PRIVILEGED AND CLASSIST
(In response to Kailin Biggerstaff’s March 25 column, “The light rail: dangerously convenient.”)
Sorry, State Press, but your privilege is showing.
Ms. Biggerstaff expresses concern that the light rail may be used by higher numbers of poor people given Phoenix's rising gas prices via euphemistic language that refers to the homeless as "unruly" and "dangerous."
She further complains that more poor people on the light rail means college students will be less safe, citing her friends' stories of drug deals and robberies.
She argues that it should be made harder to get onto trains without paying, because apparently all problems stem from poor people stealing rides.
As a frequent rider of the light rail, I have experienced harassment and threats, and have been made to feel unsafe.
However, I have never experienced anything unsavory at the hands of an apparently homeless person — how do you even tell something like that? — but always at the hands of drunk, unruly and dangerous ASU students proudly wearing maroon and gold.
Frankly, I have witnessed more ASU students using drugs on the trains and getting onto the light rail without paying than people who appear poor.
The characterization of homeless people as a problematic population on the light rail, while college students are portrayed as potential victims deserving protection, is a classist representation.
The readers of The State Press, as well as the light rail riders of Phoenix, deserve better. Adeline Hill Undergraduate
