I have had enough of DC cabs. I have been meaning to blog about how much I dislike DC cab drivers for some time now and especially after Shaw Girl told me about a woman being sexually assaulted back in October. There are many reasons to dislike them (like only picking up people going to Virginia when the bars close) but not picking up black people and being inappropriate with women are my two major reasons. I am especially pissed after my experience this weekend. My friend Evan, who is originally from Ghana, was in town for the inauguration. Evan has dark skin and while he was in DC this weekend, had an extremely difficult time getting cabs which is why each time we met up he was late. Well, tonight we attempted to get a cab together and I witnessed it for myself as he stepped out into the street. After several failed attempts, we decided to head back into the restaurant we had just left because it was freezing. The bartender who is white, decided he would assist. A cab immediately stopped but then pulled off when Evan and I walked up. This happened three times! Now this is a ridiculous situation on a regular day but on a day when the first black president has taken the oath of office, it just makes you sick. What is even more disturbing is that before Evan moved out to Seattle to work for Microsoft, he had lived in DC for several years. He told me that he noticed it was the African cab drivers who were the most reluctant to unlock doors when he walked up. And if he puts on a hat (which is necessary in 20 degree weather), he can forget about it. While I suggested that we file a complaint with the DC Taxicab Commission, the procedures for doing so as described on the web site, do not sound the least bit useful. Funny how during a time when we're celebrating change, you realize just how much things have stayed the same.
Sphere: Related ContentWednesday, January 21, 2009
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5 comments:
That is beyond pitiful. It doesn't surprise me, but it saddens me beyond belief. You're right...on a day when everyone is celebrating such a historic victory (some, like me, freezing on the Mall to do so), it is a stark reminder of how far we still have to go.
This is (the not picking up Black people thing) pretty much is why I've decided against hailing a cab ever. Well, that and I just look stupid with my hand in the air. I pretend like I'm waving at someone though. Makes their day I guess.
And while the meter system has helped, there are still many issues that need to be dealt with obviously. Very sad.
This is really disappointing to hear that these acts of blatant racism are taking place in 2009 and in a city of such diversity.
I'm for rioting against Apartheid policies whenever they exist! Down with the racist cabbies, After all, is this not a similar reason the civil rights movement started in Montgomery? Is it that blacks have become so complacent or is it that blacks in DC are so gentrified that they don't want to be perceived as rowdy?
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