Shifting Gears: Can Women Navigate Automobile Showrooms?
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Recently, I set out on a new adventure—learning how to drive. As a girl, I was expected to only apply for a license for a 2-wheeler without gear. But the truth is… I’ve always dreamt of being able to drive a motorcycle! So, I applied for both, a car as well as a 2-wheeler with gear. My parents were supportive of my decision and didn’t think much of it. I completed my learner’s test within a week and went on a quest to search for a driving school that would take me in. I visited a few schools for this purpose and learned very quickly that this was not going to be an easy task. Every place I went to would try to talk me out of getting a motorcycle license. This really discouraged me and I almost gave up on it until one school called back, saying that they were willing to teach me. I was overjoyed and joined the school the very next day itself! The classes are going on as I write this; it’s been 2 weeks since I started, and I must admit, I am very happy with my progress.
Here’s where things get very interesting. Seeing my progress, my dad decided to buy me a second-hand bike. And so, we went on a quest once again, this time to find a dealer to buy a bike from. Since my previous experience was nothing less than humiliating and discouraging, I already had no hope. I’ve heard horror stories from friends and relatives about being mistreated at showrooms just because they were women. There’s a huge amount of sexism in the automobile industry directed at women, especially with rampant narratives about women being bad drivers. Some were asked to bring their husbands or fathers to talk about the car, even if they were the ones who were paying for it.
One particular story that stood out to me was when my aunt went to a car dealership with her fiancé to buy her dream car. She was excited to talk to the salesman because she was a nerd about this particular car. Horrifyingly, the salesman completely ignored her existence and spoke exclusively with her fiancé (who is a man), even after multiple attempts at telling him that she was going to buy the car with her money. They walked out unable to bear the blatant disrespect she faced.
On reaching the first showroom, we were coldly welcomed by an old man, and he asked what we were looking for. I was overcome with fear of judgment and became tongue-tied. My dad replied, “I’m looking for a bike for my daughter,” gesturing in my direction. This 6-foot, bearded, muscular, tattooed, 60-something man stares at me blankly, and my heart races at the thought of his next words. To my surprise, he just smiled widely and led us to the part of the showroom with the motorcycles. He talked me through all the features I should be looking for in my first bike and told me how to understand if it is perfect for my needs. He proceeds to recount a heartwarming story about how he taught his son to ride a bike some decades ago. Finally, We decided on a very beginner-friendly motorcycle he selected for me and paid the advance for it. I left the showroom feeling very euphoric.
This is the exact opposite of what I was expecting to happen to me. It makes me realize that prejudice is not omnipresent, not necessarily. There are people out there who are stepping out of their mindset and willing to make changes around them. It is a refreshing breath of air to witness and experience something like this.