Stereotypes

Recently I reported how the application of a little faith and tolerance can successfully counter a cabbie’s first instinct to prejudge passengers. Of course discrimination, unfortunately, is an essential precautionary tool which drivers must regularly employ.

Outside an inner city pub on Saturday evening a young aboriginal kid sprinted across the road and climbed aboard. My first instinct was extreme wariness and doubts about his intentions. 

As we headed for Maccas I wondered if he was picking up mates on the way or scoring drugs rather than simply believing he might be hungry. That’s how it is for cabbies when dealing with stereotypes as bad experiences dictate that trust takes a back seat.

Despite the fact the kid was well dressed and bright eyed and explained the trip was to pick up dinner for he and his father I still was leery of the situation. Okay, I thought, the old man’s in the pub and too pissed to organise dinner himself.

"Mind if I listen to some tunes,” he asked and began searching for some beats. “Sure,” I cautiously replied, “so long as you don’t blow up the speakers.” He looked up at me with a quizzical glance as if to say, shit bro, what do you take me for, a ratbag?

We reached Maccas and ordered at the drive thru in order to take the food home. The kid definitely wasn’t shy and easily held some small talk where often kids his age are prone to monosyllabic mumbling and hiding under a baseball cap.

He revealed that he’d slept through the day after being up all night watching cable television and playing Play Station. This had me considering whether he was on a weekend access visit with his father.

Along with his obvious confidence there was a certain innocence and I asked his age. “Fifteen but I’ll be sixteen in three weeks time.” “Cool,” I said, “then you can get your license?” “Yeah, can’t wait,” he said with instant excitement. “Will your old man give you driving lessons?” I asked. “Nah, my uncle is going to teach me.”

Nearing the destination he requested a laneway and some apprehension reared up before I realised it led to a new development of apartment blocks. “What are these joints like?” I asked, “well built?” “Aw, they’re unreal,” he crowed. “There’s a pool and a spa and everything, eh.”  

When I stopped the meter he said, “I just need to get my dad to come downstairs and pay, okay?” Shit, I thought, if the old man gave him bucks for Maccas, why not for the cab. He’ll disappear upstairs and that’s the last I’ll see of him.

Reluctantly I agreed. “Okay, then, but tell your dad the meter’s ticking.” Sensing my apprehension he left the food on the seat and hustled off to the intercom. Only then did I relax.

Within two minutes his old man arrived through a security gate, travelling in a wheelchair due to amputated legs above the knees. Immediately I felt lousy and adjusted the fare while he filled out a disability taxi voucher.

Although we exchanged parting thanks, I was too embarrassed at my preconceived doubts over the job to actually say, “Mate, your boy is a really pleasant and intelligent kid. You must be very proud.”

And later I decided the kid’s lovely positive nature was most likely the product of a good upbringing and real parental love. Unfortunately, however, I’d failed to identify this at the time and grant him the benefit of the doubt.

Oh well, another lesson learned.

Comments

[American Reader]

I love your honesty in posting this. You are a true human being. We aren't perfect, but it's the true human being who searches his soul and strives to be a better, more enlightenend person.

[Christian]

Yeah, nice one!

I often wonder how (if?) the police get over their initial prejudices in this type of situation - typical bloody Muslim / Abo / Asian whatever...

[Rainer the Cabbie]

To all the brothers that roam this town. I always liked youse and picked you and your cus up. No black/white business in my cab, bro.

But after having been riped off, abused and disrespected far too many times, I personally am very careful and cautious when stopping for a person of Aboriginal decent.

All my sympathy with the terrible history that is black Australia, and my understanding of the plight of indigenous people in this country, has been destroyed by the second and third welfare depended generation that calls this City their home.

No matter what color, they are a bunch of disrespecting scumbags and have made this cabbie bitter towards the fair go I grant all of my passengers. Sorry to all of the good and honest Aboriginals that live here, maybe you should take better care of your dysfunctional brothers and sisters.

[Rainer the Cabbie]

P.S.
Just so you don't think me a racist, I certainly leave your average white Waterloo sponger by the side of the road as well.