[puppers]

Consider if the host is black and the only caucasian people that inquire about the BnB are obviously hillbillies. Let's say he doesn't have a problem with caucasian people in general, but really doesn't like hillbillies. Let's say he promptly rejects them all. His rejection rate will make him look like he dislikes caucasians.

[tbabb]

And why, exactly, should the homeowner's right to make superficial snap judgments about people be protected? Why does AirBnB have some obligation to protect his image, which he brings upon himself with his own choices? Why is his image more important than somebody else's ability to find basic services like lodging without being judged or excluded based on outward appearance?

[TotallyHuman]

So you are saying people don't have a right to choose for themselves who they want to rent their home to? It isn't illegal being a bigot or religiously deluded yet.

[tbabb]

I am saying that AirBnB has no duty to hide which hosts are racist from its customers, and, in fact, highlighting the information is a fair way to combat the problem-- and let customers punish hosts with their business-- without being authoritarian.

[puppers]

My comment was about how the solution soyiuz suggested could go wrong. Your questions are better directed towards him.

[moosemilkie]

What is "going wrong" in your scenario, though?

[puppers]

The host is wrongly perceived as someone who dislikes Caucasians.

[tbabb]

And this is worse than not being able to find lodging because of shallow, narrow-minded snap judgments people make about your profile picture?

[puppers]

For the host? Definitely! For AirBnB? Definitely, since AirBnb serves not only guests, but hosts as well.

If I can't choose who to allow into my home, I am not using AirBnB as a host. I am confident that almost everyone shares this sentiment.

Imagine if AirBnB required you to let anyone stay at your home. AirBnB wouldn't last another day.

I agree that you shouldn't make judgements based upon only the profile picture. On the other hand, if they post things I find unattractive (like making fun of people of another race), I'm definitely not going to let them in my home. (OP seems to be a victim of the former and I sympathize with him)

[PKop]

How is what you described a defensible action? What are hillbillies?

[mst]

Being perceived as the wrong sort of prejudiced douchenozzle doesn't seem that important a failure mode to me.