Witness to Discrimination: What Would You Do?

[Zee Bee 61]

This is just wrong. Period. However, if you were to put an American in a shop in Jordan or Yemen or Palestine or somewhere similar, you'd see the exact same thing....only the other way around. And I'm speaking from experience. But you wont hear or see ABC reporting that. Oh no. They are far too liberal for that. This was an interesting experiement, but being that it was only tested in Texas doesn't really prove that much to me. surely you'd have different results in other states. There's plenty of prejudice against Americans in many other countries, especially middle eastern countries. not trying to stir trouble, but its true. It's disgusting no matter how you look at it, from any angle. I fear it will never end.

I disagree. When I was growing up in Saudi you could always tell that "Western" people got much better treatment than anyone else. Once they hear that American accent, it was like they did a 180. I remember one day I went to store and I was waiting to pay. I was saying something to my sisters in my street Arabic and the cashier did not turn around from talking to his friends. I said excuse me in Arabic and he put his hand up in my face. I said "excuse me" in my American English and he was as courteous as can be; asking me where I was from in America, what it was like yada yada. And this is not the only time it happened to me.

Wearing a US military uniform may bring different reactions. That I have no experience with.

[PalestineMyHeart 1,897]

This is just wrong. Period. However, if you were to put an American in a shop in Jordan or Yemen or Palestine or somewhere similar, you'd see the exact same thing....only the other way around. And I'm speaking from experience. But you wont hear or see ABC reporting that. Oh no. They are far too liberal for that. This was an interesting experiement, but being that it was only tested in Texas doesn't really prove that much to me. surely you'd have different results in other states. There's plenty of prejudice against Americans in many other countries, especially middle eastern countries. not trying to stir trouble, but its true. It's disgusting no matter how you look at it, from any angle. I fear it will never end.

I disagree. When I was growing up in Saudi you could always tell that "Western" people got much better treatment than anyone else. Once they hear that American accent, it was like they did a 180. I remember one day I went to store and I was waiting to pay. I was saying something to my sisters in my street Arabic and the cashier did not turn around from talking to his friends. I said excuse me in Arabic and he put his hand up in my face. I said "excuse me" in my American English and he was as courteous as can be; asking me where I was from in America, what it was like yada yada. And this is not the only time it happened to me.

Wearing a US military uniform may bring different reactions. That I have no experience with.

Co-signed.

[Jason-Sasha 1]

I doubt you were wearing a US military uniform. But that doesn't make it ok. The woman in this experiment was no more a terrorist, than I was an intruder. Yet, its how I was made to feel. I left that region in the early 90's with a bad taste in my mouth. But for good reasons. And that's sad. Because I went there very open minded and eager. And when I left, it wasn't fast enough. But still, the woman in this video was wronged and I would have said something if I were standing there. Religious differences aside, she was still an American.

No, I wasn't wearing a US military uniform. I was wearing an ID badge for the organization I worked with, which identified me as American. On the street, many people would take a double look when they saw it, asking "Are you American?" and then they would often want to stop and talk -- even invite me to the cafe for coffee, or to their homes for dinner, etc. And no one was EVER rude or insulting -- no one was EVER anything but extremely kind and courteous. People would often offer to escort me where I was going, even drive me there in their car -- at no charge. I made many, many friends just because of that ID.

By the way, the woman in the video was not wearing a military uniform, either, so I don't see how that is really an issue in this case.

But I'm very glad to hear that you, and many others, would stand up for what's right !

True, however she was being compared to terrorists. And we all know they wear whatever they want. She was discriminated because of a group of people who are hated. Just as I was discriminated against because of a group of people that the locals hated. This was the similarity I was trying to make. She was judged for what she was wearing, just as I was. This was my point. And of course there are really friendly people, really kind people in these regions, just as there are here in the States. We all have different experiences. not all will be good. Not all will be bad. And evil lives everywhere.

Just curious....why would people offer to escort you? Perhaps they knew it could be dangerous for you? I mean, let's be honest civilian contractors are refusing to work in those countries, not because they dont get medical benefits or great pay, but because they dont want to end up like Daniel Pearl or Nick Berg and many others. And the U.S. didnt give us (sailors and soldiers) limited liberty (restricted free time) because they were understaffed, if you know what I mean. It was for safety, and why is that?? You ever been to Yemen? Might be a wonderful place, but not if you're wearing stars and stripes. But again, just personal experience. Interesting that you spent time working in Jordan though. Pretty neat.

[Jason-Sasha 1]

This is just wrong. Period. However, if you were to put an American in a shop in Jordan or Yemen or Palestine or somewhere similar, you'd see the exact same thing....only the other way around. And I'm speaking from experience. But you wont hear or see ABC reporting that. Oh no. They are far too liberal for that. This was an interesting experiement, but being that it was only tested in Texas doesn't really prove that much to me. surely you'd have different results in other states. There's plenty of prejudice against Americans in many other countries, especially middle eastern countries. not trying to stir trouble, but its true. It's disgusting no matter how you look at it, from any angle. I fear it will never end.

I disagree. When I was growing up in Saudi you could always tell that "Western" people got much better treatment than anyone else. Once they hear that American accent, it was like they did a 180. I remember one day I went to store and I was waiting to pay. I was saying something to my sisters in my street Arabic and the cashier did not turn around from talking to his friends. I said excuse me in Arabic and he put his hand up in my face. I said "excuse me" in my American English and he was as courteous as can be; asking me where I was from in America, what it was like yada yada. And this is not the only time it happened to me.

Wearing a US military uniform may bring different reactions. That I have no experience with.

Co-signed.

Saudi Arabia is a different story. we were welcomed there for "ahem" other reasons. Military members DO seem to be more welcomed there (or DID, anyway) in the early 90's. Don't know what its like there now. Saudis were very friendly to westerners, but I got the feeling it was because of the opportunity to make some money. But agreed, Saudi Arabia was a good experience. And of course, Americans are very welcome in Israel. I loved my time in Israel. its a beautiful place with very friendly people. But I guess that doesn't count because they are Jewish. we're talking about Muslims here. dang.

[Empress of Groovy 373]

I'm not sure that the military uniform issue is the best comparison. Yes, people do make judgments about people based on a uniform, particularly if it signifies someone as a member of an authority (security forces, police officers, soliders, uniformed agents), but that type of treatment is fundamentally different from someone being hassled because of cultural affiliation or religious belief.

People who have authority, particularly if they carry guns, are perceived differently, for better or for worse. In some ways, I think uniformed military people experience the best and worst treatment--everything from tearful gratitude to being spit in the face or physically assaulted--as a result of wearing a uniform.

In any case, I agree that there will always be unfair rushes to judgment based on appearance, no matter what the culture or circumstances. It's in our biology, unfortunately.

[PalestineMyHeart 1,897]

True, however she was being compared to terrorists. And we all know they wear whatever they want. She was discriminated because of a group of people who are hated. Just as I was discriminated against because of a group of people that the locals hated. This was the similarity I was trying to make. She was judged for what she was wearing, just as I was. This was my point. And of course there are really friendly people, really kind people in these regions, just as there are here in the States. We all have different experiences. not all will be good. Not all will be bad. And evil lives everywhere.

Just curious....why would people offer to escort you? Perhaps they knew it could be dangerous for you? I mean, let's be honest civilian contractors are refusing to work in those countries, not because they dont get medical benefits or great pay, but because they dont want to end up like Daniel Pearl or Nick Berg and many others. And the U.S. didnt give us (sailors and soldiers) limited liberty (restricted free time) because they were understaffed, if you know what I mean. It was for safety, and why is that?? You ever been to Yemen? Might be a wonderful place, but not if you're wearing stars and stripes. But again, just personal experience. Interesting that you spent time working in Jordan though. Pretty neat.

You are still comparing apples to oranges. Wearing a US military uniform while in an Arab country and during an extremely unpopular US war/occupation of an Arab country is a quite different matter than a civilian citizen in her own country wearing religious-related clothing. Or can't you see that ? The point is -- you can wear Western-style clothing and be obviously American in many Middle Eastern countries without any discrimination from shop owners, etc.

People would offer to escort me because I was a foreigner trying to find her way around unfamiliar places -- because they were being courteous. It was not because they thought someone might kidnap me and cut my head off. It was because I would ask for directions, or mention I was going a particular place. And often, their response would be "I will take you there." It may have been just down the street, or a few miles away -- people were very kind to me.

But I also walked by myself on MANY occasions, and nobody EVER bothered me, or warned me it wasn't safe -- because it was safe. I didn't even have to endure the type of leers or suggestive remarks that are not uncommon from horny men in the US. As I've said over and over and over, people in Palestine and Jordan were *without exception* extremely kind and courteous.

I am not talking about Pakistan or Iraq, as I've never been there. I am specifically responding to what *you* said here:

if you were to put an American in a shop in Jordan or Yemen or Palestine or somewhere similar, you'd see the exact same thing

I am telling you as clearly as I can -- I have been there/done that, and you are incorrect in your generalization.

And no I've never been to Yemen but I would love to see it some day.

[boardashell_2000 0]

I would hope that anyone witnessing such an act would say something..but sadly I know that not to be the case...As a victim of discrimination myself...I would say something..I know how it feels to not have people stick up for you...it's a terrible feeling...

[Chica Yeyé 41]

Would I say something? Absolutely. Whether it was someone from my own heritage or not. Hate speech or action, no matter in which form it comes, goes against what this country stands for, which is equal protection under the law, am I right?

But then again, I am extremely vocal when any type of discrimination arises. Wherever it might come from and whomever shall say the derogatory words does not matter to me. Even with my beloved father, the hopeless homophobic and I have had our quarrels when it comes to gay rights.

I believe we all are created equal. And I stand for that, every chance I get. And yes, I am a non-apologetic activist for diversity and inclusion.

[SydneytoWaco 0]

You are still comparing apples to oranges. Wearing a US military uniform while in an Arab country and during an extremely unpopular US war/occupation of an Arab country is a quite different matter than a civilian citizen in her own country wearing religious-related clothing. Or can't you see that ? The point is -- you can wear Western-style clothing and be obviously American in many Middle Eastern countries without any discrimination from shop owners, etc.

Early 90s would be the first gulf war and that was a war of liberation (expelling Iraq from Kuwait) so hardly an unpopular war for the Kuwaitis at least. Here is a similar analogy: uniformed Indonesian soldiers on leave in Sydney (Australia). Although Australia and Indonesia have a cordial relationship on the international stage, Indonesia has been responsible (from the admittedly biased Australian perspective of course) for government sponsored massacres in East Timor which have been widely reported here and have resulted in a less than flattering public perception of the Indonesian military.

Yet their uniformed soldiers can walk around the streets of Sydney in numbers without drawing more than curious looks, so I don't think the American uniformed soldier can be overly criticised for receiving a less than hospitable welcome in the Middle East.

As for people alluding to Texas being more of a hateful place I have spent a total of about 6-7 months living there and if anything my accent only meant I was more warmly welcomed. Oh and worrying about having a gun pulled on you in Texas? You needn't worry, I am much more cautious here in Australia because here only the criminals and police are armed and the criminals know that and take advantage of it. In Texas I learnt quickly that the old saying 'An armed society is a polite society' has a real truth to it.

Fact is though, that at LEAST until we discover other intelligent life out in the universe somewhere, we will continue to discriminate against each other on the most superficial of grounds. So don't hold your breaths. Would I say something personally? In this particular situation? Yes but politely. Getting angry and yelling and calling people names never solved anything, but being respectful and calm and reasonable may help that other person to get the message. Nobody likes being yelled at.

[zqt3344 21]

It is any American's right to do and say what they feel or like, and it is also the customer's right to move right on to the nearest Islamic customer oriented store, if they do not like it do not spend their money there go somewhere else, I mean when I get treated with discrimination at a Islamic business I just simply do not go back and buy there anymore. And believe me AJ, Islamic people are just as discriminatory toward other religions if not worse. Open your eyes it works both ways.

What if you witnessed "Islamophobia" in action and saw someone being victimized because of someone else's prejudices? What would you do?

ABC's production crew outfitted The Czech Stop, a bustling roadside bakery north of Waco, Texas, with hidden cameras and two actors. One played a female customer wearing a traditional Muslim head scarf, or hijab. The other acted as a sales clerk who refused to serve her and spouted common anti-Muslim and anti-Arab slurs.

The polarity of reactions was shocking, from support to seething disapproval. Never did we expect customers to be so passionate or candid.

Our actor, Sabina, walked into the bakery in search of apple strudel. When she reached the counter, an actor posing as a sales clerk was quick to greet her with hateful anti-Muslim language.

"Get back on the camel and go back to wherever you came from," he said. "You got that towel on your head. I don't know what's underneath your dress. Just please take your business and go elsewhere with it."

"Sir, I am an American, I was born and raised here," she said.

The other customers seemed to hear the exchange but they barely looked toward our actors. When no one came to her defense, Sabina made a direct appeal to one customer.

"Sir, would you mind ordering me an apple strudel? That's why I am here," Sabina said.

Though visibly shaken by the hateful words, the man gave Sabina the cold shoulder, completed his purchase, and walked out of the bakery. "I really think that a person who owns his own business should be able to say who they sell to," he said after we told him about the experiment. In fact, it is illegal for public establishments to deny service based on someone's race, color, religion, sex, or national origin, according to the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Regardless, this man was not the only customer to defend our sales clerk's "right" to discriminate.

A little while later, Sabina again entered the bakery, and again our sales clerk refused to serve her. This time, one man spoke up, but not on behalf of the Muslim woman. He was adamant that our sales clerk did the right thing. "She wasn't dressed right," he said. "If I was running the place I'd do the same thing." Once again, our sales clerk garnered customer support. After Sabina left the bakery seemingly frustrated and empty-handed, one man thanked the sales clerk for his discriminatory behavior. He then gave our actor a thumbs-up, not once, but twice.

...

The next customers had a very different answer to the question of American identity. First we met a man who angrily refused to buy anything when the sales clerk refused to serve Sabina. When our actor chastised him for being a "bad American," he begged to differ. "I believe I am a good American," he said. "My son just came back from serving in the army for over a year in Iraq and that has nothing to do with her [sabina's] rights. I am deeply offended by this."

When we told him about the experiment, he explained why he stood up for Sabina. "I believe that people who use dress, skin color, language, heritage, financial means, education level, any of those things to say one group is better than another are using empty excuses for bigotry and hatred, and there's been enough hatred," he said.

We also met two young women who refused to let our sales clerk's hateful words go unchecked. "Sir, we are not buying our kolaches because you are really offensive and disgusting," one said. "Just because she's dressed like that doesn't mean anything," said the other, a Muslim-American woman herself. Rather than simply taking their business elsewhere, the young women demanded to speak to the manager, and they also challenged our sales clerk's definition of "American." "She's American. She's American. I'm American. You're the one that's anti-American right now," one said to the sales clerk.

When he refused to budge and our actress turned to leave, the two women walked out with her in a show of support.

Even though people seemed to have strong opinions on either side, more than half of the bystanders did or said absolutely nothing. This is a familiar reaction for many Muslims such as Javed. "I was shocked because when these things happen to me in real life & I never see what happens after I walk out of that store," she said. "I would try to justify & that they probably didn't hear it & when I watched it, I realized, no, they hear it and they see it and they're okay with it." For Javed, tears of fear were mixed with tears of thanks for those she saw come forward to support Sabina. "In my lifetime, I've never ever had anybody stand up for me," Javed said. "It's very touching to see that because that's the right thing to do, I believe & as an American."

http://abcnews.go.com/print?id=4339476

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

Why does a business have to "orient" itself towards any social group?

Isn't that at odds with the basic values of a business - you can't pick and choose your customers