MWWIR: Uber Kente

The dramatic growth of Uber has transformed many aspects of life in Washington, D.C. but what accounts for Uber’s success in the city? In this talk we explore the role that race, and narratives of racial justice play in advancing Uber’s operations. Uber’s growth partly owes itself to its purported ability to tackle issues of racial justice in D.C., namely an outdated and purportedly racist taxi industry. Drawing on interviews conducted with lobbyists, drivers, and policymakers we trace how Uber’s success in the city has not only relies on tapping into a set of real frustrations but also depends on the inability of the city and other actors to provide a more robust sense of racial justice – and one that contrasts with Uber’s narrow focus on individual consumers.