judge me just because I'm Muslim or Arab. I'm planning to come and visit California and maybe New York. but everyone just told me that I'll have a lot of trouble in the airport just because I'm Arab plus people will be ignoring me if I asked something in the street.
So If I came to the US will you treat me as trash or as a regular tourist who happened to be Muslim?!
2007-08-03 13:40:41 · 6 answers · asked by Banana Happy 3 in Travel ➔ United States ➔ Other - United States
I guess I'll tell you straight since I know a lot of Muslims in my town. My answer will be the pure truth. Everyone else will probably say "no, Americans are good people, we treat you with respect, bla, bla, bla".
The matter of fact is that racism is built into Americans' minds. Yeah, they'll treat you like a tourist, they'll give you everything you buy, they'll let you go into the museam. But at the end of the day they still see you as someone else. They won't come up to you and ask how you're doing, they won't smile, they won't say "hi". They'll probably look at you with contempt. Why? Because those things aren't against the law.
The US is a very conservative nation and no matter what we say about how we're so politically correct, that's not really the case. We follow the law, but that's about it. You think there's still racism going on towards Asians and African Americans, you bet.
So to answer your question: yes, absolutely. Racial profiling in airports is not against the law. You WILL have trouble, almost guaranteed. As soon as they see that you are Muslim, they will take you into a private room and check all of your belongings by hand. Same goes for the streets question. Nobody has any obligation to tell you anything. They will just ignore you and go on.
Americans may say they aren't racist, and maybe their actions don't show it. But it's the way that think that makes then racist. It's the way they percieve you.
On the bright side, I actually suggest that you go and see America. They can't really do anything to you. I suggest that you go with another family member. Or if you are visiting, that's fine too. Just as long as there's someone with you. New York is a really cool place, and California is great! And try to be yourself. Don't let the attitude of people around you upset you.
2007-08-03 14:02:26 · answer #1 · answered by ? 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
First it was blacks(no actually first it was Native indian Americans), then mexicans now muslims...America will always find a new group to be prejudice againts and that not going to stop anytime soon.
I'm from the caribbean and my country is filled with people of african origin and east indians, many of whom are muslims, and just ordinary people like everyone else,some muslims in my country are african some are east indian. We have a lot of christians, catholics, you name it....we all get along.
I dont know why america has so much discrimination, it's the most depressing thing about being here.
Just to reflect on what the difference in america is....
In my home of Trinidad and Tobago in 1990 a group of muslims attempted a coup and the Prime Minister(equivalent position - same power as a US president) was held hostage which is in eccence an act of terrorism.Read about it here
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jamaat_al_Muslimeen_coup_attempt
After this failed no one went about searching ALL muslims and looking at muslims strange...its just those people were bad not ALL muslims.
I am black 30 years old and I've NEVER EVER in my LIFE experienced discrimination until I came to America 3 years ago. IF I were you I'd try Canada or my home island Trinidad in the caribbean or somewhere more friendly, trust me on this.
2007-08-03 21:46:13 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I personally would treat you as a guest and with respect. Unfortunately there are some people who do the types of things you described. But I would bet that most people would treat you well and help you out if you need it.
2007-08-03 20:50:02 · answer #3 · answered by chazzychef 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I wouldn't judge you. Many people will not judge you. It's just a few judgmental and ignorant people that are like that, not the majority of Americans.
2007-08-03 20:49:53 · answer #4 · answered by Vu 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I wouldn't judge you. I don't care what your religion is. But that's me, I can't speak for anyone else. Most Americans are like me though. Come and enjoy the US
2007-08-03 20:48:51 · answer #5 · answered by xjoizey 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I actually like so see lots of races mixed together in my city
2007-08-03 20:48:36 · answer #6 · answered by Edwyn 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋