In Manchester from Irlam to my hotel
Among the worst things that can happen to me during a cab conversation is when a driver starts spouting bigoted, racist or intolerant views. It’s not in my nature to argue or put them straight, but I hate feeling complicit. I usually try to subtly show disproval whilst deftly steering the conversation into safer territory. I didn’t have much luck with this one:
- so you come from London do you? Do you live right in the centre like?
- yes, South of the river, but pretty central
- how do you find it living with all those foreigners? Last time I was in London I couldn’t believe it when I was the only English-speaking white face on the tube
- errr, I quite like that it’s so multicultural
- do you? I wouldn’t, dunno if I would feel safe. Full of arabs it was…
He goes on, I won’t dignify it by typing up the rest. In the end I gave up, opened my book and pointedly ignored him for the rest of the journey.
3 responses so far ↓
Ted Martin // 29 May, 2007 at 8:45 am
I discovered your blog at Paradise Driver. Wil’s on top of things.
As a cab driver, I’ve always made a study of my customers, but never considered they may be studying me, as well. I’ve had a number of racist customers, but I hadn’t considered some drivers are, too. I had a white customer who thought Al Sharpton should be killed. Sharpton is a famous black leader here in America (don’t know if he’s known outside the US).
Fascinating blog. I’ll ad you to my links shortly.
–Ted
helenltaylor // 30 May, 2007 at 9:34 am
Hi Ted
We’re watching you watching us! Thanks for dropping by and commenting. I’ve had a quick look at your blog too – I’ll get you added.
Helen
mark // 3 June, 2007 at 2:16 pm
kinda funny since he is a taxi driver. shouldn’t he be used to meeting all sorts of people?