapter describes how Valois (the Greek restaurant owned by Spiro and Gus in Chicago) has contributed to increased interaction between previously alienated communities (particularly the white, black, civilian, and police officer populations).
The chapter begins with the author telling us about Valois closing for renovations in February. During the renovations, many of the white and black regulars from Valois meet in a Wendy's restaurant nearby. The author notes an interesting development during this time: black and white patrons from Valois begin acknowledging one another at Wendy's. The author (Mitchell Duneier) concludes that this new camaraderie must have originated from the shared inclusivity nurtured within Valois' tolerant atmosphere.
Although white patrons usually sit in prescribed areas at Valois, they willingly join the tables of black patrons at Wendy's. The exodus from Valois provides a common experience that unites whites and blacks. The author concludes that a cafeteria atmosphere engenders openness and sociability; it satisfies a deep human need to be part of the larger community. In other words, barriers are broken down in such an atmosphere.
Duneier talks about how Valois has even brought police officers and black patrons together. The restaurant has always been popular with Chicago's police officers. A surprising reason for Valois' popularity among officers is black patrons' acceptance of the men in blue. At Valois, every man is equal and is treated with respect. There, the common values of humanity hold sway, allowing black patrons and police officers to feel a little less alienated from each other.
Duneier even documents an instance in which a newly released felon sits down for a meal with the police officer who arrested him. Both come away with a new understanding of each other. The author concludes that the open nature of the cafeteria's public space contributes to the breaking down of racial, demographic, and class barriers.
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