Flying while arab/muslim

[UmmSqueakster 54]

Oh, what wonderous news do we have this week, if you attempt to fly while arab and/or muslim? Well, lets just have a look see shall we?

Praying while on the plane? Booted. Look scruffy and speaking a non english language? Booted. Going for a holiday with your family to Disney? Booted.

Oh, and if you're a pilot, you're not immune either. Amar Ashraf, a british pakistani pilot, was removed from a continental flight WHILE RETURNING to his job for one of continental's partners. Bloody hell!

Finally, please read this account by blogger Raed Jarrar of his encounter with jetBlue. If you are so inclined, consider writing to jetBlue to express your displeasure. Can't board the flight if you're wearing a tshirt with arabic on it.

[Bosco 1]

I read Raed's blog from time to time, and this entry really frustrated me. I cannot tell you how many t-shirts my Mom has with Arabic script - my daughter also has some. My aunt used to give them to us all the time when she lived in Saudi. Jessica, my daughter, has one that has one that has two swords and has a proverb that loosely translates to "you let go and I will let go". Imagine, two swords and Arabic script!!! Dangerous little 9-year-old.

I think that all the people with unreasonable fears (like in the Malaga to Manchester case) should be the ones not to fly. If a brown person makes you uncomfortable, stay home or find another mode of transportation. If something that "sounds like Arabic" makes you nervous, do the same. Suspicious behavior has become so loosely defined. Overblown fears are not reasonable and should not be accomodated. These are the people that should be removed.

[Together4ever 1]

Rampant and SUPPORTED bigotry... it sickens me. I still have a SO to get through POE IF he ever gets his visa... somehow this just doesn't make me feel better.

[Jenn! 918]

Overblown fears are not reasonable and should not be accomodated. These are the people that should be removed.

But there's the problem. What's overblown? I've heard plenty of people who think it's perfectly reasonable to be afraid of a guy on the plane with "a thing on his head". And somehow HE is the one with the problem.

[Mrs. Forgetful 2]

I think that all the people with unreasonable fears (like in the Malaga to Manchester case) should be the ones not to fly. If a brown person makes you uncomfortable, stay home or find another mode of transportation. If something that "sounds like Arabic" makes you nervous, do the same. Suspicious behavior has become so loosely defined. Overblown fears are not reasonable and should not be accomodated. These are the people that should be removed.

I agree with you completely! I think it's nuts that they would single a person out for having a t-shirt on with arabic script, yet you don't hear anything about some of the real really offensive shirts! I was actually told by a co-worker that when she hears a muslim say "Asalam Alekum" that shes gets offended. I told her it's just wishing a brother and/or sister peace and blessings. I asked her if she thinks that when she wishes someone "Merry Christmas" she might be offending someone and she said no because it's an "American tradition" and a greeting to spread cheer! It just amazes me how people can be so ignorant to such small things. It might just be a greeting, but I bet if you said it on the phone at an airport you might get in a bind.

[iceyspots 0]

[noura 0]

I agree fully!

[vartan 0]

Finally, please read this account by blogger Raed Jarrar of his encounter with jetBlue. If you are so inclined, consider writing to jetBlue to express your displeasure. Can't board the flight if you're wearing a tshirt with arabic on it.

OK well I read this article and I don't agree with the blogger.. I mean .. cmon you are wearing a tshirt with "We wont be silent" I understand that it is not a bad shirt and doesn't mean any disrespect but we live in a society where if you wear/say something offended someone else you have to change.. I have a shirt that says "White proud and stupid" and has crosshairs on a back woods redneck... I was asked to change my shirt or leave a museum because it offended a black person.. AN AFRICAN AMERICAN.. I am wearing a shirt that says "White proud and stupid" seriously.. .. And I am white.. I have middle eastern heritage but I don't look it.. so seriously.. I changed my shirt and said nothing else.. this man created a scene.. it is his own problem.. its not cause he is middle eastern it is because he offended people.. sorry this is a PC world we live in .. Deal with it.

I agree with you completely! I think it's nuts that they would single a person out for having a t-shirt on with arabic script, yet you don't hear anything about some of the real really offensive shirts!

If you are offended by something speak up .. the only reason that guy had to take off his shirt was because someone spoke up ,. if you are offended speak up .. I GUARANTEE they will make the person change their shirt too.

I wont deny that arabs are picked out of the crowds.. but just like the rest of the world .. its not always your race or color or religion .. its your actions..

[UmmSqueakster 54]

Finally, please read this account by blogger Raed Jarrar of his encounter with jetBlue. If you are so inclined, consider writing to jetBlue to express your displeasure. Can't board the flight if you're wearing a tshirt with arabic on it.

OK well I read this article and I don't agree with the blogger.. I mean .. cmon you are wearing a tshirt with "We wont be silent" I understand that it is not a bad shirt and doesn't mean any disrespect but we live in a society where if you wear/say something offended someone else you have to change..

I got the distinct impression that they asked him to remove the shirt because it was in arabic, and they didn't know what it said. If someone is offended at the mere sight of the arabic script, then perhaps they need to avert their eyes or look the other way.

If someone is offended because I wear a thing on my head, should I have to take it off? Hell no. Should I leave my quran and my other arabic language books behind when I take a flight because someone is offended by the sight of arabic and they don't have anyone to translate what it says? Hell no.

Take a stand.

[iceyspots 0]

Finally, please read this account by blogger Raed Jarrar of his encounter with jetBlue. If you are so inclined, consider writing to jetBlue to express your displeasure. Can't board the flight if you're wearing a tshirt with arabic on it.

OK well I read this article and I don't agree with the blogger.. I mean .. cmon you are wearing a tshirt with "We wont be silent" I understand that it is not a bad shirt and doesn't mean any disrespect but we live in a society where if you wear/say something offended someone else you have to change..

I got the distinct impression that they asked him to remove the shirt because it was in arabic, and they didn't know what it said. If someone is offended at the mere sight of the arabic script, then perhaps they need to avert their eyes or look the other way.

If someone is offended because I wear a thing on my head, should I have to take it off? Hell no. Should I leave my quran and my other arabic language books behind when I take a flight because someone is offended by the sight of arabic and they don't have anyone to translate what it says? Hell no.

Take a stand.

Didnt ya hear? Wearing a "thing" on your head is the new in thing!

[vartan 0]

Should I leave my quran and my other arabic language books behind when I take a flight because someone is offended by the sight of arabic and they don't have anyone to translate what it says? Hell no.

People have to take down nativity scenes because it offends people on christmas..

People have to take crosses off becase people are offended..

My friend had to remove a shirt because he had an anti swastika on it..

My dad got asked to leave a wedding because he wore his kilt

I was removed from my prom because I wore my kilt

I am sorry its a PC world..

My fiance had to wear a jacket because she was wearing a F C U K shirt..

I don't like this PC ####### just like you guys. I think it is horrid.. But sorry if it offends someone you gotta deal with it .. and if you fight it .. you got to deal with the reprecussions..

Being an arab right now .. if I was that guy I would have changed my shirt right away .. its rough times for arabs right now and the last thing you need is to start a scene.. ya know?

they don't have anyone to translate what it says?

That guys shirt had english below it .. "We wont be silent" is a very emotionally charged statement.. ya know what I mean .. what does we wont be silent mean?

[noura 0]

here we go..............................................................................

...............................

[UmmSqueakster 54]

Then you can pick your battles, and I'll pick mine

[vartan 0]

Then you can pick your battles, and I'll pick mine

Yup .. I completely agree in standing up for yourself.. but if you stand up for what you believe there are consequences you have to deal with in all situations.. and you better be ready for it..

(This is not a flame .. just a prespective from the other side)

[iceyspots 0]

Should I leave my quran and my other arabic language books behind when I take a flight because someone is offended by the sight of arabic and they don't have anyone to translate what it says? Hell no.

People have to take down nativity scenes because it offends people on christmas..

People have to take crosses off becase people are offended..

My friend had to remove a shirt because he had an anti swastika on it..

My dad got asked to leave a wedding because he wore his kilt

I was removed from my prom because I wore my kilt

I am sorry its a PC world..

My fiance had to wear a jacket because she was wearing a F C U K shirt..

I don't like this PC ####### just like you guys. I think it is horrid.. But sorry if it offends someone you gotta deal with it .. and if you fight it .. you got to deal with the reprecussions..

Being an arab right now .. if I was that guy I would have changed my shirt right away .. its rough times for arabs right now and the last thing you need is to start a scene.. ya know?

they don't have anyone to translate what it says?

That guys shirt had english below it .. "We wont be silent" is a very emotionally charged statement.. ya know what I mean .. what does we wont be silent mean?

It kinda makes you wonder what freedom of speech really means?

if anyone did any of the above, kilts, crosses etc... none of them bother me at all. with the only exception being clothing that has profanity on it in a situation/event where children are involved. I am not a person to be easily offended by what other people believe in or say or think. if I want to wear a head covering because it is my religious belief, that's fine. and for the same reason, I cant say anything about someone who wants to wear the star of david, or christian cross or wiccan symbols.