Fighting Racism, One Cab at a Time

I have witnessed this blatant racism before. Institutional racism is all around us. It's not just the cabbies. It happens at stores. I can walk in with a backpack and the security person says nothing. But, black people are asked to check in their bags. Sad.

It's not "fighting" racism at all. It's a nice gesture, but one that will not prevent cabbies from stopping for black people in the future.

Everybody who sees this should take note of the hack number and report it. Everyone, each time.

I've witnessed this many times in various parts of the city - and I've also done what the writer did when I could. It's disgusting this still happens in 2016! Another of the many constant insults that black people in this city endure 24/7.

- Btw, this also happens to me, as a woman - of course, not nearly as often. Apparently, many cab drivers don't want to pick up women. Why? I'm told it has to do with the cultures many of them come from.

The other annoying thing is when the driver only wants to take passengers going in the driver's direction! I guess they didn't get the message that the way it works is that the passenger pays to go where HE or SHE wants to go?

These incidents need to be reported - with cell phone photo evidence, wherever possible.

Not surprising that so many people are turning to Uber - even though it has its own issues.

It happens all the time "south" of 96th St...the double slap in the face is when the oblivious (and it's usually white) woman steps in front of you and gets the cab that finally stopped for you.

No point in arguing, you'll just look uglier.

BUT, I've had women who seen the error of their ways as well...I always offer to share if possible.

I have done that from time to time. My favorite was 3 young black women said to me "Thanks for being white for us!"

I've done this as well. It's infuriating that decent citizens need assistance going about their business, but it's a small thing I can do.

My suggestion to the black man, just use your phone to call an Uber next time. Why waste your time with the racist cabbie system?

The first two cabs wouldn't have stopped for you either?

"Plus ca change, plus c'est la meme chose." But good for you, Mickey. You represent New York at its best, while those cab drivers show its bad side. I vow to do as you did if the same situation ever presents itself.

People can believe race plays no part in this society if they want to. We all know how it really is. The same rules that govern this society that allowed an NYPD officer to choke Eric Garner to death in broad daylight also allow taxi drivers to drive past and avoid black customers.

Thank you for being a compassionate human being and shame on the drivers who passed this customer by.

Maybe he would have received a ride if he had put the phone away. Concentrate on hailing the cab and talk later.

Thank you, from all of us.

From the cab driver's point of view, such discrimination is likely rational regardless of personal beliefs. Fortunately Uber readjusts the contingencies so they no longer weigh in the favor of injustice. You can't fight the city hall of rationality.

Might that be described as Uber-the-top behavior from the taxi drivers?