I also have lived all over North America and have noticed the same attitude here. My favorite was at Motor City Casino, went to the buffet and the hostess obviously had a problem with us [[I'm a WASP and Mrs. Alum is AA). Took forever for her to acknowledge we were waiting, had a sour, disgusted look on her face, practically ran in front of us and tried to seat us in the most remote, out of the way place. Thought casinos were supposed to be all about customer service - Maybe in Vegas, but not here. Never went back.