There is NO evidence that the criminal justice system is racist. The “proof” is always the same — the irrational assumption that people of all races commit all crimes at the same rate, so any disparity in arrests and convictions is down to racism. I am simply not going to bother reading yet another social-justice-warrior’s attempt to square this circle.
Taxi drivers OF ALL RACES don’t like to pick up black passengers for three very valid reasons, none of which make them racists.
1. Fear for their safety.
2. It is very well known (ask any taxi driver, of any race) that black people tend to be poor tippers.
3. Black people are likely to want to go to a neighborhood where, even if the driver is not mugged (see item 1) he is unlikely to pick up a fare on the way back. This problem could be solved, and thus black people could stand a higher chance of catching a cab, if drivers were allowed to refuse destinations they didn’t like.
All three of these reasons are completely rational, and therefore not racist.
Schnitzel says that people who are afraid for their safety shouldn’t be taxi drivers. Why on earth not? That makes no sense at all. What is it about taxi driving that makes it suitable only for those who are reckless and don’t care if they are robbed or raped or murdered? On what grounds do you presume to dictate that a normal person should be denied such a livelihood? It’s purely arbitrary. Or, if you’re relying on the law, then it’s circular. And it violates a person’s 14th amendment right to pursue a livelihood. (The immunities and privileges clause, before the supreme court unjustly gutted it.)