D.C. deals with more controversy

D.C.’s ABC 7 and The Washington Post report the recent attacks of seven people by taxi drivers while in the cab. Six of the seven victims were woman. Fortunately, D.C. has decided to take initiative and panic buttons will be installed in the cabs by December.

Is this street harassment? I definitely believe so. While the victims were in enclosed spaces, they were putting the same trust in taxis that they do when walking down the street. In the minds of Americans, taxis are part of the public domain, and it is entirely normal for people to feel safe in such a standard, every day environment. The situation is relevant to San Luis Obispo because men and women everywhere are susceptible to harassment in public spaces that we do not  typically consider dangerous. We should not have to anticipate or even consider the likelihood of harassment in our daily lives, but unfortunately, the D.C. taxicab occurrences prove that a lot of work needs to be put forth to guarantee the safety of every individual in every public space. The D.C. government is correct in their quick response to the attacks, and hopefully the taxi commute will be safe for citizens from now on.

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