Racism is often a hotly debated topic. However, due to the historical context, prevalence, and cognitive dissonance often associated with it and the level of discomfort it brings everyone. While I have grown up with the privilege of learning all of the nuances and scenarios where Race will inevitably play a role, It never ceases to amaze me when a situation arises. All that you've learned is now put to the test.
Since this societal issue will never go away on its own, I found it best to discuss my latest encounter with this and present some actionable tips you can take should you ever find yourself in a similar situation. Therefore, this post will detail my latest meeting with handling racism on my way to work and what I did as a result.
While traveling on my way to work, it was a rainy day, and I took a different bus towards the hub train station. While getting on the bus, a gentleman and I entered and displayed our passes to the bus driver. After I walked past him and made it to my seat, I was summoned to return to the bus driver. He then proceeded to embarrass me by asking me about the bus pass I showed him. When I questioned what he was asking me and why he doubled down and played dumb. The interaction went as follows:
Bus Driver: Hey, what's that, that you showed me?
Me: My Rail pass. (Proceeds to show him the same pass, again)
Bus Driver: What is that? I don't know what that is.....
Me: *Sweeping look of confusion crosses my face* Ummm, it's my Train pass; I use it all the time. It's always cross-honored.
Bus Driver: How many bus zones are it?
Me: It says Two (points to the number)
Bus Driver: I've never seen that before. I don't know anything about that.
Me: *Still confused* Ummm, I don't know what to tell you. No one else has complained. Your colleagues haven't told me anything.
Bus Driver: Waves me off.
While I walk to my seat, I see two caucasian male passengers in front of me laughing hysterically. They were both elderly, above 70, and the one who wore the red "maga" hat and had the yellowest teeth I've ever seen. I never knew teeth could turn that color.
I then noticed that the guy who got on the bus behind me was still being grilled by the bus driver before letting him on the bus. The two front passengers were still giggling like school girls. I then noticed that the next woman who got on the bus received the same treatment as me, and another Hispanic man who requested a stop missed it as the bus driver kept driving. When he finally did stop, He berated the man saying, "I don't stop there; this isn't the twenty-one" He then proceeded to drive the bus like he resented his job. Meanwhile, the two front passengers laughed as if they were in on it.
I took pictures of the bus, the men, and any other identifying information. I then called the transit authority number, filed a complaint, and provided the photos. Despite being met with kindness and understanding, being provided with the complaint number, and a secondary call with an apology, no further action was taken regarding my complaint. The gentleman mentioned that this driver was a union worker, and it's usually a process to get rid of them. While appreciating the apologetic phone call, I was saddened at the thought that this man had gotten away with his disrespectful behavior.
This is where I want to discuss the importance of taking action each time a situation arises, regardless of the outcome. Cultivating this habit and mindset will remind you that you don't have to tolerate being insulted, but it will better prepare you to take the correct course of action as you will know the proper channels to pursue.
Whenever you find yourself in this situation, here are the first few things you can do:
1) Don't Panic. -Situations like this can become emotionally charged. Despite this fact, it's critical to keep your cool, as flaring tensions will interrupt your ability to think logically and act effectively.
2) Consider your options. -While I am a big promoter of always having a lawyer/ legal team on speed dial, determining what to use and where is vital. For example, some issues can be resolved through mediation, while others might require the involvement of external institutions outside of the party that you are in conflict with.
3) Gather relevant and personally-identifying info. -This includes taking pictures, video/ audio recording, and everything that will help you the most when deciding your next course of action. Whether you decide to just file a complaint, sue, or go to court for any other reason, you will need this information to file the correct paperwork.
4) Invest in a legal team and become well versed in the law. -This level of accessible information and preparation will determine the probability of you winning your case. You can't win the game if you don't know the rules. There are options regarding subscriptions, such as legal zoom/ legal shield, etc. A quick google search can bring you a quick synopsis, and you determine what is feasible for you, as per your budget and lifestyle.
5) Don't wait until something egregious happens before you report it. - Most people who act in a prejudiced or discriminatory way have often done so before and usually have started out small and became more emboldened over time as they got away with their microaggressions before. The only way to change a toxic culture and curb bad behavior is to discourage it early.
6) Don't talk to anyone about this. -Until you have mulled over your options and completed your course of action. Unfortunately, you have people who have given up fighting and standing up for themselves, and they may see your resolve for justice as a mirror to them, resigning to their fate. Everyone doesn't take seeing their "reflections" calmly and might try to talk you out of doing the right thing.
7) Keep copies of everything. -This is regarding all records, e-mails, filed paperwork, original complaints, and judgments. Have a folder (physical or digital) with everything concerning this incident stored away, should you ever need to reference it later.
I took photos of the antagonistic straphangers and noted the corresponding information concerning the bus itself and whatever else I could gather to make a proper and formal complaint to the bus company against that driver. When I got to work, I called the number promptly and took down the complaint number. When the e-mail arrived confirming my complaint, I added feedback to it and added the photos that I had taken earlier that morning.
I received another phone call from the customer service line, apologizing for my experience. He stated that the bus drivers are unionized and that it is a process to remove them. Depending on the egregiousness of their behavior, the union can host hearings while asking the customers who complained to appear. When I inquired if there was any more information I needed to provide, he stated they would reach out if so. When I offered to go to the next hearing, he said they would reach out to me if needed.
I am not thrilled that this was as far as my complaint went; I am more empowered to continue holding people accountable for their discriminatory actions. Now that there is a paper trail of this particular complaint, I can build upon it if I encounter that same driver again. That is the silver lining in all of this. These are some tips and suggestions you can consider as a starting point if or when you face an unfavorable situation that exposes you to the harmful effects of racism, discrimination, and prejudice.
This topic isn't as fun and lighthearted as my other posts. However, discussing this was necessary as I couldn't ignore this recent occurrence without seizing the opportunity; to use this experience to help someone who might face a random encounter of a similar nature. If you ever find yourself in such a position, encourage you to take this opportunity to challenge it head-on, as only that action will spark change. This, among other ways, is just a starting point on how to go about handling racism while on your way to work or anywhere else it rears its ugly head.
And in the words of the infamous Ivanka Trump, "Don't get mad, get everything."
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