Don't know how to drive: those "foreigners" / from other countries

[redrhodie]

Um....I think some people (not Grog) are missing something:

The woman was driving and was driving by these other drivers. They weren't talking to each other from each other's cars in on a freeway, ...(probably highway 401) where the speed is 100 kms. per hr. It's a major highway to get out of Toronto into Mississauga

They saw one another in the cars in less than 3-5 min., while whipping down the highway. That's it.

And immediately, snap judgements are made. Based on skin colour alone.

See it for what it can be.

I don't think that I'm missing the point. I still think it's the license plate. Especially at 100 kms per hour, that's the easiest way to tell someone's a foreigner.

I'm sure it is often the case that's it's racism, just not so sure it's the case here. That she was otherwise pleasant, I'd give her the benefit of the doubt.

[DebSP]

I think that people make generalizations, (or stereotypes if you like), about people all the time and those are perpetuated in the media. I have heard stand up comedians make jokes about the the driving habits of Asians. The Simpsons had a convenience store that was run by an east Asian. I make my generalizations about drivers based on what they drive. Volkswagen drivers tend to drive fast, Chevy pick up drivers are red necks who think that bikes don't belong on the road and try to intimidate, gravel haulers all hate bicycles on the road and don't slow down or move away etc. Now I know it is NOT true in all instances, it just so happens that when I am out on my bike, I "watch out" more for these vehicles. Google Asian drivers and you will be appalled at what turns up.