On video there is an image of a POC woman acting rudely toward her Uber driver, making unwarranted accusations of racism, saying she has long history with Karen people, and suggesting she go back to Europe. Can we report her? Will she know?
1. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
If the driver seems overbearing, don’t be shy about reaching out for help. Uber’s team of representatives are trained in managing these situations to prevent any further aggravation. Furthermore, they can assist with any other concerns you have with them as well.
If the driver in your vehicle is being rude to you, try finding somewhere where both of you can talk together – this may help make things much more relaxed for both of you. Also try changing up the environment such as going for a walk or visiting a coffee shop – this may make them feel more at ease and reduce incidents where yelling occurs.
Be prepared to listen before speaking – The best approach is to let the driver air all their feelings without interrupting or intervening, especially if they need to vent. Interruptions only escalate the situation further and can increase tensions further.
Do not mention company policy during this conversation – To prevent further aggravating their anger, be careful not to bring up anything that violates company policies during this conversation as this could only make matters worse. When someone learns they have violated rules they could become even more upset and act out in ways you wouldn’t expect.
Do not patronize the driver – This can be one of the worst mistakes you make during this situation, as if they feel as though you are treating them like children, their frustration will only increase and potentially worsen the situation further.
Remember, as an anonymous rider, that reporting a driver over something they did that made you uncomfortable could result in them losing their driving status and therefore you should fully explain what caused you discomfort before reporting them to Uber.
2. Don’t be afraid to speak up.
As racism occurs both openly and covertly – whether through overt acts by someone such as “Karen” or systemic discrimination that prevents otherwise qualified candidates from applying due to their name – it must be called out and confronted directly. But you don’t necessarily need to confront those directly responsible directly – instead reach out to an authority figure and explain your concerns regarding such behaviors.
As an employee of Uber, it’s essential that you know they are committed to anti-racism as evidenced by policies in place and statements by CEO Dara Khosrowshahi himself. Furthermore, Uber has several diversity initiatives set in motion in order to make sure employees’ voices are heard equally across all departments.
Not all programs are working as intended, as evidenced by the recent series of events called “Don’t Call Me Karen”, part of Uber’s larger initiative to address challenges that black employees at Uber face led by Bo Young Lee, its head of diversity equity and inclusion.
These events were met with considerable resistance by black employees who felt as though they were being lectured on their experiences and told to remain silent. Many even reached out directly to Lee via Slack, an office messaging platform, to express their discomfort with this event.
Ultimately, the event was cancelled and Lee was put on leave, but damage had already been done. An online video already exists showing “Kidz Bop Karen” acting in an aggressive fashion towards her driver; she displayed numerous expressions of displeasure for their rider while spewing foul language against them and threatened to report them to police.
3. Don’t be afraid to leave.
One of the best ways to handle an angry Karen is simply leaving, especially if their behavior becomes violent or threatening. In extreme cases, calling police may even be necessary.
Uber has worked diligently to improve its workplace culture since Travis Kalanick’s departure as CEO in 2017, amid allegations of racial discrimination and sexual harassment. Unfortunately, it has also experienced its share of scandals, with Bo Young Lee suspended as head of diversity equity and inclusion (DEI). She moderated an event entitled “Don’t Call Me Karen”, prompting Uber to investigate this incident further.
The behavior exhibited in this video was unacceptably unacceptable and should never be accepted by Uber drivers. No one should put up with such unwarranted abuse.
4. Don’t be afraid to call Uber.
Uber must be informed immediately if any customer, rider, or delivery person contacts you for reasons other than your current trip/pickup/dropoff. With certain limited exceptions (for instance people needing or requesting physical assistance getting into/out of vehicle). When meeting strangers for rides/delivery purposes (for instance helping load someone else’s groceries into your vehicle), touch should only occur if necessary for fulfilling ride or delivery services (ie helping someone load groceries into car).
Do not be shy to contact Uber if anything makes you uncomfortable during a ride or delivery service, by clicking the “Report a problem” button in the app or on their profile page. We take all reports seriously as poor ratings can harm drivers’ earnings and future job prospects.
If you want to report a driver, make sure your reasons for doing so are specific and detailed. Don’t simply state they made you uncomfortable – explain why they made you uncomfortable so the company can investigate and take appropriate actions against the situation.
Uber drivers sometimes experience issues with customers who treat them in an inappropriate manner, which may be frustrating but it’s crucial that drivers remain calm and polite under such circumstances.
This is especially important if you’re dealing with an angry Karen, as their volatile emotions may make the entire ride or delivery experience unpleasant for all involved. Such riders can become more hostile if their grievances go unheard; such an approach can make the entire journey or delivery experience unpleasant for everyone involved.
