AirBnbWhileBlack Highlights Discrimination Faced by Black Travelers

Re:AirBnbWhileBlack Highlights Discrimination Faced by Black... by gedy on Friday May 06, 2016 @02:36PM (#11645790)

It seems the root issue is AirBnb is just facilitating, and the actual owners can and do choose who they let in their house (i.e. discriminate). While it's unfortunate and unfair, I'm not sure what regulatory environment could help with individuals. Perhaps allow reviews for people who could not rent a place?

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:AirBnbWhileBlack Highlights Discrimination Faced by Black... by bunnymancer on Friday May 06, 2016 @02:41PM (#11645831)

Yeah, I don't like the idea of forcing people to do things they're uncomfortable with when it's their home.

AirBnb could easily alleviate the situation with rejection updates. Although reviews leave far too much to personal opinion.

For now, at least, a demographic for each place would solve a lot.

"Oh 200 people have requested to be here and 100 were rejected. Out of that 80% of all black men who requested have been rejected and 30% white men and 0% of women, across the board... I think I'm good..."

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:AirBnbWhileBlack Highlights Discrimination Faced by Black... by draw_down on Friday May 06, 2016 @02:40PM (#11645815)

People who discriminate based on race should at least come out and say who they refuse to rent to. If they're going to be racist pieces of shit they should at least own up to that and not waste the time of people who are trying to find somewhere to stay.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:AirBnbWhileBlack Highlights Discrimination Faced by Black... by southphillyman on Friday May 06, 2016 @02:51PM (#11645902)

>not waste the time of people who are trying to find somewhere to stay

This is important as hosts usually have 24 hours to respond. In that time period alternative listings I may be interested in could be booked. This has happened to me multiple times and puts unnecessary pressure/stress on me as a user of the service. If host can reject requests on a whim it lessens the user experience. I know IMMEDIATELY if a hotel has any vacancy, why do I have to hold my breath and pray an AVAILABLE booking goes through just because I'm black?

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:AirBnbWhileBlack Highlights Discrimination Faced by Black... by spriggan3 on Friday May 06, 2016 @02:46PM (#11645871)

> People who discriminate based on race should at least come out and say who they refuse to rent to.

Except it is illegal to do so in a good number of countries. Racists know that. That's why they make up excuses.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:AirBnbWhileBlack Highlights Discrimination Faced by Black... by meira on Friday May 06, 2016 @02:53PM (#11645921)

Both issues are illegal. Fight both or none.

[ Parent | on HN ]