Lifestyle Update
By Jessica Lane
Published: Jan. 30, 2017
If you’ve been scrolling through your social media lately, you might have noticed a surge of posts from friends attempting to delete their Uber accounts. The ride-sharing giant is currently facing significant backlash, leading to a mass migration of users. The hashtag #DeleteUber has been trending as people express their support for those impacted by Donald Trump’s immigration policies.
Recently, the New York Taxi Workers Alliance organized a work stoppage at JFK International Airport to protest the restrictions affecting immigrants, refugees, and green-card holders. During this time, Uber drivers continued to operate and even lowered their prices, which many perceived as undermining the protest. This action sparked the rapid rise of the #DeleteUber movement on Twitter.
Adding fuel to the fire is Uber’s CEO, Travis Kalanick, who is part of Trump’s business advisory council. While Kalanick opposes the immigration ban and plans to voice his concerns at an upcoming meeting, his association with the administration has not sat well with many users. In an email to Uber drivers, he condemned the ban and called for support for affected drivers. The company has also pledged to provide three months of compensation for drivers unable to return to the U.S. due to the ban and established a $3 million legal aid fund for those in need of immigration and translation services, as reported by VentureBeat.
In contrast, Lyft, Uber’s competitor, has committed $1 million to the American Civil Liberties Union to help uphold constitutional rights. Their message states that banning individuals based on faith, race, or identity goes against both their values and the core principles of the nation. Many users have taken to Facebook, urging Uber to match or even surpass this donation, with sentiments like “Let the actions do the talking!”
As of last night, #DeleteUber remains a hot topic. If you’re considering joining this movement, you can find instructions on how to delete your account here. For a deeper dive into related topics, check out this article on privacy policies. You can also explore resources from experts on home insemination at Make a Mom and Mount Sinai.
In summary, the uproar surrounding Uber stems from its involvement in the ongoing immigration debate and its perceived failure to stand in solidarity with affected individuals. Users are actively seeking alternatives, and many are turning to Lyft as a more socially responsible ride-sharing option.