I saw this news story about Salim Zakhrouf, an Algerian-born, UK Muslim airport worker accusing Cathay Pacific of racism after being refused a job interview, but then being offered one after applying with the same credentials, but under a more Anglo sounding name.Now, I'm not going to get in to the ins and outs of the justice/injustice of all that, but what I am curious about, is the label of 'racism'.
The guy faced prejudice and it's no surprise he'd be upset. But I wonder if at the heart of it all he was knocked back on the basis of his race, or actually the basis of his religion.
The fact that he's Muslim doesn't seem to be inconsequential to the news story. The first thing we are told is that he's Muslim. Before we find out his race. The thing seems to hinge on the fact that he's Muslim.
So how does the race thing come in to it? Is it just that 'racism' is an easier, more effective label to put on the issue? It seems to me the issue isn't 'racism', but 'religionism', if there's such a word.
What do you think?
6 comments:
Mate. Interesting question.
Still plain and simple racism though.
When the average joe hears the word muslim, what comes to mind? Certainly not a white skinned, light haired middle aged angl saxon man.
Usually the first thing that comes to mind is 'middle eastern, dark eyes, bear (of some wierd shape and length) and a kaftan...No?
racism, plain and simple.
I may be able to be convinced it's racism, but 'plain and simple'? Nuh.
Why is 'Muslim' the first word in the headline for the story, not 'Algerian?'
How many people would havw read on if it said 'Algerian'?
Probably a lot less...
Would you?
The media pander to people's fears and voyeuristic nature and print what is necessary so people will read the stupid story.
Come on mate. You don't seriously think that religion is the base of the issue?!?!
How many everyday people even know what Islam is about?
Apart from Allah and bombs, what do people really know about the core religion?
I do think religion is the heart of the issue. I'm just struggling with how to put my thoughts into words. But I'll try-
What I mean is, is that I think that sort of xenophobic fear/dislike of Islam is what is behind firstly the airlines biased refusal of the man, and secondly the media's portrayal of it.
With the airline I suspect the logic goes, Muslim sounding name> probably a Muslim>probably of 'middle eastern appearance'>the general public has a lot of negative feelings about Muslims>the general public are our customers>hiring a Muslim may be opening a can of worms>don't hire the Muslim.
I'm not saying tht's right, but I'm saying that's what I think is happening here. So, it was not about him being Algerian at all. Therefore, they werent knocking him back because of his race, but of of other misconceptions.
And secondly the media. they aren't interested in the story because he's Algerian. that's why all the articles are so clear about letting us know the guy's religion. they know that's what will pique the curiosity of the reading general public. It's that xenophobic thing that will sell the papers. So once again, the key bit of gold here for the media is that the guys' Muslim, and all the fear-mongering connatations that will bring.
My own thoughts and feelings about Islam aren't what I'm talking about here, I'm just trying to work out what's going on in this situation, and how it's being portrayed.
Your comment sounds like you're trying disagree with what I'm saying, but essentially I think we are getting at the same thing.
I guess. maybe.
Where he's from is not his race. As far as the media and general public are concerned, that is.
The 'racism' I am referring to is based on the fact that certain 'races' are predominantly muslim.
no secrets there.
And Benno, whats a 'muslim' sounding name?!?!?! You just did the same thing and pidgeon holed some poor bastard because his name sounds like a mate of Bin laden's!
He's from north Africa. NOT a predonimanntly Muslim area but its assumed he must share cups opf sugar with the 'haters of the infidels' right?
EVERYBODY has a certain amount of prejudice to these races because of the sound of their names?!
the only religious contribution to the argument is that people are afraid of 'muslim' ideals. Which aren't really any indication of the religion itself.
Just serves as a springboard to try and justify the disslike for people who look or sound different to the white man.
racism.
Somebody's in the mood for an arguement!
I think you are missing the point of the post a bit, and getting sidetracked with trying to pin me as Mr Naughty Stereotype Man.
C'mon mate.
The 'Muslim sounding name' comment was me trying to understand the thought process of the airline.
As for North Africa not being a predominantly Muslim area?
Huh?
Algeria is 99% Muslim. And it's the majority in the rest of the region. Assuming an Algerian is Muslim is not as terrible and ignorant as you seem to think it is.
Anyways, my point was simply this- It's interesting how the guys' religion is the main talking point in a claim about racism. Nothing more, nothing less.
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