Although I have not come across such situation during the umpteen number of times I travelled, I must say that whatever is being done is for our own security. You may be innocent only after it is proved. If they take actions, and if passengers cooperate I guess it is fine. It is not our mistake that someone looking like us did something wrong. Nor is it their mistake that they want to take care of everyone's security by putting as many people who have the same complexion of a terrorist under the microscope. There may be some racial profiling but in the end if your security is guaranteed...why not? Remember a terrorist will also not like to be racially profiled.
Surely, the Asians and in particular, those from the South and west asia have to pay price for the atrocities committed by their country men worldwide.
The terrorism has created a panic world over to such an extent that , anyone who behaves differently from the other people in a group creates confusion for the others.
The entire scene was due to a simple arrogant behavior of the few passengers by ignoring the requests and instructions given by co-passengers and the crew attendants.The action taken by the authorities was very much wise and quite justified.This action and attitude maynot be considered as "RACIAL"
What dutch authorities did was very much justified and very well goes with "Once Bitten Twice Shy". These kind of precautions need to be kept on all flights in India too. You have to be responsive, proactive, vigilant and cautious of such potential dangers.
Muslims should appreciate the way Dutch police reacted and got the passengers back without any panic. What are we upto in India or for that matter in Asia when it comes to security of passengers in plane, train or buses.
No i strongly feel its not racial, infact we should all support the Dutch Admin and cabin crew for being so prompt.
RE:No its not racial, its very much needed and justified
by N on Aug 27, 2006 10:15 AM Permalink
Sir,
I thought education does teach us that not everyone has the same psycology!
Infact most of the Whites think we Indians earn a lot and they don't... it's their country and still we aliens earn more than them!!! So a few ppl might feel that but not all Otherwise, they wouldn't allow more of us to enter their country.
I was returning from US to India in 2003, via United-2 flights(SFO to Chicago to London)and then connecting via(British Airways) to New Delhi..thats when i endured some racial overtures by the "Steward" of British origin.
Some of these on flight young stewards have a superiorty complex..when they see Asian males..not my Sis(as shes fair) When i gave a form for Emmgration check to him instead of being courteous he told me arrogantly "Cant u Speak English?"!!
To that i replied in an Californian accent "I thought u asked for this form, so i gave it" This silenced him as he tried to insult me in front of all my co-passengers. There was also a Indian lady steward and a older steward , bald and resembled the Star-trek(new series Lead) and he was very nice..
Myself, educated in US..Master's wrkd for top firms for 6yrs..This chap a low class steward with a low job , probably hates serving South Indians. The problem with the West is that all people whether they work as Janitor or Counter clerks or any low level person also thinks he above a highly qualified South Asian.
I prefer Airlines like Singapore,where no black white discrimination occurs. -Vikas
This type of interrogations or suspecions should not be given racial tinge or shade as any one especially in security concerns will obviously look with a suspecious mind. Since these poisonous seeds are sown and plants are grown in perticular region or community. I am the first person due to my natural safty instinct will suspect at first look, any person of that region or community.
So it is the responsibility of political leaders of that region or community to reign in such dangerous elements in to their fold. Unfortunately, these (ir)responsible class of people take disadvantage of the situation to promote their own cause. Other innocent people face the brunt of it.
It is also natural that for any ill or good of society, leadership is greatly responsible. If chief of a family does wrong whole family suffers. If a commander errs, all his betallion suffers. If a community leader errs, it brings a bad name to whole community. Is it not a natural law?
In such cases all along the history, a new leadership has emerged. Now it is the time for right people to get their act togethers to marginalise the dangerous elements on war footing.
Yes,Partly and asians add to it by their indiscipline. If Indians have listened to Crew and stopped walking in the plane,all the hassles could have been avoided.
Racial discrimination is there for Indians not only in the west but also in the east. Take for eg Singapore there is something called Channel "B" which is exclusively applicable for Indians though the law says unicode of conduct for all citizens. I've seldom seen an Englshman standing in Channel "B". The Government of India is proud to sign Comprehensive Economic Co-operation Agreement with Singapore but neither the government or the Indian Embassy is taking a note of this racial discrimination veted out to Indians. I've represented this in every forum but sadly nobody heeds me. The best way is to treat Singaporeans with equal vigour at the Indian Immigration so that they have a taste of their own medicine. We should not restrict this treatment to common singaporean but also to the dignatories and businessmen of Singapore who are thronging India to do so business. In this way they can take a shot on their palm.
