June 3, 2015

United Airlines Incident

While aboard a U.S. domestic flight, Muslim chaplain and scholar Tahera Ahmad was alledgedly denied her request for an unopened can of soda by a flight attendant who told her that "it could be used as a weapon." However, the non-Muslim man in the seat next to her was given an unopened can of beer. When Ahmad complained, nearby passengers made islamophobic comments. No one on the plane defended Ahmad.

HOW DOES THIS CONNECT TO STRUCTURAL RACISM?:

The cultural representations of Muslims linked to terrorist attacks have led to racial profiling and discrimination against anyone who appears to be Muslim.

For more on the United Airline Incident see, " The Final Barrier " .