Black woman denied a test drive stands strong against car salesman’s rudeness

Racial profiling continues to be a serious issue in America, particularly for Black and minority individuals who face discrimination in everyday situations. One TikTok user, Tamiaa, who goes by @ta.mia.a, shared her experience of being mistreated while car shopping, sparking an important conversation on social media.

In a viral video that has garnered over 1 million views, Tamiaa detailed the disrespect she endured at a BMW dealership, where a salesman denied her a test drive. This exclusion was based on the unfounded assumption that she needed to complete an application first—an extra step she felt others weren't required to go through. Instead of letting the situation break her, she handled it with grace and shared the moment with the world.

The video, captioned “POV: I was gonna buy this car with cash today, but the salesman was being rude,” begins with Tamiaa admiring the luxurious features of the BMW she was ready to buy. The car’s touchscreen technology, leather seats, and multiple driving modes were just some of the aspects she highlighted. But the excitement quickly faded when she revealed the rude behavior she encountered.

"I'm not gonna buy from here 'cause the [salesman] was being rude as f**k," she said, visibly frustrated. The pivotal moment came when the salesman refused to let her test drive the car unless she filled out an application—a condition she felt wasn't imposed on other potential buyers. Despite her eagerness to purchase the car on the spot with cash, the salesman’s actions made her decide to take her business elsewhere, costing him a commission.

The video didn’t just focus on her disappointment; it also highlighted her resilience. Even after such treatment, Tamiaa refused to let it dim her love for the car itself, although the dealership had lost her as a customer.

After her story went viral, the comment section became a space for others to share similar experiences. Many users applauded Tamiaa for standing her ground. One user, @purrlianna, expressed what many others suspected, writing, “They definitely let you test drive without an application unless it's new and they have low inventory. He was profiling you, most definitely.”

Another user, @yera_rb, shared a similar incident she experienced: "This happened to me at Toyota, like your loss." This sense of solidarity flooded the comments, with others echoing how racial profiling had impacted their major purchases.

@northernchill12 also chimed in, adding, “I'm just like this! When I go to make large purchases, I'm ready to buy because I've already done my research. But a rude representative will talk me out of buying that day.”

Sadly, Tamiaa’s experience isn’t an isolated event. In another incident of racial profiling, two Black women faced a similar unjust encounter at a TJ Maxx store. After making their purchases, they were accused of shoplifting by a white police officer without any evidence. The situation escalated to the point where the officer demanded to search their car, even though they had produced receipts for their items. They captured the entire exchange on video, showcasing how racial profiling can lead to dangerous and dehumanizing situations.

These stories remind us of the pervasive nature of profiling in America and how it disproportionately targets Black individuals. However, like Tamiaa and the women at TJ Maxx, those who are profiled are increasingly standing up for themselves and documenting these moments to hold those responsible accountable.

Instances like these highlight the urgent need to address racial profiling in everyday life, whether it’s in retail spaces or professional environments. No one should have to go through the embarrassment, frustration, or danger of being unfairly judged or treated simply because of the color of their skin.

Conversations sparked by people like Tamiaa help shed light on this ongoing issue, encouraging others to speak out and stand firm against racial prejudice. By continuing to share these stories, we can work toward creating a more just and inclusive society where everyone is treated with the respect they deserve.

If you've been a victim of racial profiling, know that you aren't alone, and your voice matters. There are resources available for those who want to take action, and standing up against injustice is a step forward in making lasting change.