Somewhat stupefied, I hailed the next cab in line and politely asked the driver if I could sit up front as it was easier for my leg.

BBC: In Paris, the customer is not always right

They will think of black soldiers returning home to America during World War II forced to sit in the back of the train, while German Nazis got to sit up front.

CNN: Commentary: Race, faith and politics

Indeed, the few times a second team member does sit up front it's to help the driver navigate big-city traffic, mostly as a second set of eyes out for cyclists, rickshaws and tuk-tuks.

WSJ: How to Run Up a $100K Cab Fare? Exit British Pub, Turn Left in Mumbai