Seems there is quite the controversy regarding Airbnb and folks feeling discriminated against. Joah Spearman (founder and CEO of Localeur) wrote a letter published on LinkedIn the other day entitled: An open letter to Brian Chesky: Airbnb’s new anti-discrimination policy falls short. Seems his letter created quite the stir. I think he’s wrong!
What strikes me is the concept that there should be no bias and that life should be fair. That’s just pollyanna thinking in my book. Joah, an African American, shares:
I earlier mentioned I’ve used Airbnb successfully some 45 times, which may lead someone to believe discrimination hasn’t been an issue for me at all. What I didn’t mention is that I’ve personally experienced discrimination on Airbnb on a number of occasions, including cancelled bookings seemingly for no reason at all, including at least one that took place through Instant Booking, the very product initiative Airbnb touts as a potential anti-discrimination tool.
Now I get that Joah has, from time to time, been denied the opportunity to stay at a place he might like on Airbnb for whatever reason, including his race. I don’t doubt that and am not surprised by it. What I am surprised by is why he feels that he has the right to “stay” where he wants when it is someone else that is opening their place of residence to him. Doesn’t it stand to reason that if I am opening my house to a guest (whether for free or a fee) that I have the right to choose whom I wish to stay with me?
Joah writes: Airbnb hopes to limit bias, but is not willing to take steps to eliminate it.
This leaves me scratching my head. Airbnb is nothing more than a conduit – a connector between those folks who would like to stay at my house and my willingness to provide that to them. Am I as the provider of my own residence not allowed to select the person or persons I am willing to share my house with?
I suspect Joah would say, “NO!”
I would say, “YES!” It’s my house. So let me ask the question this way. If my wife were alone at the house, assuming I was away traveling, and a large GREEN MALE wanted to book some time via Airbnb, should my wife be required to provide that accommodation to him? Or reverse, my wife is away and some hot blonde lady wants to stay at the house when I am there, should I be required to allow her visit? It’s my house and therefore my rules and if you don’t like them Joah – FIND ANOTHER PLACE TO STAY.
But Chuck you’re an ethics leader isn’t this form of discrimination unethical?
If I am a public facility (like a hotel) then I would say YES. But in my view (which many will disagree with), Airbnb is nothing more than Fiverr or any connector of two people who have something to offer. If I am offering my home, I am not a hotel. Rather, I elect to receive a fee for a nights stay. It’s my home, my rules and (like it or not) my bias.
I respect Joah’s opinion and his case was well stated. But, Joah you can’t legislate out bias. You have a bias and it’s against white folks or white privilege. You state: “Simply put, it’s very easy for a mostly-white company with white, male founders to subscribe to the belief that “while important, photos capture only one dimension of a person’s identity,” as the report touts, because you’re less likely to have experienced the kind of subtle racism and discrimination that happens on platforms that require profile photos.”
Really? So Joah you’d prefer to not require profile photos? Maybe I’m misinterpreting what you’re saying, but it sure seems that’s your position. If it is – why? Perhaps no photos would mean people can’t see what you look like and therefore you’re trying to sneak past their bias. Look – my son has 27-inch dreadlocks. He’s white. People on Airbnb refuse to make their place available to him because of his looks. That’s their choice and the consequence of how bias works. He doesn’t take offense at Airbnb thinking that it’s their responsibility to fix it. He just understands human nature and prefers to stay with people who welcome him! Perhaps instead of trying to forces out human bias, you should seek places where you are wanted. Life is much more fun that way.
Life ain’t fair. All people have biases. You can’t remove that by a policy. Now…is the discussion valuable? Yes! Should we all have the right to express our opinion and over time shape public opinion? Yes! Am I offended by Joah’s comments? Heavens no! I applaud him for taking a stand, just like me.
My stand is my house, my rules, for my guests, so get over it!
YOUR COMMENTS ARE WELCOME!
