My Uber Driver Tried Finding My Listening Pleasure, But Totally Missed The Mark
All black women aren’t in love with R & B.
Other than good conversation when sliding into an Uber is relaxing sounds that surrounds me. On this afternoon, I’d just gotten of a fully-packed flight after enjoying a girls’ trip in Florida, which included a majority of waking moments. Don’t get me wrong, you can imagine the fun I had in a new space, by the beach, hitting restaurants, enjoying drinks with friends I adore while gaining so much. More details below.
Oh, I know! Black Women Love R & B, right?
As the ride began, I started to relax in the backseat. While checking my social media platforms, I was drawn in by the soothing voice that was exuding from the car speakers which gave a surround sound vibe. The voice was similar to Warren Buffet and I was determined to listen since I was being offered personal motivation life tips.
Within minutes of the ride, the driver grabbed his phone and began to flip through and hit a few buttons. Before I could figure out what was happening, (yes, I tend to notice my driver and what they are doing; nosey, I guess) the motivation stopped and in started one of Aliyah’s songs.
I was instantly confused why the change. Is this his way of play songs black women like? Or so he thinks? Trust and believe more black women than you know, would have opted for the motivation.
I would have rather listen to the Podcast.
So I’m thinking? Why the change from the motivational speech? Then, why to R & B? Does he not think I want to hear his first choice? Does he think I would rather hear or connect better to R & B? I was thrown. So, I chose to ask. Sir, was that a motivational channel or recording of some kind?
He mentioned, “No, it was just a Podcast that I like to listen to.” I let him know that it is okay to listen to it and that he didn’t have to turn it off since I am in here. He said it had gotten boring so he turned from it.
As I listened to his choice of music for me (Aliyah), I was just curious about why he chose it. Why wasn’t the Podcast okay? There is nothing like listening to words that motivate, give insight, inspire or inform. Once of the best places and ways to really take in words of wisdom is in your car. In my opinion.
Conclusion
There is that consistent way we have of assuming that someone probably wants a specific action, music, food or music. Especially when we think about their race or culture. I still wonder if I was someone else, would he have turned off his Podcast or just started a conversation about it (even if he found it boring) or found songs that assumingly fit their “culture”.
I will definitely keep that in mind as I, too, am a rideshare driver. What plays in your car during a rideshare doesn’t always have to be what you think the rider wants to hear. Sometimes it can be way off the mark, just in case the person wouldn’t mind stepping outside the box. Here’s another way and just how easy it is; when you pick up a rider and you want to play something for them while you drive…just ask.
What would you prefer to hear in a rideshare, if any sound at all?