Comments on: Mexico’s Women-Only Pink Taxis: Pink Machismo or Progressive Change?

By: Darrin

Darrin — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 02:25:24 +0000

My first reaction is that the taxis, like the women-only subway cars of Tokyo, might even embolden scumbags, since those drivers might say that, by implication, the normal taxis are harassment-friendly.

But as much as the taxi’s existence treats the symptom and not the cause, I still think they are a good idea, because their existence also brings the cause — chauvinism — into the open.

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By: hlmt

hlmt — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 21:52:08 +0000

I see no problem with a women-only taxi service – after all, taking a taxi is by definition getting into a car with someone you don’t know, and trusting them to take you safely to your destination. For plenty of women, the fact is that that can be a dangerous situation, in any country. I don’t think having taxis for women is surrendering to the idea that men ‘can’t help themselves’ from sexually assaulting women – in fact I think it’s a little ridiculous to suggest that sexual assault may be totally eradicated, and that one day there will be no need for this kind of thing. Of course everything possible should be done in terms of education and the law to prevent it, but sexual assaults will always happen, as will murders, thefts and physical assaults. Anything that helps to provide groups who are in danger with some protection has to be a welcome thing.

I do object to the fact that, because these taxis are intended for women, they choose to make them pink, and install make-up mirrors. I’m a woman, I almost never wear make-up, and I definitely don’t like pink. So I don’t like the execution, but I think it’s a great idea.

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By: late_stranger

late_stranger — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 15:22:22 +0000

I would ride in a pink taxi, but I would also ride in a yellow taxi. Or any other taxi, as long as it (seems) legit. I think that it would have been better (if they HAD to be pink) to just paint old taxis – make up mirrors are a little bit… dumb? It’s one of those “like, seriously?” things. I’m not offended, but I think that more money should be invested into programs stopping the problems than make up mirrors for women only taxis. It seems like common sense.

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By: Jess

Jess — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 14:57:28 +0000

I think its a great idea, as a solo female traveler IN mexico I would prefer a Pink Taxi over any other. It would releave a lot of worries that are in the back of your mind taking a taxi late at night from a bar, or even end the comments youre sick of hearing during the day. Yes, more needs to be done, and call it a “band-aid” if you like, but its fixing the problem and reducing my stress.. for now anyway.

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By: Amanda

Amanda — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 04:18:44 +0000

I live in Bangladesh and environmental issues is a whole other issue besides gender relations. Rising levels is a global issue, not a specific cultural issue. Like Sara mentioned, women empowerment is an issue everywhere, but there are different cultural differences that require different avenues to change.

As per women’s only cars/taxi, India has done the same thing and sometimes has been met with more animosity from men, calling it discrimination.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/16/world/asia/16ladies.html?_r=3&pagewanted=1&hp
But it’s positive discrimination, women who are met with assault everyday can now go to work. Women are discouraged from working outside the home because of the gender bias and quite frankly molestation that happens on public transportation. This encourages women to take outside jobs, which, slowly, creates empowerment for women and understanding and non-emasculation for men. But, my argument is that if you are trying to integrate the sexes, why are you separating them?
http://amandasfulbright.blogspot.com/2009/09/sexual-harassment-is-separate-space.html

Sara, you’re right, though, the make-up mirrors are not helping the whole situation. Hi-lighting specific cars as feminine might just make the cars more of a target. Instead of women’s only taxis, ALL taxis should be monitored more often. I know in Mexico, same in India and Bangladesh, the first step is for police to play an active role in protecting women’s rights.. but we all know how much it costs to currently bribe them.

But what do we do in the meantime? Do we allow women to put themselves in situations that we know are dangerous? Or do we tell them, “well, if you don’t want to get molested (or worse) — stay home” ?? I think the Pink Taxi idea could have been handled better, but at least it’s a step towards the issue. Social change as deep as chauvinism is incredibly slow.

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By: Mara

Mara — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 19:31:00 +0000

I agree with Julie that it’s not so much the *idea* of the taxis as the execution. I look at this as being similar to campus escort services offering to walk women home late at night from parties (which I don’t think anyone disputes is a good idea). But these taxis seem designed to reinforce stereotypes about women and men, and that’s not going to help the underlying problem they are meant to address.

On the other hand, I could see myself using one.

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By: Dian

Dian — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 18:40:11 +0000

I would ride in a pink taxi, in fact I would ride in a flying pickle if it would assure me safety from being assaulted. I agree that we are treating the symptoms and not the cause of the problem. But unfortunately assaults on women are taking place RIGHT NOW – everywhere and all too often. Governments and society at this moment are not interested in dealing with this issue. And so until we all clue in (in all countries) and decide that assaulting women is not cool I for one will take any kind of precaution I can to look after myself, cause no one will.

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By: Julie

Julie — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 17:30:09 +0000

Fascinating– I was just thinking about this kind of dilemma last night while watching a PBS special about climate change and its effects in Bangladesh (long story short: build house boats and floating schools because water is rising): Are these kinds of “solutions” just ignoring the systemic nature of a much bigger problem?

I might not have an issue with the women’s taxis if they weren’t pink and pimped out with make-up mirrors AND if the people were taking a more active role in teaching respect for women in other ways. By creating pink taxis by women for women, we’re saying “This problem of male harassment is inevitable.” And that’s not ok.

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