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By Darius Spearman (africanelements)
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A recent incident in Central New York, where a Black DoorDash driver was detained, is yet another look at racial profiling. The incident involves New York State cops, highlighting a disturbing pattern of racial disparity. This driver, whose car became stuck in the snow, reportedly faced detention instead of assistance from law enforcement (Atlanta Black Star). Let’s look into what unfolded and what it tells us about the larger picture of racial profiling and policing, especially for gig workers.
As painful as it is, the story brings to light how interactions with law enforcement can be different for people of color. Beyond this particular incident, we need to examine how race might play a part in these scenarios. This matters to Black and Brown communities nationwide, so let’s get into it.
NY Police Detain DoorDash Driver: Understanding Racial Profiling
First, let’s clarify what racial profiling is and why it’s not just a buzzword. Racial profiling happens when police stop, question, or arrest someone because of their race or ethnicity, not because of any specific evidence of wrongdoing (American Civil Liberties Union). It starkly contrasts “criminal profiling,” which relies on actual behavior or a detailed suspect description (Police Brutality Center). Systemic inequities are the more significant issues, and profiling is just one symptom.
Sadly, racial profiling is still a crucial issue, evidenced by New York City’s “stop and frisk” practice. An example of racial profiling can be seen in the fact that 50.6% of those stopped were Black, despite making up only 25.6% of the city’s population (American Civil Liberties Union). Indeed, the Ontario Human Rights Commission defines racial profiling as any action taken by someone in a position of power that singles out a person for extra scrutiny based on their race or ethnicity rather than their behavior (Ontario Human Rights Commission). This distinction helps clarify how racial profiling doesn’t just hurt individuals. It undermines trust system-wide.
Black Driver Discrimination: Gig Workers Unprotected
Understanding Systemic Racism
Systemic Racism: Policies and practices in institutions that disadvantage certain groups. Unlike personal prejudice, it exists within social, economic, and political systems around us. Recognizing this form of racism is key to addressing the root causes of racial inequalities in policing and other areas.
Now, think about who often works as a delivery driver. Many are folks from minority backgrounds trying to earn a living. These “gig workers,” like DoorDash drivers, are especially vulnerable. The reason is they lack the protections traditional employees might have, like job security or clear protocols in case of problems (House Research Department).
The lack of traditional employment safeguards can put gig workers, especially those from marginalized communities, in more precarious positions when dealing with law enforcement. They might be more visible and have fewer resources to fight back if they feel mistreated. Therefore, exploring solutions like better data collection and clearly defined traffic-stop policies can address systemic discrimination and offer actionable steps forward.
Snow Incident: Limited Details, Broader Echoes
Consider the visibility factor. It’s easy to recognize delivery drivers – their cars often have signs and are constantly on the move. Consequently, this visibility may unconsciously trigger stereotypes, just as someone’s license plate or even simply “driving while Black” can lead to unfair police attention (American Civil Liberties Union). We see this parallel in how Native Americans in Bennett County, South Dakota, were disproportionately stopped based on assumptions tied to their regional license plates, which linked them to reservations (American Civil Liberties Union). If that can happen, it’s not hard to imagine how a DoorDash driver, already potentially viewed through a biased lens, might face similar snap judgments.
DoorDash Racial Profiling NY: The Need for Data
Broad statistics paint a grim picture. The NYPD “stop and frisk” data is a prime example: Black people were stopped over half the time, though they were only a quarter of the population (American Civil Liberties Union).
The U.S. Department of Justice recognizes racial profiling as ineffective and harmful; it fuels distrust toward law enforcement (US Department of Justice). Therefore, addressing this requires systemic changes, including in data collection and police procedures. The challenges in gathering and interpreting this kind of data are discussed in a 2000 Minnesota study, focusing on “benchmarking” and “hit rates” to try and prove racial profiling (House Research Department). This shows it’s not just about having numbers but also about knowing how to use them correctly.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Darius Spearman has been a professor of Black Studies at San Diego City College since 2007. He is the author of several books, including Between The Color Lines: A History of African Americans on the California Frontier Through 1890. You can visit Darius online at africanelements.org.
