Why do black folks back into parking spaces?

Question

After living in Atlanta for about 2-3 years I suddently noticed that more often than not, if you were black you were probably going to back into (park "head out") a parking space, even if it was terribly inconvenient to do so.

I've Googled and asked several black friends why this is. Answers have ranged from "I don't know why but other black folks give me **** if I don't/pressure me to" to "I do it, but I never noticed that it was a black thing"

Clearly all kinds of people will back into parking spaces on occasion, I have just never seen any group that will do it as consistently as blacks. Because I live in a city that is primarily black, I didn't think it would be this hard to find an answer for!

I think I already mentioned this, but saying "lots of people do that" is not an answer. I already said that plenty of people do this. The deal is that the percentage of black folks that do it is much higher than others. The fact that I have asked some people in the black community who have said they feel pressured to do it, but aren't sure why seems to indicate there is some kind of reason. I'm sure it is something passed down from the past and am just curious what it is. Remember that I do live in Atlanta, so it's possible this is more of a southern thing (although I grew up in the south and did not notice it until I moved here).

And for you 5-year olds out there, no, I am not racist and this really is a serious question. I'm not sure why anyone saying "why does group X do this differently?" is suddenly a racist. Grow up.

I figured this would be something I'd google for or ask a couple of people and figure out in 10 minutes, but it has been incredibly difficult to track down.

One more thing - the contention that it's "safer or easier if you do that" neglects one important fact - it's a lot easier to back into an open parking lot lane than it is to back into a tight space with two cars on the side of you. So while one part is easier/safer, the other part is WAY harder.

I do, however, agree with the assertion that it is easier/safer to leave when facing out. That still would not explain why a specific racial group tends to park in this configuration more than others and is somewhat peripheral to this question's intent.

I don't know if this guy was joking or not, but I actually got the answer that I thought was the most likely answer (regarding the problems with racial tension in the 60s and the need to maybe get away quickly to avoid trouble), so I'm going to call that the best answer.

Answer 1

During the Civil Rights Movement in the '60's, there were many cases of angry whites randomly charging after Blacks and beating them. Having the car facing outwards was seen as way to get an extra edge on escaping a dangerous situation. You can just jump in the car and pull out fast. Presently it can also come in handy in avoiding police and gang members.

Answer 2

You answered your own question there. If you live in a city or area with a primarily black population, you see more black people period no matter where you go or what you do.

I live in Miami, in which the majority of residents are Hispanic. I don't wonder why Hispanic people seem to frequent Wal Mart stores more often than others just because I see more Hispanics at Wal Mart.... Since they make up a majority of the population I will see more of them ANYWHERE I go. Would you go to Japan and wonder why you see mostly Japanese backing into a parking spot? Of course not. You will see mostly Japanese doing EVERYTHING because they make up most of the population.

If that still didn't answer your question, then chalk it up to personal preference? Some people just like to park that way.

Answer 3

There are different types of parking bays,the type where they are not angled to the road seems to be the type you are reffering to.the type that run parralel to the road(alongside the kerb,are sometimes smaller and the only way to get a car in is to reverse in and then turn the front wheels to allow the front of the vehicle to ease in.If you tried to drive straight into this type,youcan sometimes not get in as you cant turn the rear wheels.But it does come down to convenience,and the fact that a lot of accidents happen because someone has backed out of a parking bay into oncoming traffic,because they have restricted vision compared to driving out forwards.Also,if i drive into an undercover parking bay at a shopping centre etc,if i drive into a bay and see that the bay opposite me is vacant,then i drive through to that one so i am facing forwards to come out,rather than reversing out.__convenience.

Answer 4

I never noticed it to be a black thing. I have lived in the north and south, in black and white neighborhoods, and never seen this. It is easier and safer to back into a parking spot if you are a good driver.

Answer 5

I "Be" a White Boy, and I do it .Since My '78 Ford LTD Wagon is so Huge , Pulling out is a whole lot Easier than Backing Out. I wouldn't want to Squash You in Your Little Tiny Plastic Yugo !

Answer 6

Is there a reason you're keeping track of this? Sounds a little weird to me. I hardly pay attention to how I park much less a whole racial group.

Answer 7

I grew up in southeast Texas... In Driver's Ed, our instructor told ALL THE GIRLS to back into any parking space, whenever possible, to make the getting out "in an emergency" easier...

Answer 8

I back up into parking spaces and i'm not black. I think that people do this just for convience.

Answer 9

I have brown tresses and I have Blonde highlights. Maybe you should try lighter blonde, that might look better than brown, dark brown just looks kind of trashy.

Answer 10

Quick getaway for the "gangstas" and imitation for the "wannabe" gangstas.