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Atlanta Journal – February 20, 2007
Muslim Americans are Americans, too
Airport security's stereotypical act shames system
By NAUREEN KAMDAR
Every air traveler likely has done it: stand in an airport security line in your socks, pushing forward plastic bins of shoes, jackets, laptops and handbags, all with only 20 minutes left to board, even though you showed up two hours early as told.
Think you have it tough? Try being a Muslim American.
We Muslim Americans don't get smiles and "Have a good trip." Instead, we get suspicious security guards and frowns.
For Muslim American men, it's their beards that make the difference. For us women, it's our head scarves.
I was wearing mine when traveling to Virginia recently to attend a seminar. Standing in the security line at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. I was stressed about the possibility of missing my flight that was departing in 20 minutes. And that's where the trouble began.
I suppose it was because I was worried about missing my flight that I didn't hear the instructions about taking my laptop computer out of its case and placing it in a separate bin.
A middle-aged Caucasian officer held up my laptop case and asked in a normal tone, "Whose bag is this?" I raised my hand. Everything suddenly changed. Her face became firm, and she leaned forward and said, "When you come into this country, you take the laptop out of the bag." Then, slowly and with emphasis on each word, "Do — you — understand — me?"
I was then ushered to one side, subjected to a pat-down search, and my bag was wiped with a white cloth which I presumed to be a test for explosives.
In just a few seconds, I — 21 years old, 5 feet 1 inches tall, 108 pounds, a native of Texas and a University of Georgia journalism student — had been treated as a dangerous foreigner.
Yes, my parents were born in Pakistan. But here I was — born and bred in the United States — being treated like one of those so-called English-second-language people who seem to automatically draw distrust. I was shocked by the hostility.
I understand the need for additional security at airports, and I agree all travelers and their luggage must be checked thoroughly. I also understand why security guards get annoyed when people don't follow simple directions.
I even understand that suspicion of Muslims is inevitable because although certainly not all Muslims are terrorists, the terrorists who have struck our — I repeat, our — country were Muslims.
What I don't understand is why any of that — beards or head scarves included — allows bullying of American Muslims by airport security officials.
Not every Muslim walking through a security gate is a terrorist or related to one. Obviously, most aren't, and it is unfair and insulting to automatically treat all of us that way. If there is a need for additional security — let it be just that for all passengers. It shouldn't be an excuse to hound and humiliate Muslims.
A whole people cannot be held responsible for the actions of a few twisted minds. We shouldn't be punished by being treated like second-class citizens. Muslim Americans are Americans, too. This nation is our home, too.
Our security officials live on high alert with the knowledge that all of our lives could be in their hands. But even in time of war, everyone must remain tolerant….
http://www.ajc.com/opinion/content/opinion/stories/2007/02/19/0220ednewatt.html
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