It is 1969. You are in a group of people. All the people in your group just came out of a business meeting. Their names are Irene, Jack, Maria, Rose, Jose and Paul. 

Which one are you? Remember it is 1969. What kind of clothes would you be wearing? Do you have anything around your neck? A tie or scarf? A suit? What kind of shoes? What does your hair look like? 

You are in a department store. Burdines. In 1969, Burdines has a lunch counter. There are two sections. One has a very long line and all the tables are full. The other section has empty tables. You are in a hurry, so your group goes to sit down at one of the empty tables, but the wait staff doesn't let you. They say that your are not allowed to sit in that section and that you will have to wait in line.

Another group comes in while you are standing in line. The wait staff takes them to the table where you tried to sit. They are served lunch while your group is still waiting in line.

Why wouldn't the wait staff let your group sit at one of the empty tables?