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What advice do you have for driving people of other races?
The news tells us that race relations are poor right now in America. The press is constantly churning out stories of racial discrimination. The drums beat to the tune demanding social justice. Even in professional sports we see sings demanding a stop to racism.
How does this affect Uber drivers when they pick up someone of a different race? Is there tension? Is it brushed aside? Do you just become color blind when you drive passengers to their destination? Do your pax let you?
I found that there is lemonade to be made when driving a pax of another race. I mean, not only can any drama be avoided if someone makes a wrong comment, you can actually send your passenger off feeling better about race relations in this country. In this “lowly” job of transporting people from Point A to Point B, you as a driver can make a world of difference every trip you take.
The strategy is simple. Treat the passenger, no matter the color of their skin, like you treat people of your own race. Be relaxed when they enter the car. Don’t allow for any uncomfortable silence if you onboard someone who doesn’t look like you. Have the same type of ordinary conversations you would with those of your own race. Strike up a rapport with the rider, if they are open to it. Convey in a non-verbal way that you are not judging them for their appearance.
It’s all about judgment. People hate being judged. They “hate” those that judge them. Especially for their appearance. They are often hyper vigilant, looking for the most minute sign they are being judged. But as the saying goes, “Judge not, lest ye be judged”.
The driver/passenger relationship is short-lived. But if the passenger exits the car feeling they have not been judged, they will love you.
This post is a work in process. I don’t know if I’m finding the words that convey the feeling I get when someone of another race who entered the car sternly, with a degree of [racially motivated] attitude, but leaves the car smiling like there is one less person who is pre-judging them.
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