An American citizen from Arabic parents was stopped at JFK airport and asked to take off his t-shirt or not to fly from NY to California because he was wearing a t-shirt with arabic writing .. "we will not keep silent" written in arabic and english.....what do you think?
2006-09-11 08:43:34 · 23 answers · asked by Abularaby 4 in Politics & Government ➔ Government
That is disgusting. His right to wear that t-shirt is what our soldiers are dying for...right? Our "freedoms". How very sad. This current administration has got to go.
2006-09-11 08:48:04 · answer #1 · answered by just browsin 6 · 2⤊ 3⤋
In any other situation, that would be too ridiculous! For anyone to be asked to remove any item of clothing is a direct affront to personal rights.
If it was offensive for any reason, the most they could request was that he cover it up; even then it is pushing civil rights and freedom of expression!
I bet it was more to do with his looks and not his clothing! In which case, they could have warned him it might be provocative and they were worried about his safety.
If it were a cheerful blonde girl with big blue eyes and a large bust wearing the same T-Shirt, no-one would have even noticed.
How unfair is that? Well, it all has to do with the situation.
Airports have always been scary places. Before terrorism, the issue was drug smuggling. Anyone who looked unconventional or who seemed nervous was targetted. The only way to get through the horrors of dealing with airport security is to blend in, keep a low profile, and don't attract any attention to yourself. You are doing yourself a favour; these people cannot relax and let down their guard for a second. They have no time to think of human rights or to find their sense of humour ... they are responsibile for too many lives.
What happened to your friend is not acceptable anywhere else, but airports are like borders, they are much more dangerous and strict.
It is sad but true.
2006-09-11 15:53:59 · answer #2 · answered by kiteeze 5 · 1⤊ 2⤋
I think that given the current climate, the American citizen knew exactly what he was doing and is a complete moron.
Also, I think simply asking him to remove the t-shirt or not fly across country was a relatively minor sanction.
And for all of you who are going to protest his freedom of speech, sometimes personal responsibility is more important. And in this time that is characterized by serious and damaging terrorist attacks being done almost exclusively by people of Middle Eastern/Arabic nationality and descent, sometimes a right should be mitigated by a person's common sense.
In his case, it obviously wasn't. Shame on him for doing something designed to raise the ire of innocent people on behalf of his stupid social commentary.
What a jerk.
2006-09-11 15:57:24 · answer #3 · answered by caylinn1996 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Does anyone believe that a person wearing a shirt emblazoned with the Confederate flag would be asked to remove it or not fly because it offended the families of former slaves?
2006-09-12 12:23:30 · answer #4 · answered by El Barno 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As long as the T-Shirt is igniting racial hatred then I cant see what the problem is. There was also the story of a man who was asked to turn his T-shirt inside out as it had a picture of two guns on it.
I think political correctness has gone mad.
2006-09-11 15:50:19 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
I wouldn't have a problem with it - but given the current time its probably not a good idea to wear it right now at an airport in US!
A bit antagonistic!
2006-09-11 15:52:17 · answer #6 · answered by Purple 8 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I don't like T shirt with any insults or insinuation on them no matter what language it is in. The T shirt in question was worn at the wrong time, people are on high alert and scared.
2006-09-11 15:50:58 · answer #7 · answered by Ceanne 2 · 2⤊ 2⤋
That is not a good shirt to wear if you plan on not getting shot dead, but this person has the right to wear the shirt, or sue for opression of his right of speech.
2006-09-11 15:50:19 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
no i don't think that should be a crime. but people have to be really careful these days so wearing a t shirt like that in JFK probably wasn't that wise
2006-09-11 15:50:03 · answer #9 · answered by A New Mrs 3 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Thank you for asking this question, despite America's claim as a country with freedom of speech this is a violation of the right of one human beign.
Freedom of expression is enshrined in law.
2006-09-11 15:48:11 · answer #10 · answered by olayinka o 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋