San Diego cabbies cry foul over body odor test

[Judi Lynn]

Source: Associated Press

San Diego cabbies cry foul over body odor test
By ELLIOT SPAGAT, Associated Press | September 12, 2014 | Updated: September 12, 2014 3:14am

SAN DIEGO (AP) — Body odor is among 52 criteria that officials at San Diego International Airport use to judge taxi drivers. Cabbies say that smacks of prejudice and discrimination.

For years, inspectors with the San Diego Regional Airport Authority run down their checklist for each cabbie — proof of insurance, functioning windshield wipers, adequate tire treads, good brakes. Drivers are graded pass, fail or needs fixing.

Anyone who flunks the smell test is told to change before picking up another customer.

Leaders of the United Taxi Workers of San Diego union say the litmus perpetuates a stereotype that predominantly foreign-born taxi drivers smell bad. A 2013 survey of 331 drivers by San Diego State University and Center on Policy Initiatives found 94 percent were immigrants and 65 percent were from East Africa.

Drivers wonder how inspectors determine who reeks. Driver Abel Seifu, 36, from Ethiopia, suspects they sniff inconspicuously during friendly conversations in the staging area. Airport authority spokeswoman Rebecca Bloomfield said there is "no standard process" to testing.


Read more: http://www.chron.com/news/us/article/San-Diego-cabbies-cry-foul-over-body-odor-test-5749651.php

[pnwmom]

1. I doubt they have to work very hard at finding the smelly drivers. The smell just kind of

announces itself.

I think the smell check is a way to end the stereotype of smelly cab drivers, by encouraging the smelly ones to clean up. Other employers require basic American-style hygiene. Why shouldn't taxi companies?

[joshcryer]

5. We agree on literally everything but some aspects of teaching.

This, I have to call shenanigans. The "curry test," not explicitly mentioned, is just absurd. We know what they're arguing, but it's not really relevant.

Demand more air fresheners. Problem solved... if it's even a problem at all.

[pnwmom]

44. I read something about those car air fresheners.

We had one hanging in an old Volkwagen for years because a child had spilled milk in it, and that sour milk smell just wouldn't go away.

Well, it turns out that the people who train police how to look for suspicious people to stop for possible illegal activities have identified air fresheners hanging from the mirror as a sign of something nefarious going on. Also, mess on the floor.

So I'm doomed. No air freshener anymore, but there always seems to be something on the floor.

[louis-t]

45. Sometimes the air fresheners smell worse than

the cabbies.

[pnwmom]

52. Or perfume. The combination of scents can be just as bad. n/t

[yeoman6987]

51. A bar of soap is cheap. Use it

I would not want to be in a cab with someone smelly. The amount they charge to ride in a cab is outrageous. The least we should have is a pleasant smelling journey.

[whathehell]

2. I believe I've now heard it all..

Body Odor Bias.

"drivers wonder how inspectors determine who reeks".

Let me guess... They have noses.

[davidpdx]

10. It would be a good topic for a research study

[whathehell]

18. What would

be good topic?

[davidpdx]

23. The perception of the oder of taxi drivers in New York

[whathehell]

28. The 'perception' of the odor?

Hmm..I'm not sure there is a 'perception' of odor, I'm guessing you smell it or you don't.

In any case, I doubt the Taxi Cab Association is going to wait for an academic study. I suspect

their 'criteria' will be the complaints of customers and co-workers, especially the former.

[sendero]

17. By definition..

... there could be no consistent standard for such a criteria. For example, my wife can smell a bee fart from 100 yards, I can't smell dog poop from 3 feet.

Until there is some kind of instrument that can accurately measure offensive odors (good luck on that one), this is simply not a reasonable criteria.

[whathehell]

29. As I said to another poster..

the 'criteria' will be the number of complaints from co-workers and customers, the latter especially.

This isn't academia.

[tblue37]

84. Some of us are sensitive to body odor. Not hypersensitive, but

unwashed human bodies truly do stink. In fact, our foul odor might be a protection against some predators. They eat us only when they can't find better smelling food.

But I think anyone who works close to other people should be expected to bathe nd wear clean clothes so they don't smell gross.

[whathehell]

98. Thank you. I agree completely. n/t

[Inkfreak]

91. I feel like a bee fart would be delightful. (nt)

[Live and Learn]

3. I can't believe what we have become.

And people on DU are defending this? Body odor is definitely a personal and/or cultural phenomenon.

What you can smell doesn't mean someone else can smell it. People\cultures that eat a lot of garlic aren't going to smell garlic on someone else. Smokers or those that are regularly in close proximity to smoking smell smoke on someone else. People that eat fish regularly won't cringe at the smell of fish cooking as those that do not do.

Where do we friggen draw the FREEDOM line on smelling?

[whistler162]

6. Yes... POWER TO THE STINKERS

Let stinkom reign.

[whathehell]

21. LOL.

[Eleanors38]

56. When B.O. threatens, I let the lion roar. Hides it easily.

[Android3.14]

7. "Where do we friggen draw the FREEDOM line on smelling?"

I believe this sentence wins some sort of award.

The line is when a person's odor infringes on another person's right to be free in their own person. If a person's culture says it is okay to sneeze in everyone's face, does this mean that sneezer's behavior is okay if they become a dentist?

This isn't difficult.

[whathehell]

22. Yes, that one struck me as well..

One almost wonders if one is reading the Onion.

[TexasMommaWithAHat]

16. Huh?

Body odor is a cultural phenomenon?

Shower daily. Wash your hair. Wear deodorant. Change your shirt three times a day, if necessary.

And I refuse to get in a cab with anyone who reeks of smoke. I had to sit next to some sweaty guy who reeked of smoke last time I flew, and will never do that again.

[whathehell]

20. Really?

What we have "become" are people with noses who, like most in Western cultures, aren't very tolerant of body odor.

Of course it's a "cultural phenomenon" -- That's why, when one leaves one's own culture and goes to another,

that person understands that he or she will have to make changes.

I can only imagine the cacophony which would emerge here were some American to expatriate

to another country and behave in a "culturally insensitive" manner .

[Oktober]

37. Be stinky on your own time...

This is a business...

[pnwmom]

53. We draw the line on the kind of smelling that comes from not bathing regularly

and then, if that isn't enough to stop body odor, from not using deodorants.

[Adrahil]

65. I'll tell you this... I HATE stinky cabs!

Wanna be a stinker? Fine by me. Don't enter the service sector.

[tblue37]

85. Basic personal hygiene should be a requirement. The smell if certain foods is not the

point. Unwashed bodies and clothes stink, and customers should not have to ride in a closed in car with someone who doesn't bathe regularly. I am sure this issue came up because they were getting complaints.

[Live and Learn]

96. I wasn't aware that riding in cabs was mandatory. nt

[Erich Bloodaxe BSN]

103. It's not, which is why cab companies

don't want to lose customers simply because their cabbies stink.

When you're providing a service, you want to provide the customer with a pleasant experience. Otherwise, they'll likely stop using your services and drive you out of business.

[tomm2thumbs]

4. Probably better to just do an Ebay/Uber type feedback rating from passengers

I don't know that it wouldn't cover any issue that a passenger might have, be it helpfulness or otherwise.

[AngryOldDem]

8. I think they should inspect the cabs (other than for maintenance) more than the drivers.

Some are literally pigstys on wheels. Before I had a car I took cabs home from work at night and there were times when I literally held my breath the entire trip because the stench was that overpowering. I'm sure if you're in it for six, eight, or however-many hours you get used to it, but passengers should expect better.

Same with drivers -- I'm not expecting someone decked out in a chauffeur's uniform, but still. But if it's true that just certain drivers are being singled out for this "test," then that definitely isn't fair. Standards need to be applied across the board, or not at all.

[whistler162]

11. This is just one part of the 52 items

on the checklist. The article doesn't bother to list all 52 just a few items and the "BE OFFENDED" item.

If I am paying you up to at least $70 to drive me some place, not including a tip. I want the cab to not smell like a Men's locker room after football game in 100 degree weather!

[7962]

9. Body odor knows no race. Bathe and use deodorant. Problem solved

Or find another job. I guess next we'll hear its against someones religion to bathe regularly.

[Chakab]

13. Indeed. There's nothing worse than getting into a car with a guy smells like he hasn't washed in

at least a week.

Honestly, I've smelly cabs in my area and started using Hailo Black and Uber to take limo services when I need to take a car to get around in my city. It's not that much more expensive than a cab, and the conditions are much more sanitary.

[PasadenaTrudy]

26. Strong cologne

is awful too

[7962]

49. I think there are also rules regarding that too.

[davidpdx]

15. I can take two showers a day in the summer and use deodorant

If you live in a hot and humid place it's still likely you are going to sweat a bit. I'm not going to say a word about your last sentence.

[haele]

48. Problem is, it can also be diet.

I've been around people who have not-so-western diets and find they have a different natural body odor, even if they shower regularly, wear deodorant, and regularly change out their clothes during the day.
Certain foods, especially fruits and vegetables, leave a person with a sharper body odor. Not necessarily "stronger", but distinctly different than the average American. And if one does not wear clothes that breath (like polyester or nylon), that odor does get stronger no matter what one does or uses to kill the odor.
The Vietnam era river-rats I trained with back in the late 1970's told me that's how "Charlie" knew an American was hiding within ten feet or so - the smell of the average GI. If they were going in-country, the smart ones knew they had scrap the C-rats and to spend at least a week eating locally before they felt safe being still.
A shipmate who was a vegan carried a distinct smell that would get stronger as the day went on. Suspect a mix of strong greens (she liked Kale, Collards, and Mustard Greens) and garlic had a lot to do with it. She actually had to stop wearing polyester altogether, which was problematic during inspections back then because the "dress uniforms" were flammably polyester twill.
Smart vegans don't wear polyester if they need to sneak up on anyone.

Similarly I've found through experience that actually eating the parsley garnish that comes with most meals knocks down body (and mouth odor) after the meal. (I'll admit I can get pretty stenchy after a long period of time out and about, even wearing deodorant; my family has a history of strong body odor.)

So, If someone does want to discriminate against certain cultures, the lingering smell the food that is normally eaten by that culture can be an easy target.
And cab drivers are an easy target as they can't help but start to ripen sitting in their cars for hours - particularly since most are wearing cotton-poly work clothes that come from those "school and work uniform" stores for low income families around town. They just don't have the time or wherewithal to take a half-hour or so off every three/four hours to shower, re-apply deodorant, and change clothes if they want to make enough in fare to be able to make a few dollars wages after costs. Their diet only makes it "stronger".

Haele

[Live and Learn]

92. +1 nt

[Skittles]

66. bathe, wear clean clothes and use deodorant

yup, I've never worked a job where you could not be called to the carpet for hygiene issues

[Live and Learn]

93. I've never worked at a job where one was.

And that included a a job with a guy with perpetual flatulence. I guess everyone there was too refined to complain.

[Skittles]

102. refined

riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiight

[davidpdx]

12. I don't agree with this, but I will share a personal experience that parallels this situation

I teach overseas and during the summer it gets hot and humid. Where I grew up, humidity wasn't a problem so it has taken several years to get used to. I was working a few summers ago at one place where the boss (who was an asshole) told me I smelled very directly (which is unusual for his culture). Yes, I sweat in the summer especially in places where there is no air conditioning. Even with deodorant and cologne (which I'm not fond of putting so much on because it too can be offensive to people) when I start sweating it is difficult to not have a bit of odor.

So I can commiserate a bit with those who are being as to pass a "smell test".

[whathehell]

33. I understand what you are saying, but

San Diego is really not hot and humid, certainly nothing like the tropics.

I've visited there a few times, and the locals tell me it's basically about 70 degrees, year round.

These people, basically, just have to bathe more often and use deodorant -- I've heard of this problem

before, by the way, years ago, and it wasn't Ethiopians, it was Eastern Europeans, when Communism

was still going.

I read a great book by a Croatian/Serbian Woman named Slavenka Drakulic who said that,

even in Yugoslavia - which was less deprived than other parts of Eastern Europe -- the government,

in its 'five year plans', couldn't afford to make deodorant, so when one got on public transport

there, the vehicle just stank....It must have been an awful experience, but people probably

just got used to it. FYI -- I've BEEN to Eastern Europe (Croatia) several times in the last several

years and this is NO longer a problem.

[davidpdx]

41. It's only a problem here May through September

then the temperatures start dropping off (actually it is just starting to happen now) and will tapper off until mid-October to late-October when it starts getting cold. By Jan/Feb I'm wishing it was hot again.

[whathehell]

61. Well, it's nice that

you take such a tolerant view. Many would not, myself included.

[davidpdx]

63. I don't like the heat/humidity and dry/cold, but then again I choose to live here

The Spring is beautiful with the cherry blossoms. That is the season I live for.

[whathehell]

64. To be honest, I see no reason for it to be a 'problem' at any time or place

where soap, water and deodorant are accessible.

[Live and Learn]

95. Water? That may be a big problem in our future.

In fact, maybe these cabbies should be given an award for saving water.

[whathehell]

97. Yes it may, but somehow i doubt these cabbies are avoiding baths

out of ecological concern -- Just a hunch.

[Trillo]

14. It would certainly discriminate against several other traits

Are you allergic? Better not wear deodorant or perfumes if you are.
Are you poor? Purfumes or colognes are particularly expensive.

Our modern world seems to have forgotten that humans stink, as do all animals. Now we expect everyone to smell like a rose or something pleasant, with laundered clothes with the "freshly laundered odor" of anti-static sheets (which folks with some skin issues from allergy can't use). Remember, to smell "human" is bad, you must smell like some form of corporate sales.

And think of those dietary changes like fiber and resistant starch (form of fiber), all of which cause flatulence. Best if cab drivers only eat meat and potatoes, they will fart less.

[Bettie]

19. It is the way things are now.

The gym I used to go to got new owners. It instituted new rules which stated that one must shower before coming to work out and that those who 'sweat excessively' could no longer attend classes because it was offensive to others.

The new owners are dickish in many other ways too, but this was the real kicker.

But, the place now smells of chemical air fresheners and bleach and the people who are serious about working out don't go there anymore.

[Trillo]

31. There are other odor control strategies available,

such as ozone, and low-ozone "germ defense" electronic-plate type air cleaners. Crane makes one EE-8072, but it's only for a small room. The air that comes out of it has an odor reminiscent of a hospital, sans the alcohol-disinfectant smells. I think just about any electrical engineer could design and build one. They used to have ones made for central air in homes, and while I'm guessing based on smells, every modern hospital probably has them installed in their ventilation systems for infection control.

Those types of air-sanitation and odor systems could be designed and retrofitted into an auto's ventilation system. But it's so much cheaper to beat on the hired help.

[Kalidurga]

57. No sweat allowed signs; at a gym?

I have a hunch that gym isn't going to be around for long.

[Bettie]

62. We're in a small town

And it is the only workout venue within 30 miles.

The new owners are really awful in so many ways. In any conversation, no matter what the topic, the phrase "Well, you know we're in law enforcement..." is mentioned too, as if that is their excuse for having poor social skills.

You're allowed to sweat, just not 'excessively'.

It's sad, because the previous owners were wonderful people.

[snagglepuss]

108. Sweat isn't what causes body odor. Bacteria causes body odor which is

why you don't need an antiperspirant to stop BO. A deodorent works by killing the bacteria. with a deodorent you can sweat but not stink unless you wear unwashed clothes day after day.

[closeupready]

24. Weirdly, I find some people have non-offensive body odor, others do.

Last edited Fri Sep 12, 2014, 11:53 AM - Edit history (1)

Can't really put my finger on who or why, however.

I've often tried to self-reflect if there is a racial or ethnic or even gender bias I have when judging someone's body odor as either offensive or non-offensive, and I don't really find that there are any rules about it.

At a minimum, I try to go above and beyond in my own personal hygiene - I probably fail, lol, but I don't feel it should be a burden on others to endure my funk. I wish people would get that, that your funk should remain PERSONAL, not PUBLIC.

[Trillo]

34. Your post made me flash on a scene from some science fiction movie

Can't remember the name. The citizens all were required to wear badges that turned one color or a different color. If your badges were the same color as another person, you were more compatible.

There's a difference between being clean, and being stink free. The later is often highly subjective, and some people have very sensitive senses of smell. Perhaps unreasonably sensitive.

[whathehell]

35. I'm sorry, but,

you can parse it any way you want, but clean or not, body odor, especially

of the Stale Sweat kind, is just not acceptable in the American workplace, or that

of any other I know of in the Industrialized West.

Yes, there will be the odd 'super sensitive' nose out there, and the heavy

cologne user, but generally speaking, you just can't stink on the job.

That is the way it is in our culture, and if you come here, like ANYONE moving to a new

culture, you've got to adapt in some ways..When in Rome.

[Trillo]

38. Please clarify.

You said, "...you can parse it any way you want.." in reply to my posts, then you also said, "...if you come here, like ANYONE moving to a new culture...".

Just who are you referring to when you write, "you"?

[whathehell]

59. Oh my..

No doubt I should have anticipated someone taking it personally and used "one"...This is DU, after all.

In answer to your question, I wasn't referring to anyone in particular. As I mentioned above, I meant "one"-- anyone.

[Trillo]

70. If this reply of yours is honest, then you're a sloppy writer.

English as a second language?

[whathehell]

71. No, you're a sloppy reader, not to mention a weirdly "oversensitive" one.

You seem to be itching for a fight for some reason, but I'm really not interested,

so please take your odd hostility elsewhere.

[Trillo]

72. You may disagree,

but you have an issue with projection. I suspect you're an immigrant with a chip on his shoulder, as you projected that onto me.

I'm not fighting you. I'm calling you on your dishonest words.

[whathehell]

73. BWAHAHAHAHA!

You think I'm "an immigrant with a chip on his shoulder" and I "projected" that onto you?

Honey, if anyone has a "projection" issue, it's YOU, I'm afraid, because

as it happens, both sides of my family were in America BEFORE the beginning of

the 20th century -- My maternal grandparents arrived in 1875 and 1899, respectively

and my paternal GREAT grandparents, were both living in Philadelphia by 1893.

Oh well, you know what they say about "assumptions".

[Trillo]

74. Then why assume others on discussion boards are immigrants?

You wrote, "That is the way it is in our culture, and if you come here, like ANYONE moving to a new

culture, you've got to adapt in some ways..When in Rome."

Then you tried to weasel out of those words, claiming you didn't write them to me. That makes your words "lies".

[whathehell]

75. OMG...I never assumed that at all -- The OP was talking about immigrants, as were

a lot of the posters. They mentioned Ethiopians and "other cultures".

I simply said that 'when someone -- ANYONE -- moves to another

culture, be it America, or elsewhere, they have to be prepared to adapt'

I was talking in generalities -- don't you understand that concept?

I'm sorry, Trillo, but you're now actually calling me a liar -- You have a definite

problem, so this conversation is over as far as I'm concerned.

You sound like an intelligent person, but you need help.

[Trillo]

76. No, I did not call you a liar.

I called your words lies.

[whathehell]

77. Oh, right

like there is a big difference.

Sorry, Trillo, I've got to welcome you to my Big "I" list.

Please get help. You think people are attacking you -- people who don't even

know you -- when they're not.

[Trillo]

79. You wrote, " this conversation is over "

But then you continued. More words known as "lies".

[secondvariety]

50. Really.

Not all of us are office workers. Some of us work outside eight hours every day, in Florida no less. And yes, when the heat index is 100 degrees for months on end, I may stink for most of the day.

[whathehell]

60. Yeah, well we were talking about cab drivers

who work in enclosed spaces in close proximity to their customers.

If neither you nor your co-workers object to your situation, who am I to raise a stink about it?

Sorry, I couldn't help myself.

[snagglepuss]

107. How is it that I've never smelled BO on animals such as cats? Could it be that its because

they are fastidious about grooming? If people acted like animlas they wouldn't reek.

[Trillo]

109. Are you suggesting cabbies should be neutered?

I can smell cats, but I'm not the only one.
http://cat-chitchat.pictures-of-cats.org/2011/04/cat-body-odor.html
Lots of interesting info there, nothing about cab drivers, though. Diet, neutering, illness, all change cats' odor, and more. Perhaps you perceive cats' odor as pleasant.

[snagglepuss]

110. Cats are fastidious about grooming whether spayed or not. Lack of personal

hygiene is the sole cause of body odor. Humans sweat only smells when bacteria sets in. Given that deodorant as well as wearing clean clothes is an inexpensive way to control the odor causing bacteria there is no reason why people in service industries are not required use it.

[Trillo]

111. Cats don't have the sweat glands that humans have.

Last edited Tue Sep 16, 2014, 12:31 PM - Edit history (1)

I believe they have a few sweat glands in their paws.

I also understand what you're saying, you're in the camp, "punish the cabbies" "all the cabbies" for the "transgressions of a few", and using cats as an example that you can't perceive odor on, allegedly because they are frequently washing themselves, even though other people can smell them.

Deodorant is controversial as to its health.

Dermatologist Dr Sunita More warns about the unpleasant effects of these products. "Most of these products contain aluminium and parabens which mimic the female hormone - estrogen and act on breast tissue, so individuals with family history of breast cancer should avoid their use. Similarly, those with kidney problems should avoid antiperspirants containing aluminium, However, deodourants are preferred over anti-perspirants as they do not block the function of sweat glands." says she.

Antiperspirants generally contain aluminium-based compounds which help to reduce sweat or the heavy use can clog sweat glands. Sweat glands discharge the waste from our body as sweat and if the waste is not being discharged from the body, it is unhealthy. Cosmetologist Dr Abhijit Desai says, "Deodorants cause irritation (because of alcohol) and redness which leads to itching and eventually slight pigmentation of the underarm area. The harmful effects of anti-perspirants are similar to those of deodorants but they are more due to intolerance to aluminium compounds in antiperspirants that can lead to conditions like contact dermatitis and allergy."

I don't know if those are truthful assertions, but it doesn't sound like the pay of being a cab driver is enough to cure breast cancer, or hospitalization for kidney problems, should either one of those occur.

[LynneSin]

27. I am so staying out of this one

I have gotten out of cabs because the driver smelled so offensive I thought I was going to puke my guts out and then some. It also doesn't help that I suffer from extreme car sickness, I have a terrible time sitting in the backseats of cars.

I realize that different cultures are use to different odors, but I am extremely scent sensitive. If a Taxi Driver in the USA can't be bothered to at least take a shower and swipe some deodorant on each day - I am a bit bugged by that.

And yes, I do realize that as I travel overseas cultures are different. I had a hell of a time recovering from a taxicab driver in Costa Rica not just because of the body odor but also because of the extreme car sickness I get. I haven't done much overseas travelling lately but when I do again I try to make plans where I use a minimal amount of Taxi Drivers as possible because of how long it takes me to recover after being in a Taxi Cab.

[Live and Learn]

39. It is quite easy to turn off one's sense of smell

by simply breathing through one's mouth instead of the nose. I use this technique automatically when entering a public bathroom.

[LynneSin]

42. I can do that however

when I'm dealing with smell and car-sickness then it becomes a challenge

Last week I was at my doctor's office and in the waiting room. The entire waiting room was empty except for me and this one woman comes in and sits down right next to me. Now for me, if I came into that empty waiting room I probably would have sat elsewhere but that's just me. But now I'm stuck in a waiting room next to this woman and turns out she's a super heavy smoker and her pores are just oozing of stale cigarette smoke. It was bad at first but after a minute or so I am able to switch my breathing over to my mouth and deal with the smell.

But problem with cabs and other moving vehicles where I'm not driving or at least in the front seat/front of vehicle is I start to get very motion sick and it makes it hard to handle both at once.

In the end I know I'm the messed up one but in the states I have asked cabs to pull over if the smell was that unbearable (or the driver was that wretched of a driver).

[snagglepuss]

105. The solution is to demand clean toilets not keeping one's mouth open in a filthy

environment.

[JCMach1]

30. This isn't about ethnicity... it's about stink

seriously... there is something about cabbie culture around the world that seems to adhor cleanliness on the average.

I remember in Dubai, they finally had to literally fine cabbies who did not properly clean themselves. And hey, it worked. They even provided shower facilities and free deodorant.

One should be free from gagging when riding in a cab.

[TygrBright]

32. I would add "strong cologne or aftershave, etc." smells to the list of disqualifiers.

Since those make my eyes water and my nose clog when I encounter them, and in a small, enclosed space it's almost unbearable.

At least as much so as strong body odor, which is merely unpleasant.

As a customer, I'd hope to get a cab driver who has neither, and who is pleasant, businesslike, and a safe driver.

I don't get the opportunity to take cabs much these days, but back when it was a regular event because I was on the road a fair amount, I got lucky about one time in three.

philosophically,
Bright

[muntrv]

40. The worst is when people try to use cologne to get rid of the body odor. Only makes it worse.

[alarimer]

36. In any other workplace, this is not an issue.

It is acceptable in an office, for example, to take an employee aside and gently inform them of such issues. Easier said than done, of course.

So I don't see this as a problem or as discrimination, per se. How's it's actually implemented is another story.

[Trillo]

43. Would that be appropriate for a ditch digger or farm picker?

Working in the hot sun? I'm thinking that cabbies' AC only works when the engine is running. Offices often have computer controlled climate systems plugged into 24/7 electricity. Seems like an apples and oranges comparison.

I'm thinking of all the pet advocacy about not leaving your pet in a parked car, that the temperature can spike to 120-130°F, even if the windows are cracked open slightly.

How much do cabbies sit around waiting for a fare? I remember seeing them waiting at the airport years ago in a big line with the windows down, waiting. Should they be required to keep the engine running during that time? What about CO2?

[JonLP24]

47. They do a lot of sitting around

Not feasible to do it with the Crown Vics but you have to remember to turn it back on every 7 minutes or so because the dipatch computer shut off 10-15 minutes. W/ the Prius you could leave them on but working 12-hour days, plenty of opportunities to stink.

[JonLP24]

46. Working 12 hours just to barely break even

I imagine you're going to smell at times. Is the company going to give you down time to take a shower if something happens along your shift? My company only paid $15 an hour if cab was down.

[Reter]

55. Bullshit

I work 12 hours and don't smell. Some (yes some, not all so don't alert me) of these people who drive cabs are just dirty. I'm sure some countries cultures don't shower daily, but this one does.

[JonLP24]

58. It can happen over a course of a day

I don't think it was a big problem w/ me but your outdoors and all sorts of odors can happen especially if you have long commutes. I put air freshener in front of the AC before fares which led to a lot of compliments about the positive smells of the cabs.

Like sitting between fares, it isn't wise to leave the vehicle running if you have a Crown Vic or Van and sweat leads to odors.

It was a rough profession, I got stuck on the 24-hour trap where I once worked 36-hours to barely break even. Fare evaders & people w/ not enough money really made it difficult, not to mention the guy that wrote me a check to go from Arizona Ave & Baseline to San Tan Valley.

Our companies had guidelines for personal hygiene (consumer complaints were almost never taken seriously by my company though but I couldn't imagine going through some time wasting test, especially when everything is already against labor in that profession.

[Reter]

54. Fuck 'em

Take a shower a day and use deodorant or get out the public.

[Live and Learn]

67. Or, you could just walk. Problem solved. nt

[Reter]

68. It doesn't only apply to cabbies

Some people are just dirty.

[Live and Learn]

69. And some are snooty. The world is made up of all kinds.

Kindness works much better that threats and bans, in my opinion.

[merrily]

81. Walking is not an option for every cab trip or for every human.

[Live and Learn]

83. There are always other options if one is willing to seek them.

The easiest is to simply turn one's sense of smell off. I am really surprised that so many people have either never learned or are unwilling to do so.

Calling people dirty and smelly is never appropriate in my book.

[merrily]

86. No, there are not always other options.

As far as turning off your sense of smell, I know what you mean. I've done it. But, that, too, only goes so far, especially if it is not a short trip.

There was a driver in a cab company for which my employer provided vouchers to people who worked after hours. He must have had some kind of pathology about washing. And he'd crank the heat and close the windows. Truly, you cannot imagine how bad his cab smelled in winter unless you experienced it. You'd get in and start to pass out.

I never said a word to him or to his employer about it, but I sure wish his employer had had a tactful chat with him.

P.S. FWIW, he was not "foreign," as in the OP. Looked like a burly WASP, sounded as though born and raised in Massachusetts.

[Live and Learn]

89. I am not sure why it is so difficult to turn off your sense of smell

for longer than a short trip nor why you couldn't simply open the window yourself. But if these really were not possible, could you not just ask him to roll down the window or let you out somewhere that you could find another way home.

A one time unpleasant experience hardly seems like a reason to denigrate (and subject to denigrating smell tests) an entire occupation. I have taken many cabs and have never had a problem (other than some aggressive driving habits) but I certainly would never suggest that all cab drivers should face a smell test even if I found one unpleasant.

I really can't believe that with all the important issues currently facing us we are wasting time picking on cab drivers.

[merrily]

90. It was far from a one time experience, but whatever.

You're right. It is a waste of time.

[merrily]

78. I've taken a LOT of cabs. Climb into a stinky cab during a Boston

winter and you'll have your life flash before your eyes. I've had to crack my window when temps are below zero.

By the same token, if I climb into a clean cab with no odor or a mild pleasant odor, I will, without fail, compliment the driver. And they will, without fail, get a huge smile. From then on, it's a very pleasant trip.

[TheBlackAdder]

80. NYC cracked down. Before the stench would burn your nostrils. Now, it's relatively pleasant. ny

[Ash_F]

82. Where are all the free market folks on this one?

Would unkempt cabs not get fewer fairs?

[merrily]

87. You don't take many cabs.

[Nye Bevan]

100. Uber drivers get kicked out if their average rating falls to below four stars.

So I think those drivers would be pretty careful to take showers and change their underwear.

[Nye Bevan]

99. This clearly IS prejudice and discrimination

against people who don't take showers or change their underwear. And sometimes, like in this case, prejudice and discrimination is a good thing.

[Skittles]

113. I bet drivers who bathe regularly get better tips too

[get the red out]

101. I don't have much of an opinion

But I'm glad I wasn't drinking a soda when I read this.

[Elmergantry]

104. Soap and Water does not discriminate NT

[snagglepuss]

106. Body odor is the result of bacteria due to the lack of personal hygenie.

The requirement of cleaniness should be de rigeur for anyone serving the public.

[Trillo]

112. "How Advertisers Convinced Americans They Smelled Bad"

A schoolgirl and a former traveling Bible salesman helped turn deodorants and antiperspirants from niche toiletries into an $18 billion industry

http://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/how-advertisers-convinced-americans-they-smelled-bad-12552404/