NationStates Jolt Archive

Another little Cabra's Blog story today:

A few weeks ago, I went for a job interview. I was invited for the interview on relatively short notice (they had called me the afternoon before the interview, actually), and had no real idea where the company was. I had the address and a general idea, but that was it really.
So I decided to profit from the knowledge of a taxi driver in order to get there on time and without too much searching.
Now, the taxi rink in town has a bit of an odd system, as due to the road layout the taxis can't really queue up as usual. So as you walk up to any of the cars, the driver will point you to whoever has been waiting longest.
As I was walking up to the taxi rink, I saw a bunch of Nigerian taxi drivers standing outside their cars and shouting and gesticulating. I have no idea what they were on about, but I went for a taxi with an obviously Irish driver in his late 50s (thinking he'd probably know the way best). As I was about to enter the cab, one of the Nigerians came running towards me, shouting it was his turn and grabbing me by the arm. I said I'd rather take this taxi, and after all it's my choice. He started swearing and kicked the car.

As we drove off, I explained to the Irish driver that I didn't know the exact way and therefore wanted someone likely to know the area I was going to. He said that he can understand that, apparently a lot of people are uncomfortable with the Nigerian drivers as they often get lost. He complained about the city council issuing taxi licenses without taking into account the demand, and without any testing of the drivers.
He said that he had heard people being accused of racism because of it, and apparently it wasn't the first time his car was kicked or hit....

Now, I know it's been a few weeks, but I'm still wondering... is it racism? At the end of the day, the Nigerian driver might have known the address as well, after all. Only I wasn't really willing to bet a job interview on that.

You trust an Irish man...?

Joke.

Nah, I personally do not think it is racist, you have your opinion, you prefer another driver, after all, if the Nigerian drivers have a bad reputation for getting lost you do not want to use their taxis. Like you I would of gone with the seemingly more reputable driver.

Whatever happened to "The Knowledge" or is that just London.

The Nigerian drivers sound flat out embarassingly unprofessional, and it's understandable that people would look for a person who knows what they're doing. If I'm paying someone good money for a cab, I want someone who's professional and knows what they're doing. Maybe if they weren't shouting and gesticulating, which is a major turn-off because it's pushy and rude they might be able to get more customers. That has nothing to do with race but rather good business sense and respect for your customers.

Plus, kicking the car and grabbing you? Aside from the fact that it could be considered legal battery, that's frigging childish and they should be ashamed of themselves for acting like you're some piece of bulk cargo...grown, responsible men don't take their anger or frustration out on others like that and I'd be damned if I'd ever give a person like that my money regardless of their race or ethnicity. Frankly, I'd make an effort not to just to teach them a lesson about proper behavior. They do nothing but give those trying to succeed a bad name and harm the people who actually do their jobs well.

The Nigerian drivers sound flat out unprofessional, and it's understandable that people would look for a person who knows what they're doing. If I'm paying someone good money for a cab, I want someone who's professional and knows what they're doing. Maybe if they weren't shouting and gesticulating, which is a major turn-off because it's pushy and rude, they might be able to get more customers.

Plus, kicking the car? That's frigging childish and they should be ashamed of themselves...grown, responsible men don't take their anger out on others like that and I'd be damned if I'd ever give a person like that my money regardless of their race or ethnicity. Frankly, I'd make an effort not to just to teach them a lesson about proper behavior.

Well, I can understand their end of the story. As I said, the city council keeps issuing taxi licenses for a fee, regardless of the fact that there already are more than enough drivers around.
Which in turn puts enormous pressure on recently immigrated drivers. who put a good bit of their savings into purchasing the license and now find that there isn't enough business to give them a good return. And now those who might actually be good cab drivers get tarred with the same brush as the rest of the Nigerians...

The city should only give out taxi licenses if someone demonstrates that they know the area well enough.

Well, I can understand their end of the story. As I said, the city council keeps issuing taxi licenses for a fee, regardless of the fact that there already are more than enough drivers around.

Which in turn puts enormous pressure on recently immigrated drivers. who put a good bit of their savings into purchasing the license and now find that there isn't enough business to give them a good return. And now those who might actually be good cab drivers get tarred with the same brush as the rest of the Nigerians...

Exactly. Honestly, I'd be more likely to choose a recent immigrant because I can't even begin to imagine the struggles they're faced with as they attempt to establish themselves in a totally different country and I'd want to help them in the same way I'd patronize a local business or any other part of my community. Helping them ultimately helps me, and in turn helps others facing the same challenges down the line.

However, when their behavior doesn't reflect hard work and courteous service, it doesn't matter who they are...I don't judge people based on where they're from, but I do judge them based upon how they work and how committed they appear to doing their jobs well.

Exactly. Honestly, I'd be more likely to choose a recent immigrant because I can't even begin to imagine the struggles they're faced with as they attempt to establish themselves in a totally different country and I'd want to help them in the same way I'd patronize a local business or any other part of my community. Helping them ultimately helps me, and in turn helps others facing the same challenges down the line.

However, when their behavior doesn't reflect hard work and courteous service, it doesn't matter who they are...I don't judge people based on where they're from, but I do judge them based upon how they work and how committed they appear to doing their jobs well.

If it had been just about getting to the train station or the airport, I wouldn't have minded.
But as I only had an address, I just didn't trust them to know the town well enough to find it within reasonable time. Which I guess was really tarring them all with the same brush... :(

It comes down to whether you factored their race into your decision of choosing a driver. Short of somehow letting NSG into your head, only you can really know if you were or not.

Now, I know it's been a few weeks, but I'm still wondering... is it racism? At the end of the day, the Nigerian driver might have known the address as well, after all. Only I wasn't really willing to bet a job interview on that.Well, considering that he grabbed your arm, not getting into his taxi wasn't a poor decision.

Which I guess was really tarring them all with the same brush... :(They were already black, weren't they?

it may not be racist but its something.

you were nervous so you fell back on assuming that the older irish guy is the better taxi driver. that is making a baseless assumption since you have no way of knowing how long this guy has been in town and in the business.

It comes down to whether you factored their race into your decision of choosing a driver. Short of somehow letting NSG into your head, only you can really know if you were or not.

Well, not so much their race as more the assumption that since they haven't been here very long, they may not know the place as well as a local might. I guess I would have assumed pretty much the same if they had been Polish...

it may not be racist but its something.

you were nervous so you fell back on assuming that the older irish guy is the better taxi driver. that is making a baseless assumption since you have no way of knowing how long this guy has been in town and in the business.

It was sort of an assumption on probability...

If it had been just about getting to the train station or the airport, I wouldn't have minded.

But as I only had an address, I just didn't trust them to know the town well enough to find it within reasonable time. Which I guess was really tarring them all with the same brush... :(

Sometimes you have to prejudge is. The thing is, if this is such a big problem that people are avoiding you and your fellow drivers it's a sign you've got some serious issues to address. It's not like you didn't choose them because they were black, you chose them because they have a reputation for being poor drivers (and apparently pushy and aggressive to boot).

If they want to eliminate that negative reputation, they need to change their behavior.

Well, not so much their race as more the assumption that since they haven't been here very long, they may not know the place as well as a local might. I guess I would have assumed pretty much the same if they had been Polish...

Can you really tell the difference between Irish and Polish on sight?

Can you really tell the difference between Irish and Polish on sight?

I probably could, but only because my family is 100% Polish for as far back as we can tell.

Sometimes you have to prejudge is. The thing is, if this is such a big problem that people are avoiding you and your fellow drivers it's a sign you've got some serious issues to address. It's not like you didn't choose them because they were black, you chose them because they have a reputation for being poor drivers (and apparently pushy and aggressive to boot)..

Cabra didn't know about the reputation before getting in the Irish guy's taxi as far as I can tell.

Can you really tell the difference between Irish and Polish on sight?

Sometimes... ;)
But I was sort of assuming if the Polish drivers had been standing together talking.

the city really needs to clean up this system before violence breaks out.

most cities have strict rules on who gets a taxi license and how the taxi queues work.

it can be a frustrating business. as happened to you, if passengers are doled out unfairly tempers flare and you are subjected to unpleasantness. if it were the other way around and the nigerian drivers were getting all the fares, the irish taxi drivers would be the ones losing their tempers.

Cabra didn't know about the reputation before getting in the Irish guy's taxi as far as I can tell.

I didn't, no. But I did vividly remember a Nigerian taxi driver back in Dublin who insisted on going another way than the one I had suggested, and ended costing me 20 Euros more than it would usually have, as well as spending half an hour sitting in traffic... :(

the city really needs to clean up this system before violence breaks out.

most cities have strict rules on who gets a taxi license and how the taxi queues work.

it can be a frustrating business. as happened to you, if passengers are doled out unfairly tempers flare and you are subjected to unpleasantness. if it were the other way around and the nigerian drivers were getting all the fares, the irish taxi drivers would be the ones losing their tempers.

Oh, I can understand that temper perfectly well.
However, I don't see the city changing its policy anytime soon, as it makes a nice little profit of selling the licenses.

Another (...................)a job interview on that.

Whereas you might be wrong in assuming the irish guy knew the way any better, the grabbing and kicking the car thing means you took the correct driver.


The city should only give out taxi licenses if someone demonstrates that they know the area well enough. .

Originally, Taxi plates were extremely difficult to get, and it was essentially a closed shop. Now, its gone to the other extreme, with far too loose regulation resulting in too many drivers. The Government has refused to address the issue, saying - basically - "tough, theres work there if you look for it". Because of the diminishing returns and ever longer hours required to make a living from it, its often only the most desperate who'll take up the job - immigrants. Anger is then directed at them, rather than the root cause.

most cities have strict rules on who gets a taxi license and how the taxi queues work. I know for a fact this is not the case in Germany. While there is a general rule that the one that's been waiting the longest should be the next person to get a passenger, there is no legal obligation what-so-ever for anyone to follow that rule, especially not passengers who have the undeniable right to choose whom they want to ride with.

I'd be surprised if the situation is different in other countries.

I know for a fact this is not the case in Germany. While there is a general rule that the one that's been waiting the longest should be the next person to get a passenger, there is no legal obligation what-so-ever for anyone to follow that rule, especially not passengers who have the undeniable right to choose whom they want to ride with.

I'd be surprised if the situation is different in other countries.
ive never been in a situation where you did anything but take the next taxi in line and if you didnt you were directed by that driver to the head of the line.

I know for a fact this is not the case in Germany. While there is a general rule that the one that's been waiting the longest should be the next person to get a passenger, there is no legal obligation what-so-ever for anyone to follow that rule, especially not passengers who have the undeniable right to choose whom they want to ride with.

I'd be surprised if the situation is different in other countries.

The playing field in Germany is more level, though, as you need to pass a pretty rigorous test to show you know the city you work in inside out and will find any given address easily enough before you get a license... here, it's pretty much : You got a car? You got a license? You got xxxx Euros? Ok, here's the license.

ive never been in a situation where you did anything but take the next taxi in line and if you didnt you were directed by that driver to the head of the line.

True, but it's more of a polite agreement between drivers and passengers, not law in any way. You can pick any taxi in the line you want.

As I was walking up to the taxi rink, I saw a bunch of Nigerian taxi drivers standing outside their cars and shouting and gesticulating. I have no idea what they were on about, but I went for a taxi with an obviously Irish driver in his late 50s (thinking he'd probably know the way best). As I was about to enter the cab, one of the Nigerians came running towards me, shouting it was his turn and grabbing me by the arm. I said I'd rather take this taxi, and after all it's my choice. He started swearing and kicked the car.

The bolded part show that no one in his right state of mind would want that guy as driver. Independently of his skin colour.

Hint of racism? Maybe an extremely faint one: how do you know they were Nigerians, and not, I don't know, from Cameroon, or from Niger, or black-skinned Brits? Perhaps saying "nigerian" has become sort of a cover-up word to avoid saying "black": just as here in Italy no-one thinks of Americans, Swiss or Norwegians when someone says "extracomunitario" (literally non-EU citizen).

The playing field in Germany is more level, though, as you need to pass a pretty rigorous test to show you know the city you work in inside out and will find any given address easily enough before you get a license... here, it's pretty much : You got a car? You got a license? You got xxxx Euros? Ok, here's the license.Yeah, when I did the first aid course for my driver's license, we had one lady that was doing her Taxischein. It came up when we were discussing the amount of streets with the same name in Berlin.

Hint of racism? Maybe an extremely faint one: how do you know they were Nigerians, and not, I don't know, from Cameroon, or from Niger, or black-skinned Brits? Perhaps saying "nigerian" has become sort of a cover-up word to avoid saying "black": just as here in Italy no-one thinks of Americans, Swiss or Norwegians when someone says "extracomunitario" (literally non-EU citizen).

Probability. The largest group of African immigrants in Ireland are Nigerians, so the fact that there were about 6 or 7 talking in an African language led me to assume they are Nigerians.

Probability. The largest group of African immigrants in Ireland are Nigerians, so the fact that there were about 6 or 7 talking in an African language led me to assume they are Nigerians.

Strange enough: the Nigerians here in Italy usually speak english (with a strong accent). Same phenomenon here: "marocchino" (moroccan) has become the catch-all for all immigrants from North Africa and Near East.

I prefer Korean taxi drivers. So much more willing to hop up on the sidewalk and drive on it at 70km/h to get around traffic. And the funny part is they refuse tips they just do it for the fun of it.

I wouldn't have gotten in the car with anyone, black, white, or purple plaid, whose idea of being professional was standing around in a group yelling and gesticulating like a bunch of teenaged kids.

I double dog would not have gotten into a car with anyone who put a hand on me. I'd have screamed bloody murder and told him off... called a cop if he didn't leave me the hell alone.

No, that wasn't racism -- that was reacting to someone who acts like a boor and clearly doesn't understand personal space and boundaries.

Kinda off-topic for a bit, but my dad lives in Ireland, and where he's at there is a Nigerian mayor -- I believe he is the first (and maybe only?) black mayor in Ireland. He loves it, says the guy is great.

Anyway as for the Taxi thing, hmm. Assuming that a white Irishman will know the area better than a black one is probably very slightly racist. But I wouldn't say that because of it you = RACIST!11!! It's just an assumption, which based on what you said, is probably a pretty accurate one.

I tend to judge taxi drivers on their company. There is one really good company here and it's the only one I'll trust to look after my drunken friends.

Kinda off-topic for a bit, but my dad lives in Ireland, and where he's at there is a Nigerian mayor -- I believe he is the first (and maybe only?) black mayor in Ireland. He loves it, says the guy is great.

Anyway as for the Taxi thing, hmm. Assuming that a white Irishman will know the area better than a black one is probably very slightly racist. But I wouldn't say that because of it you = RACIST!11!! It's just an assumption, which based on what you said, is probably a pretty accurate one.

I tend to judge taxi drivers on their company. There is one really good company here and it's the only one I'll trust to look after my drunken friends.

I've heard of him... was on the news a while back. Although I can't recall what town it was to be honest.

As for the taxi companies, there are some around of course. But most drivers are independent. And I didn't have the time to call one of the companies to send someone, it usually takes up to 15 mins....

I've heard of him... was on the news a while back. Although I can't recall what town it was to be honest.

It's in Portlaoise I think? Not too sure -- but dad met him a few times and was impressed!

As for the taxi companies, there are some around of course. But most
drivers are independent. And I didn't have the time to call one of the companies to send someone, it usually takes up to 15 mins....

Oh true. Sorry, I wasn't mean to come across like you should've gotten a company or something, was just saying how it is here in Wellington.

Another little Cabra's Blog story today:

A few weeks ago, I went for a job interview. I was invited for the interview on relatively short notice (they had called me the afternoon before the interview, actually), and had no real idea where the company was. I had the address and a general idea, but that was it really.
So I decided to profit from the knowledge of a taxi driver in order to get there on time and without too much searching.
Now, the taxi rink in town has a bit of an odd system, as due to the road layout the taxis can't really queue up as usual. So as you walk up to any of the cars, the driver will point you to whoever has been waiting longest.
As I was walking up to the taxi rink, I saw a bunch of Nigerian taxi drivers standing outside their cars and shouting and gesticulating. I have no idea what they were on about, but I went for a taxi with an obviously Irish driver in his late 50s (thinking he'd probably know the way best). As I was about to enter the cab, one of the Nigerians came running towards me, shouting it was his turn and grabbing me by the arm. I said I'd rather take this taxi, and after all it's my choice. He started swearing and kicked the car.

As we drove off, I explained to the Irish driver that I didn't know the exact way and therefore wanted someone likely to know the area I was going to. He said that he can understand that, apparently a lot of people are uncomfortable with the Nigerian drivers as they often get lost. He complained about the city council issuing taxi licenses without taking into account the demand, and without any testing of the drivers.
He said that he had heard people being accused of racism because of it, and apparently it wasn't the first time his car was kicked or hit....

Now, I know it's been a few weeks, but I'm still wondering... is it racism? At the end of the day, the Nigerian driver might have known the address as well, after all. Only I wasn't really willing to bet a job interview on that.

I don't think it's racist. Maybe a bit prejudiced, but in a reasonable way. Some white guy in his 50s more than likely knows the city backwards and forwards. Younger drivers or foreign drivers might not.


As it happens, the one time a taxi ride went the wrong way it was a Nigerian driver. It's a good thing I was paying some attention and we went to a different entrance to UCD or who knows where the fuck we'd end up. Although every other Nigerian driver I've hired has gotten me to where ever I was going.

Almost all the drivers here appear to be from the MidEast or India/Pakistan... and finding a cab is not always easy and they won't always stop when you flag 'em. You're lucky there is such an abundance.

As for your choice being racism, I doubt it. It may have been influenced by the behaviour of that group, and just a coincidence that they were of colour.

Is it racist? Well of course it is, its the very definition of racist, you chose an irish guy over some nigerian dudes based on race. Having said that, if it was important i'd maybe have done the same thing, everyone's a bit racist.

Can you really tell the difference between Irish and Polish on sight?

Yes.

Cabra, most taxi drivers have GPS anyway. Even in the arse end of nowhere. I was in Miami and I got the same "I was here first" argument between two taxi drivers - one was black, one was Hispanic. It got pretty heated between them.

It's pretty common in such a competitive sphere.

Yes.

Cabra, most taxi drivers have GPS anyway.

Not that they always use it. They seem to use it to let them know where they are and work from there themselves.

Yes.

Cabra, most taxi drivers have GPS anyway. Even in the arse end of nowhere. I was in Miami and I got the same "I was here first" argument between two taxi drivers - one was black, one was Hispanic. It got pretty heated between them.

It's pretty common in such a competitive sphere.

True, but you're talking Ireland here. Outside the city centres, you're lucky if your GPS knows the name of the street, let alone the name of an industrial estate....

I wouldn't have gotten into the taxi either Cabra. The guys who's 'turn' it was wasn't in his car, that would be enough for me to pick a different one in the first place, and then of course the grabbing and yelling and kicking wouldn't help the case any.

True, but you're talking Ireland here. Outside the city centres, you're lucky if your GPS knows the name of the street, let alone the name of an industrial estate....

We need a dedicated Irish GPS

"Do you know the Church?"
"Do you know the Pub across from it near the Bookies?"
"If the answer to these questions is 'yes' then please renter destination as its not there you want to go at all".

We need a dedicated Irish GPS

"Do you know the Church?"
"Do you know the Pub across from it near the Bookies?"
"If the answer to these questions is 'yes' then please renter destination as its not there you want to go at all".

I'd say it should have all the pubs entered... that's what the Irish will use to describe the way, anyway.

so cabra...


HOW DID THE INTERVIEW GO?

so cabra...


HOW DID THE INTERVIEW GO?

Got the job. :)

Got the job. :)
congrats!

and with so little time to prepare for the interview! good job!

I wouldn't have gotten in the car with anyone, black, white, or purple plaid, whose idea of being professional was standing around in a group yelling and gesticulating like a bunch of teenaged kids.

I double dog would not have gotten into a car with anyone who put a hand on me. I'd have screamed bloody murder and told him off... called a cop if he didn't leave me the hell alone.

No, that wasn't racism -- that was reacting to someone who acts like a boor and clearly doesn't understand personal space and boundaries.
^^ This. And if I wasn't in a hurry, I would have noted the guy's medallion number and reported him for putting his hand on me. That was beyond the pale.

As a non-driver, I use taxis a lot in Boston, when toting lots of stuff, in a big hurry, or traveling late when the public transit system is closing down. I've been driven by all sorts, racially and ethnically, and I've had good and bad drivers of all sorts as well. I've had both recent immigrant and obviously local drivers get lost on me at times. I've seen the gamut of rude and polite behaviors from both. And although I more often see new immigrant drivers obviously try to pad the fare by adding extra yardage to the routes (with weird little extra turns and clearly pretending to be lost when they aren't; and mostly it's the Haitian drivers who try this trick), the worst trip I ever had in Massachusetts was with the equivalent of Cabra's old Irish driver. I had to transport artwork to a gallery just a short distance from my house, but it was at night and in bad weather, so rather than tote it on foot, I called a taxi company. A 50+-year-old Boston native (by his accent) got the job -- he arrived late, did not apologize for that, and when I told him where to go, asked what route I would prefer (unofficially required taxi etiquette around here), and after I told him, he went an entirely different way that was so obviously out of the way it was laughable. It more than doubled what the fare would have been. The minute he started the first turn, I called him on it, and the bastard argued with me and continued going his way, despite my protests, making a huge fight about it in the car. In the end, I flat-out refused to pay the fare on the meter, and instead paid what I knew the fare should have been. And when I was done, I called his company and complained about him.

Being an ass is not a quality of one race or another. It also doesn't get you customers.

EDIT: Also, congrats on getting the job. :)

congrats!

and with so little time to prepare for the interview! good job!

Ah, that's nothing out of the ordinary here. I've never had much notice for any of the job interviews I had here, at maximum 2 days or so.
But thanks! I'm rather pleased about it... permanent position and more money is always good. :)

It was sort of an assumption on probability...

It sounds like an assumption based on stereotypes.

If I were to "assume based on probability" that a black man was a criminal for example......

Another little Cabra's Blog story today:

A few weeks ago, I went for a job interview. I was invited for the interview on relatively short notice (they had called me the afternoon before the interview, actually), and had no real idea where the company was. I had the address and a general idea, but that was it really.
So I decided to profit from the knowledge of a taxi driver in order to get there on time and without too much searching.
Now, the taxi rink in town has a bit of an odd system, as due to the road layout the taxis can't really queue up as usual. So as you walk up to any of the cars, the driver will point you to whoever has been waiting longest.
As I was walking up to the taxi rink, I saw a bunch of Nigerian taxi drivers standing outside their cars and shouting and gesticulating. I have no idea what they were on about, but I went for a taxi with an obviously Irish driver in his late 50s (thinking he'd probably know the way best). As I was about to enter the cab, one of the Nigerians came running towards me, shouting it was his turn and grabbing me by the arm. I said I'd rather take this taxi, and after all it's my choice. He started swearing and kicked the car.

As we drove off, I explained to the Irish driver that I didn't know the exact way and therefore wanted someone likely to know the area I was going to. He said that he can understand that, apparently a lot of people are uncomfortable with the Nigerian drivers as they often get lost. He complained about the city council issuing taxi licenses without taking into account the demand, and without any testing of the drivers.
He said that he had heard people being accused of racism because of it, and apparently it wasn't the first time his car was kicked or hit....

Now, I know it's been a few weeks, but I'm still wondering... is it racism? At the end of the day, the Nigerian driver might have known the address as well, after all. Only I wasn't really willing to bet a job interview on that.

All I can say right now is that if some stranger ran up to me shouting and grabbed my arm, I'd probably call the police and report them for assault.

I don't care about a taxi driver's nationality, but I'd rather stick with the guy who DOESN'T grab arms and kick cars like a maniac... Even if they have the same about of skill and know the roads equally well, I get the feeling that Mr. Carkicker is more likely to drive dangerously.

the problem here is that the nigerians are being shut out of the taxi market by the actions of the irish drivers. the irish driver in this story poached the nigerians fare. and i would guess that it is happening constantly given the outrageous reaction of the nigerian--it is never OK to grab a customer.

THEN the irish driver badmouths the nigerians in an attempt to make sure that the next time cabra needs a cab ride she will pass the nigerians by again.

the underlying problem being that the city is licensing far too many taxis, making it all the more likely for this kind of thing to be done. the irish driver is as much trying to protect his livelihood as the nigerian driver was.

maybe when actual violence breaks out the city will start to rethink this policy.

I know for a fact this is not the case in Germany. While there is a general rule that the one that's been waiting the longest should be the next person to get a passenger, there is no legal obligation what-so-ever for anyone to follow that rule, especially not passengers who have the undeniable right to choose whom they want to ride with.

I'd be surprised if the situation is different in other countries.

Same here in Italy.

Btw, last spring I refused to take the first cab in the line, because it was all plastered with electoral ads of Berlusconi's coalition.

Ah, that's nothing out of the ordinary here. I've never had much notice for any of the job interviews I had here, at maximum 2 days or so.
But thanks! I'm rather pleased about it... permanent position and more money is always good. :)

:fluffle: Yay for permanent positions!

(mine isn't :( )

Ah, that's nothing out of the ordinary here. I've never had much notice for any of the job interviews I had here, at maximum 2 days or so.
But thanks! I'm rather pleased about it... permanent position and more money is always good. :)

Permanent position.
Cork.
Industrial estate.


Hmmmm.

I think I know what that job is ;)

Permanent position.
Cork.
Industrial estate.


Hmmmm.

I think I know what that job is ;)

So, what's your guess for her job?

Another little Cabra's Blog story today:

A few weeks ago, I went for a job interview. I was invited for the interview on relatively short notice (they had called me the afternoon before the interview, actually), and had no real idea where the company was. I had the address and a general idea, but that was it really.
So I decided to profit from the knowledge of a taxi driver in order to get there on time and without too much searching.
Now, the taxi rink in town has a bit of an odd system, as due to the road layout the taxis can't really queue up as usual. So as you walk up to any of the cars, the driver will point you to whoever has been waiting longest.
As I was walking up to the taxi rink, I saw a bunch of Nigerian taxi drivers standing outside their cars and shouting and gesticulating. I have no idea what they were on about, but I went for a taxi with an obviously Irish driver in his late 50s (thinking he'd probably know the way best). As I was about to enter the cab, one of the Nigerians came running towards me, shouting it was his turn and grabbing me by the arm. I said I'd rather take this taxi, and after all it's my choice. He started swearing and kicked the car.

As we drove off, I explained to the Irish driver that I didn't know the exact way and therefore wanted someone likely to know the area I was going to. He said that he can understand that, apparently a lot of people are uncomfortable with the Nigerian drivers as they often get lost. He complained about the city council issuing taxi licenses without taking into account the demand, and without any testing of the drivers.
He said that he had heard people being accused of racism because of it, and apparently it wasn't the first time his car was kicked or hit....

Now, I know it's been a few weeks, but I'm still wondering... is it racism? At the end of the day, the Nigerian driver might have known the address as well, after all. Only I wasn't really willing to bet a job interview on that.

Technically it could be, because more than likely not all the Nigerian drivers are really bad drivers or get lost easily, thus forming a stereotype.

But meh, I personally don't think it's racist.

Tricky call though...

Permanent position.
Cork.
Industrial estate.


Hmmmm.

I think I know what that job is ;)

I think you don't. ;)

I was going to say Cork CC but maybe not. ;)

Definitely not racism, as your decision was based in a generalized characteristic about the a specific group of cabbies, not the whole race of Nigerians. It was a potentially overbroad generalization, but, a generalization that has been derived from past experiences and the testimony of friends.

As well as the fairly reasonable assumption that, if someone's lived in town for a shorter total time, that they'll know the area less well.

It's not racist when I do it.

who in their right mind kicks an Irish mans car!?!?

no and I say this as a guy who has had enough experience with idiots who have no idea where there going

the problem here is that the nigerians are being shut out of the taxi market by the actions of the irish drivers. .....

Why are you trying to justify behaviour of this driver? Him and the others were acting in a manner that appeared to be unbecoming and unprofessional. Even if the are being shut out of this market, this is not the way to get business. It's aggressive and his actions against Cabra could easy constitute assault. Never mind the civil wrongs he committed against the Irish driver; trespass to property is the obvious.

If there was an obvious/legitimate grievance, he should have aired it in a way that was proper that would show him in a negative light.

When I made a thread about a similar thing, people called me racist.

If you can't do your job, it doesn't matter what race you are, you shouldn't be employed. Taxi drivers need to know the way. Call centre operators need to be able to speak English. It's not a matter of racism at all.

Why are you trying to justify behaviour of this driver? Him and the others were acting in a manner that appeared to be unbecoming and unprofessional. Even if the are being shut out of this market, this is not the way to get business. It's aggressive and his actions against Cabra could easy constitute assault. Never mind the civil wrongs he committed against the Irish driver; trespass to property is the obvious.

If there was an obvious/legitimate grievance, he should have aired it in a way that was proper that would show him in a negative light.
because if you set up a system that pits workers against each other they are going to act as if they are pitted against each other.

his bad behavior came from frustration. if there were not an excessive number of taxi licenses issued and/or if the taxi queue were respected, there would be no such bad behavior.

if the nigerians were the ones taking passengers unfairly, you can bet that the irish drivers would react physically.

As I was walking up to the taxi rink, I saw a bunch of Nigerian taxi drivers standing outside their cars and shouting and gesticulating. I have no idea what they were on about, but I went for a taxi with an obviously Irish driver in his late 50s (thinking he'd probably know the way best).

If it was a group of Irish drivers 'shouting and gesticulating' would you have taken a Nigerian's cab?

Not giving your business to a rude and violent child of a man is not racism, despite what the gears of guilt in your head might tell you. Maybe next time, if the man doesn't accost you or kick a vehicle and tells you "Miss, it's actually my cab that's next on the line" then yes, go with him by all means. Don't be terrorized by guilt when you were not at all to blame.

Can you really tell the difference between Irish and Polish on sight?

Yep. It's a nose thing.

I was going to say Cork CC but maybe not. ;)

Nope, miles off, sorry. ;)
I'm not going to name the company here, though.

Man, I actually think you were all good for what you did. I woulda done the same now that I think about it.. I just didn't put myself in your shoes! I can't wait to come over to Ireland in a few months -- really exciting.

because if you set up a system that pits workers against each other they are going to act as if they are pitted against each other.

his bad behavior came from frustration. if there were not an excessive number of taxi licenses issued and/or if the taxi queue were respected, there would be no such bad behavior.

if the nigerians were the ones taking passengers unfairly, you can bet that the irish drivers would react physically.

A system that pits workers against each other? Gee, you know, that sounds a lot like capitalism. A system where workers will turn against each other in order to maximise their income and look good in the eyes of their paymasters.

Justifying his behaviour at this point is... frankly sad. Even if he was frustrated, he shouldn't have resorted to physical violence. He could have walked up to Cabra and offered to drive her for less or a fixed amount. Or taken his legitimate grievance to the appropriate level where it could be addressed.

If it was the other way around, I can't say. The facts were presented and sure we can infer what we want from it but it doesn't change that there was wrongful conduct on the part of the Nigerian driver.

Man, I actually think you were all good for what you did. I woulda done the same now that I think about it.. I just didn't put myself in your shoes! I can't wait to come over to Ireland in a few months -- really exciting.

The taxi drivers? There's more exciting things than that on this island

The taxi drivers? There's more exciting things than that on this island

Lol no.. Ireland in general is what I'm excited about. I can't wait.

Lol no.. Ireland in general is what I'm excited about. I can't wait.

Where are you going to go? Portlaoise?
And for how long?

Where are you going to go? Portlaoise?
And for how long?

Yep, there. And up to wonderful Dublin.. I think for 2 weeks? It depends on when my exams are!

Another little Cabra's Blog story today:

A few weeks ago, I went for a job interview. I was invited for the interview on relatively short notice (they had called me the afternoon before the interview, actually), and had no real idea where the company was. I had the address and a general idea, but that was it really.
So I decided to profit from the knowledge of a taxi driver in order to get there on time and without too much searching.
Now, the taxi rink in town has a bit of an odd system, as due to the road layout the taxis can't really queue up as usual. So as you walk up to any of the cars, the driver will point you to whoever has been waiting longest.
As I was walking up to the taxi rink, I saw a bunch of Nigerian taxi drivers standing outside their cars and shouting and gesticulating. I have no idea what they were on about, but I went for a taxi with an obviously Irish driver in his late 50s (thinking he'd probably know the way best). As I was about to enter the cab, one of the Nigerians came running towards me, shouting it was his turn and grabbing me by the arm. I said I'd rather take this taxi, and after all it's my choice. He started swearing and kicked the car.

As we drove off, I explained to the Irish driver that I didn't know the exact way and therefore wanted someone likely to know the area I was going to. He said that he can understand that, apparently a lot of people are uncomfortable with the Nigerian drivers as they often get lost. He complained about the city council issuing taxi licenses without taking into account the demand, and without any testing of the drivers.
He said that he had heard people being accused of racism because of it, and apparently it wasn't the first time his car was kicked or hit....

Now, I know it's been a few weeks, but I'm still wondering... is it racism? At the end of the day, the Nigerian driver might have known the address as well, after all. Only I wasn't really willing to bet a job interview on that.

It's racist if the assumption was that they don't know the way because they are black/Nigerian. If the assumption was that they are young, new to taxiing, or even new to the country altogether, thus a local might be a safer bet, then it isn't.

It's racist if the assumption was that they don't know the way because they are black/Nigerian. If the assumption was that they are young, new to taxiing, or even new to the country altogether, thus a local might be a safer bet, then it isn't.

Well, the fact that they were Nigerians led me to conclude that it's quite likely that they're new to the country...

Ireland hasn't had a lot of immigration until very recently.

Yep, there. And up to wonderful Dublin.. I think for 2 weeks? It depends on when my exams are!

I've lived in Dublin for a good few years... I'd advise to only spend a few days there, and take the chance to see other places as well. Dublin isn't really good for tourists, unlike most other European cities.

What you could do is take a day trip or two, you can book some through the Dublin Tourist Office.
There's a small company - can't think of their name now, they've got red little mini-busses, and they do tours to Glendalough and up to the Boyne Valley. I'd recommend them, they're brilliant. If only I could remember their name...

Nope, miles off, sorry. ;)
Damn, although now I can at least say 'bullet dodged' - kudos. :D

I'm not going to name the company here, though.
Naturally. That's why I was hesitant in the first place. Well done to you in any regard.

Yep, there. And up to wonderful Dublin.. I think for 2 weeks? It depends on when my exams are!
Galway is a nice city and is definitely worth a look for a two day trip. Dublin is about a 2 hr, 2.30hr train ride from Belfast - if you go there bring sterling - still worth a look.

I'd second Cabra, don't just stick to Dublin for two weeks ;)

The taxi drivers? There's more exciting things than that on this island

The "Limerick by Night" tour is certainly a big adrenaline rush.....

Not giving your business to a rude and violent child of a man is not racism, despite what the gears of guilt in your head might tell you. Maybe next time, if the man doesn't accost you or kick a vehicle and tells you "Miss, it's actually my cab that's next on the line" then yes, go with him by all means. Don't be terrorized by guilt when you were not at all to blame.

I call adultism (en.wikipedia.com/wiki/Adultism).

A system that pits workers against each other? Gee, you know, that sounds a lot like capitalism. A system where workers will turn against each other in order to maximise their income and look good in the eyes of their paymasters.

Justifying his behaviour at this point is... frankly sad. Even if he was frustrated, he shouldn't have resorted to physical violence. He could have walked up to Cabra and offered to drive her for less or a fixed amount. Or taken his legitimate grievance to the appropriate level where it could be addressed.

If it was the other way around, I can't say. The facts were presented and sure we can infer what we want from it but it doesn't change that there was wrongful conduct on the part of the Nigerian driver.
i specifically said that it is never OK to grab a customer.

if the city sets up a system that is all but guaranteed to incite violence thats wrong.

it doesnt excuse violence, it spreads the blame. you can only expect so much good behavior out of someone trying to make a living in difficult circumstances. one of those circumstances is having your fares stolen (and your group vilified) over and over again when fares are hard to come by because the city has issued too many licenses.

if a fight breaks out over cheap tv in walmart on black friday, how much good behavior can you expect out of someone trying to make enough money to pay the rent and feed his kids?

i specifically said that it is never OK to grab a customer.

if the city sets up a system that is all but guaranteed to incite violence thats wrong.

it doesnt excuse violence, it spreads the blame. you can only expect so much good behavior out of someone trying to make a living in difficult circumstances. one of those circumstances is having your fares stolen (and your group vilified) over and over again when fares are hard to come by because the city has issued too many licenses.

if a fight breaks out over cheap tv in walmart on black friday, how much good behavior can you expect out of someone trying to make enough money to pay the rent and feed his kids?

Placing blame on a scapegoat rather than where it belongs...

The city is in control of the licensing and it is their right to decide if they want to issue it. Not all cab drivers want to work at night, not all in the day. I can't say I know what their reasoning is, but it may be that they hope to allow enough drivers to exist so that a person can get a cab at any time in the day.

These people are all expected and assumed to be reasonable adults, who are competent and able to understand the ramifications of their actions. They probably can also understand that there are other ways of achieving their desired results. Don't want your turf poached on; take an early or late shift. Work out a deal with your fellow cab drivers. Talk with the others. Why is there such a rush to discard the principles of diplomacy?

As for your last paragraph, I'd expect a lot more from humanity than the primitive behaviour displayed by some individuals on black Friday. The utter disregard for life is sickening. There is nothing that can justify the trampling of a worker or mindless violence; of course, the exception exists for self-defence, but that's not what we're addressing here. For the person in your example, I'd expect them to be a good role model for their children and not lower themselves to the level of the mob.

I call adultism (en.wikipedia.com/wiki/Adultism).

Go to your room.

Placing blame on a scapegoat rather than where it belongs...

The city is in control of the licensing and it is their right to decide if they want to issue it. Not all cab drivers want to work at night, not all in the day. I can't say I know what their reasoning is, but it may be that they hope to allow enough drivers to exist so that a person can get a cab at any time in the day.

These people are all expected and assumed to be reasonable adults, who are competent and able to understand the ramifications of their actions. They probably can also understand that there are other ways of achieving their desired results. Don't want your turf poached on; take an early or late shift. Work out a deal with your fellow cab drivers. Talk with the others. Why is there such a rush to discard the principles of diplomacy?

As for your last paragraph, I'd expect a lot more from humanity than the primitive behaviour displayed by some individuals on black Friday. The utter disregard for life is sickening. There is nothing that can justify the trampling of a worker or mindless violence; of course, the exception exists for self-defence, but that's not what we're addressing here. For the person in your example, I'd expect them to be a good role model for their children and not lower themselves to the level of the mob.
no.

setting up a system that encourages bad behavior leads to violence.

it doesnt mean that its OK to do something violent. it means that violence WILL happen.

im quite surprised that no one has been shot yet.

no.

setting up a system that encourages bad behavior leads to violence.

it doesnt mean that its OK to do something violent. it means that violence WILL happen.

im quite surprised that no one has been shot yet.

Er... this is Ireland we're talking about.
The only people shooting other folks here are knackers, and they most certainly won't do it because someone's taking work away from them.

Er... this is Ireland we're talking about.
The only people shooting other folks here are knackers, and they most certainly won't do it because someone's taking work away from them.
well.

you start with the poaching of fares. it has already gone through public ranting and kicking of the rivals cars.

it may already have had a few punches thrown--not too too many taxi drivers are cool and calm after their cars have been kicked.

maybe a few people will be tossed into jail before serious physical damage is done....maybe it wont happen until someone is in critical condition or dead.

you cant fuck with people's livelihood and not have bad things happen.

well.

you start with the poaching of fares. it has already gone through public ranting and kicking of the rivals cars.

it may already have had a few punches thrown--not too too many taxi drivers are cool and calm after their cars have been kicked.

maybe a few people will be tossed into jail before serious physical damage is done....maybe it wont happen until someone is in critical condition or dead.

you cant fuck with people's livelihood and not have bad things happen.

Pretty sure that hasn't happened yet... it would have been in the papers, if not on telli.

People are aware there's a problem, I remember there was a strike about the issue in Dublin a few weeks back. But I don't think the cities will stop issueing the licenses, as that's a nice bit of income for them at the end of the day. I guess what will happen is that people will eventually cut their losses and look for other work.

Pretty sure that hasn't happened yet... it would have been in the papers, if not on telli.

People are aware there's a problem, I remember there was a strike about the issue in Dublin a few weeks back. But I don't think the cities will stop issueing the licenses, as that's a nice bit of income for them at the end of the day. I guess what will happen is that people will eventually cut their losses and look for other work.
do you know how much the licenses cost?

do you know how much the licenses cost?

6300 Euros (http://www.corkcity.ie/atoz/l/name,5115,en.html) in Cork.

6300 Euros (http://www.corkcity.ie/atoz/l/name,5115,en.html) in Cork.
thats a lot of money to eat (by being forced into another line of work)

although i think its much more expensive in other areas. especially those areas that require that you pass a test to get it.

thats a lot of money to eat (by being forced into another line of work)

although i think its much more expensive in other areas. especially those areas that require that you pass a test to get it.

It's slightly less than a decent used car would cost you... but as self-employment goes, it's still one of the branches with the smallest investment required to get started.

well.

you start with the poaching of fares. it has already gone through public ranting and kicking of the rivals cars.

it may already have had a few punches thrown--not too too many taxi drivers are cool and calm after their cars have been kicked.

maybe a few people will be tossed into jail before serious physical damage is done....maybe it wont happen until someone is in critical condition or dead.

you cant fuck with people's livelihood and not have bad things happen.
I think you have read more into the situation that the information you were given warranted, and to be blunt, I think your argument is based more on, perhaps, your own misanthropy than a real reading of what happens at taxi stands in Ireland.

1) You are just assuming that every driver of any race, creed, etc., could react the same way, but how can you possibly conclude that based on one example of one driver? If Cabra had told this as an anecdote illustrating a general level of anger and violence among Irish cab drivers, I could see your point, but that's not what we were told. This was just about one person losing his cool, so why would it not be more reasonable to assume that this one person lost his cool that way because he's an asshole, rather than because of some overwhelming social pressure upon all Irish cab drivers? I notice in Cabra's story that none of the other cab drivers freaked out about the line being jumped (which would have presumably affected the turns of more than one driver).

2) You're trying to blame the city government for either negligently or maliciously setting up a system that stokes violence, even though Cabra distinctly told us that this confusing situation only exists at this one taxi stand because of the arrangement of the street. Now, if I were a taxi user in that city, I probably would avoid that taxi stand because of that -- same if I were a driver and had the choice of which stand I manned on which shifts. But an unfortunate arrangement at one taxi stand does not amount to the setting up of a system that pits workers against each other.

3) Another thing that undermines your argument is Kryozerkia's point that the driver had other options for getting his proper fare or for voicing his complaint. He could have spoken to Cabra in a civilized manner. He could have filed a complaint against the other driver with the appropriate board or commission that oversees taxis. He could have complained to his dispatcher and let his bosses sort it out with the whoever the other driver worked for. Maybe, once he got over his temper tantrum, he did do that. But, as you agree, nothing excuses the temper tantrum itself -- especially directed against Cabra. I agree with Kryozerkia that the argument that the city created a dangerous situation by stoking conflict is just scapegoating in this case.

4) I also take issue with your apparent assumption that everybody is going to resort to violence under such pressure -- as opposed to legal labor action or even just working out of a different taxi stand. There really are relatively few people who resort to violence over such things, Ash, and your argument suggesting otherwise and that you are "surprised someone hasn't been shot yet" smack of just grumpy-codgerism rather than a reasoned consideration of the situation.

I think you have read more into the situation that the information you were given warranted, and to be blunt, I think your argument is based more on, perhaps, your own misanthropy than a real reading of what happens at taxi stands in Ireland.

1) You are just assuming that every driver of any race, creed, etc., could react the same way, but how can you possibly conclude that based on one example of one driver? If Cabra had told this as an anecdote illustrating a general level of anger and violence among Irish cab drivers, I could see your point, but that's not what we were told. This was just about one person losing his cool, so why would it not be more reasonable to assume that this one person lost his cool that way because he's an asshole, rather than because of some overwhelming social pressure upon all Irish cab drivers? I notice in Cabra's story that none of the other cab drivers freaked out about the line being jumped (which would have presumably affected the turns of more than one driver).

2) You're trying to blame the city government for either negligently or maliciously setting up a system that stokes violence, even though Cabra distinctly told us that this confusing situation only exists at this one taxi stand because of the arrangement of the street. Now, if I were a taxi user in that city, I probably would avoid that taxi stand because of that -- same if I were a driver and had the choice of which stand I manned on which shifts. But an unfortunate arrangement at one taxi stand does not amount to the setting up of a system that pits workers against each other.

3) Another thing that undermines your argument is Kryozerkia's point that the driver had other options for getting his proper fare or for voicing his complaint. He could have spoken to Cabra in a civilized manner. He could have filed a complaint against the other driver with the appropriate board or commission that oversees taxis. He could have complained to his dispatcher and let his bosses sort it out with the whoever the other driver worked for. Maybe, once he got over his temper tantrum, he did do that. But, as you agree, nothing excuses the temper tantrum itself -- especially directed against Cabra. I agree with Kryozerkia that the argument that the city created a dangerous situation by stoking conflict is just scapegoating in this case.

4) I also take issue with your apparent assumption that everybody is going to resort to violence under such pressure -- as opposed to legal labor action or even just working out of a different taxi stand. There really are relatively few people who resort to violence over such things, Ash, and your argument suggesting otherwise and that you are "surprised someone hasn't been shot yet" smack of just grumpy-codgerism rather than a reasoned consideration of the situation.
it wasnt one guy. when she walked up the nigerian drivers were ranting with each other. the man who grabbed her was at the head of the queue.

thats why most places respect the taxi queue. it keeps fights from breaking out.

that the driver was inexcusably rude and aggressive with cabra indicates to me that he had been pushed over the line. maybe his line isnt as far away as some peoples but what happened the next time one of his fares was poached, and the time after that, etc? how much unfair treatment do you think a person takes before they boil over? it is as incumbent on the city to keep that kind of thing in check as it is for walmart to keep control if its black friday crowds.

you can wish that people would behave better but you damned well better work to minimize the causes of bad behavior where you can. you dont know WHO will misbehave but it is predictable that someone will.

and do you suppose that the irish taxi drivers dont respect the queue within their own group or do they poach each other's fare too?

its a bad situation made all the worse by the "them and us" thing that is obviously going on. not that i blame the irish drivers (or any other definable group) they are just protecting their own livelihood. (well ok i blame anyone who doesnt do business in a fair manner but when you have rent to pay and kids to feed you cant exect everyone to be fair) the blame for the situation lies with the city issuing too many licenses and not requiring the drivers to be competent--leaving customers like cabra to have to guess who might do a proper job when time is of the essence.

the assumption isnt that everyone is going to resort to violence. the assumption is that SOMEONE will and as it is set up "us vs them" it has a high chance of turning very ugly very quickly.

so i called up my husband and asked him if i was wrong.

he travels all over the world and has taken taxis in many many countries.

he says that poaching other cabbies' fares often results in fist fights and that he has seen it many times (and has caused it a few times).

he said the best system is in china (of all places) where at the airports and major hotels the police run the taxi line.

it wasnt one guy. when she walked up the nigerian drivers were ranting with each other. the man who grabbed her was at the head of the queue.
Yeah, just one guy who lost his cool, just like I said. Her story says absolutely nothing about him being backed up by his ranting friends, so there is no reason to expand this to more than one person behaving badly. Her story also says nothing at all about the Nigerian drivers ranting in an angry or threatening manner as if they were fighting with the other drivers when she first arrived, only that they were talking amongst themselves in such an obnoxious manner -- probably just joking around or arguing about sports or something, in their own language -- that she found herself discouraged from approaching them. I have had similar experiences with cab drivers at stands or retail workers in stores, where the people who were supposed to be on duty were goofing off as if they were off duty and not paying any attention to customers, and it is very discouraging to feel that you are being forced to interrupt a closed party, especially one that is both noisy and closed off from outsiders. A customer is far more likely to find someone else to deal with, rather than butt into such a group.

thats why most places respect the taxi queue. it keeps fights from breaking out.
Oh, really? Is that part of the regulations of various cities' taxi and limosine commission rules?

Actually, I think the reason taxi queues are respected is twofold: One is mutual respect among the drivers and their companies; and the second is in the interest of smooth traffic flow. It is better for cars to pull out in the order they are lined up and aligned with traffic rather than for any number of cars to pull out variously, and potentially simultaneously.

Following rules for politeness and traffic safety may lead to fewer fights, but preventing fights breaking out is not such rules' primary purpose for existing. I do not agree with your apparent assumption that fights are already simmering, ready to just break out, and that systems must be designed to prevent that.

that the driver was inexcusably rude and aggressive with cabra indicates to me that he had been pushed over the line. maybe his line isnt as far away as some peoples but what happened the next time one of his fares was poached, and the time after that, etc? how much unfair treatment do you think a person takes before they boil over? it is as incumbent on the city to keep that kind of thing in check as it is for walmart to keep control if its black friday crowds.
I'm sorry, Ash, I hope you know that I respect you very much, but I have to say, this strikes me as ridiculous. Do you really think every taxi driver is like Robert DeNiro in "Taxi Driver" just waiting to snap and start shooting?

you can wish that people would behave better but you damned well better work to minimize the causes of bad behavior where you can. you dont know WHO will misbehave but it is predictable that someone will.

and do you suppose that the irish taxi drivers dont respect the queue within their own group or do they poach each other's fare too?
I suppose nothing except that, if there were all-out "war" among Irish taxi drivers over fare poaching, Cabra might have mentioned that. I know that in my own city, fare poaching is a common complaint among taxi drivers, but it is NOT a common cause of physical violence.

its a bad situation made all the worse by the "them and us" thing that is obviously going on. not that i blame the irish drivers (or any other definable group) they are just protecting their own livelihood. (well ok i blame anyone who doesnt do business in a fair manner but when you have rent to pay and kids to feed you cant exect everyone to be fair) the blame for the situation lies with the city issuing too many licenses and not requiring the drivers to be competent--leaving customers like cabra to have to guess who might do a proper job when time is of the essence.

the assumption isnt that everyone is going to resort to violence. the assumption is that SOMEONE will and as it is set up "us vs them" it has a high chance of turning very ugly very quickly.
To me, the assumption seems, quite frankly, to be a "Chicken Little" style dogpile on the panic. I see none of this "us versus them" you point to. What I see is a city that should be told by its voters to stop issuing so many taxi licenses if there's not enough usage to support them and to put up a "Queue Starts Here" sign at that one taxi stand, but other than that I really have no idea what you're on about.

so i called up my husband and asked him if i was wrong.

he travels all over the world and has taken taxis in many many countries.

he says that poaching other cabbies' fares often results in fist fights and that he has seen it many times (and has caused it a few times).

he said the best system is in china (of all places) where at the airports and major hotels the police run the taxi line.
Well, I'm sorry, but -- and I am being at least partially serious here -- your husband causing fights does not convince me that fights are that much of a problem or that inevitable.

Well, the fact that they were Nigerians led me to conclude that it's quite likely that they're new to the country...

Ireland hasn't had a lot of immigration until very recently.

Hmmm... tricky. Technically it would be racist, because you have made a judgment based on what you assumed to be their nationality based on their skin colour, and what that would entail regarding their taxi knowledge.

But if it makes you feel any better, they were obviously prats, if they started kicking other people's taxis, so probably just as bad as you ;)

Hmmm... tricky. Technically it would be racist, because you have made a judgment based on what you assumed to be their nationality based on their skin colour, and what that would entail regarding their taxi knowledge.

But if it makes you feel any better, they were obviously prats, if they started kicking other people's taxis, so probably just as bad as you ;)

No I don't agree with that.

Let me ask you, if an African man and a Jamacian man speak to you, could you not tell by their accents where they come from?

Cabra has stated that these Nigerians where shouting at each other, I would assume then that she could hear them.