Unit Two: Everyday Bias includes four recorded lectures, a short documentary, and four chapters from “Everyday Bias” book. Please review all of this material before completing at least one discussion board.
UNIT TWO: PREJUDICE AND STEREOTYPING
What were your reactions to the definitions, types, and research related to concepts such as ethnocentrism, stereotyping, and prejudices?  We tend to use some of these terms interchangeably; was it helpful to have them defined separately with the sources and differences between the terms?  Was any of the information surprising?  Did you expect that research would show 9 of 10 people held prejudices?
peer question to respond to
I was not surprised to see 9 out of 10 people are prejudice, it is a learned behavior. It starts from young childhood and continues to follow you through life. As you meet and get to know people you begin to realize just how many ways of thinking there ae. Nowadays there is more awareness, knowledge and understanding of a wide variety of people, groups, and environments. Are thoughts are not judged or changed until we begin interacting socially with others. when we start to separate into social groups, things we hear as people talk and even the subjects that are taught at school. We are born almost as a sponge, we learn right from wrong, that there are a variety of people that are do not live like we do. But it’s all learned in the end so its important to stand bac and see just where you stand or what you believe in. Its a lesson that we all need to learn as we get older and become adults. Who are we outside our groups, parents, and lessons we have learned. 
I think seeing those terms broken down and explained was helpful. We want to believe that as a person we are open minded, but as you understand the definitions better you see that you are not as much as you thought. Research will continue to show that there is a larger group of us that do stereotype. That the minute wed do see people we have given them a story without even knowing who they are. I know as a young single mom just how people perceive me or the thoughts they may have before they even shake my hand.
The Simpson Inn
The Simpson Inn, built in 1914, is located in Wheeling, West Virginia on the banks of the Ohio River. It is
one of two full-service hotels located downtown. ‘The Inn’, as locals often refer to the historic hotel, has
served the community, business travelers, storied politicians, and celebrities (many of whom were/are
country music singers traveling to the city to perform at the famed Capitol Music Hall now known as the
Capitol Theatre). Over the years since constructed, The Inn expanded, and by 1960 it had a penthouse
suite, ten junior suites, fifteen king rooms, and 58 regular rooms. The penthouse suite is on the top
floor with a full balcony overlooking the river. The penthouse suite also comes with a full-time butler
who was assigned to help with any needs those guests need. The junior suites have a shared butler and
are located on the floor below the penthouse suite.
When originally built, The Inn was a focal point for those traveling through Wheeling on U.S. Highway 40
(The National Road which arrived in 1818). The city had a large manufacturing base focused on steel
and iron which slowly eroded beginning in the 1960s and into the 1970s. By 1980 the population of
Wheeling had dropped from nearly 60,000 people, in 1950, to just 35,000. Currently the population sits
at around 26,000. While the demise of the steel and iron industries cut into the amount of those staying
at the hotel on business, the significant loss of local residents over the years negatively affected the bar
and restaurant at The Inn. The Inn was once a destination for local residents looking for a first class
dining experience or an opportunity for fine wines, beers, or spirits at the bar. On Friday and Saturday
nights in the 40s, 50s, and early 60s, diners would wait up to 90 minutes for a table (reservations were
not taken) which fueled the bar business. At that time it was not unheard of to serve 250-300 people on
a weekend night. In recent years, however, the typical weekend night produces about 40-50 covers.
The last two decades have seen a bit of a revitalization to downtown Wheeling. The community has
gone to great length to secure government grants and community funding to restore public buildings.
The Capitol Theatre was fully restored and re-opened in 2009. WesBanco Arena (originally known as the
Wheeling Civic Center) is home to various trade shows, conventions, and the Wheeling Nailers minor
league hockey team that plays in the East Coast Hockey League. While the city’s population is not what
it was in 1950, Wheeling has been successful in bringing residents and visitors into the city for various
events. Unfortunately, The Inn has not seen the same sort of revitalization. During the week, the
average occupancy for Wheeling hotels sits at 80 to 85 percent. On the weekends, this can fluctuate
between 60 to 90 percent depending on what is going on in the city. The Inn has an average occupancy
rate of 50 percent during the week and 40 percent on the weekends. Much of The Inn’s business comes
from those with the oil and gas industry who are working on the local wells. Should the oil and gas
industry begin to erode in the area, occupancy will be impacted further at The Inn.
While completion from newer franchise hotel chains create competition for The Inn, there are a couple
of other challenges for the hotel. First, when the nation’s interstate system was being built beginning in
the 1950s, Interstate 70 was completed through Wheeling in 1956 and provided a quicker route to other
destinations east or west of Wheeling than U.S. 40 did. Therefore many people began passing on
Wheeling as a stop-over. Further complicating this issue was the completion of Interstate 470 in 1976
which allows motorists to by-pass Wheeling all together. Those who choose to stay in Wheeling, while
on the way to a specific destination, often stay in hotels just off those interstate routes and not in
downtown Wheeling hotels. Next, The Inn is a full-service hotel. The cost of staying at The Inn is
reflective in the rack rates along with the other amenities which have direct and indirect costs. Other
hotels offer lower rack rates in addition to incentives (guest loyalty programs) associated with large
chains.
Derek Simpson has been the owner (4th generation) of The Inn for approximately fifteen years. He loves
the historic building and the daily life in the hotel industry. He has also managed to continue to make
the hotel a profitable operation (albeit a very small one) over the last few years. Derek has a connection
to the community and is very close to those loyal employees who work at The Inn. Many employees
have been there for over twenty-five years. Unfortunately, he just recently completed a long-term
budget through 2028 which incurs heavy losses beginning in 2025. Part of the budget includes a 22
million dollar renovation (badly needed at this point) to the hotel which would be financed by a local
bank, at a very low interest rate, but would be debt nonetheless. The Inn currently has no debt.
Construction would begin in 2024.
Derek must make a decision soon on whether to begin the process of construction or to continue
without a renovation. There have been no major renovations since the expansion in the 1950s. Derek
believes one reason business has not kept up with the competition is the outdated facilities. He also
believes that the demand for full-service is not what it once was and the price of those services does not
allow The Inn to be competitive with other hotels. Derek also is aware that the real estate on which The
Inn sits is valuable (being on the river with a spectacular view) and would most certainly bring millions of
dollars should he wish to sell. In fact, one condominium developer offered him 27.9 million for the
property in 2016. However, he also understands that selling would hurt the community because of the
loss of approximately 75 jobs at the hotel. In addition, he knows what The Inn means to his family and
friends alike.
What would you do if you were Derek?
Is there an opportunity to bring brand recognition to The Inn?

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