ENTRY 7: Muslim Man Kicked Off Flight for Saying "Inshallah"

1.     Summary of article – what is article about? (brief – do not tell the entire story)

The article tells the story of Khairuldeen Makhzoomi, a student in public policy at the University of California at Berkeley. Makhzoomi was speaking in Arabic to his uncle while in line to board his Southwest flight. Once aboard the plane, two police officers boarded and with the help of a Southwest employee, detained him. The employee ask him "Why are you talking in Arabic? You know the environment is very dangerous." He was questioned and by local police officers and federal agents for several hours. He indicates that one agent asked him "You need to be very honest with us with what you said about the martyrs. Tell us everything you know about the martyrs." Makhzoomi was released after he explained that "inshallah" an Arabic word that caused concern simply means "God willing. He was refunded his ticket and flew to his destination on a different carrier. He is now seeking legal reunification with the help of the Council on American-Islamic Relations. 

2.     How does the story relate to oppression/discrimination?

The story is an example of Islamophobia and the discrimination that goes along with it. Makhzoomi showed no signs of ill intend but was singled out because of speaking his native language. He was discriminated against because of a generalization that speaking Arabic means you must be a terrorist. 

3.     Who is oppressed?

Khairuldeen Makhzoomi was oppressed.

4.     Who is oppressing?

Southwest Airlines instigated the oppression and the police officers and federal agents complied and followed through with their mandatory investigation. 

5.     How are they oppressed? What type of oppression/discrimination is involved (individual, organization, structural, make argument for other types)?

This person was oppressed by racism discrimination. He spoke in Arabic which is a language that is often associated with the Middle East and terrorism. The airline profiled him for being associated with the previous two categories and enacted restraints based upon these type of discrimination.

6.     Explore the significance in our society. What are the implications for this oppression? What does this say about the values of our society?

The implication of this particular situation is that America is still very much on edge regarding terror attacks. They profile people and discriminate based up the language they speak. I think this stands to show that the media has blown up the issue of terrorism and its foothold in the US. The majority of Muslim Americans cause no-one any harm and are quality citizens but a great deal of American population has no dealings with them and therefore they categorize them as terrorist or family of such and discriminate against them.

7.     What was your personal reaction? Explore thoroughly. What aspects(s) of your own socialization has led you to this reaction?

I understand the feelings that Southwest had. I realized that these feelings from a nation feeling of being under constant threat from a terrorist attack and that this feeling of angst is often directed towards the Muslims around me. I can understand why they were bothered by him speaking Arabic. In the same breath though, I completely feel for Makhzoomi. To be bothered without cause is a crime. I think it showed me that the solution to this both nationally and personly is to befriend more Muslims and understand more about their culture. This will break down the stereotypes and remove the fear. 

8.     What did you learn?

I learned how media bias can influence people. I saw how safety policies can come back to bite a company at a PR level. I saw how a group of people is unfairly discriminated against for things that they have no part in. I am greatful to learn this lessons and implement them into my life. 

9.     How do you think the media represents this story?

The media did a fairly decent job of telling this story. I do wish that they would have told more of Southwests side. Perhaps this information wasn't available but I liked to have known if there was more basis for their actions from their point of view. The story was heavily slanted to tell the side of Makhzoomi but he was discriminated against and the story indicated that Southwest had not taken the chance to comment so this makes sense. 

     10.  What was your source?

I read this article on the independent.co.uk. I can be viewed by following this link: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/muslim-man-removed-flight-arabic-speaking-sues-southwest-airlines-racial-discrimination-a8210636.html