Taxi drivers and I

hagoonabear

OK guys, got a taxi to town with my little girl from my house, taxi driver turned around out of nowhere, "I thought you were Chinese hahaha I didn't know you could speak English I was going to speak really slowly to you and ask WHERE ARE YOU GOING TO " still giggling away to himself, I replied no that's a stereotype,

have a right to complain or?

Chijj

Although you probably do have a right to complain it is hardly the worst thing somebody could say.

I assume you are of Asian descent ?

In saying this I'm a white Irish male so have little to no experience of racism directed at me but it isn't like he was abusing you.

dudara

Moved to Commuting & Transport

dudara

Polar101

hagoonabear wrote: »

have a right to complain or?

Sure, you have a right and it doesn't like correct behaviour from the driver. But on the other hand, the complaint might not lead to much - depends on what you were after I guess.

I've heard the "foreigners should go home" speech once, when the driver didn't realize I'm not Irish. I didn't complain, but I took the bus next time.

Hilly Bill

hagoonabear wrote: »

OK guys, got a taxi to town with my little girl from my house, taxi driver turned around out of nowhere, "I thought you were Chinese hahaha I didn't know you could speak English I was going to speak really slowly to you and ask WHERE ARE YOU GOING TO " still giggling away to himself, I replied no that's a stereotype,

have a right to complain or?

BOSE is a stereo type.

coylemj

OP, it sounds to me like the driver was more insensitive than overtly racist, I realise that racism is in the mind of the beholder but it's pretty low down the scale by the sound of it.

Mrs OBumble

Polar101 wrote: »

I've heard the "foreigners should go home" speech once, when the driver didn't realize I'm not Irish. I didn't complain, but I took the bus next time.

Indeed. These days, I actively seek out non-Irish drivers because of just that sort of issue. And yes, that's racist of me - so be it. It's a small thing I can do to level the playing field.

OP, yes, you can and should complain. Don't expect much to come as a result of the complaint - except hopefully the driver will engage their brain before their mouth the next time a foreign-looking person gets into the car.

Truckermal

People always think I am polish and sometimes I play along if the situation suits but I prefer a Taxi with non nationals as they never moan or complain.