Most civilized countries will tell you they do not discriminate (in any capacity) between people on the basis of their race, ethnicity or national origin, in addition to a whole slew of other factors. I applaud that. In fact that is exactly what I hope for every society on earth, someday. A perfect, non-discriminatory world, where our language, the colour of our skin and our socio-economic class does not determine the treatment we receive from anybody.
But waking up in one of those perfect societies today, I read about India's former President, APJ Abdul Kalam being frisked by security twice at one of New York City's airports. According to the Indian Express, he was made to give up his jacket and shoes after he had boarded the aircraft. The reason? Security had not checked them thoroughly enough the first time.
Dr. Abdul Kalam, in addition to being an ex-Indian President, is also a renowned scientist, a prominent face in India's indigenous nuclear program. Extremely popular with children across the country, he takes every opportunity to encourage kids to explore science (and knowledge in general) and to strive to do their best. And unlike most people who have made it big, he doesn't just talk. Someone who was born in a poor family, Kalam understands perfectly the trials associated with overcoming poverty to realize one's wildest dreams.
In short, this is someone who inspires most Indians. Logically, this is probably someone who can inspire most people across the world. This is also someone who is encased in brown skin and practices Islam. Probably not the best attributes to have when you are walking through security at an airport in a country that discriminates between people of different races and religions.
But the country where Dr. Abdul Kalam was frisked does not discriminate on the basis of race. Or most other factors. Maybe this was after all, just annoying ole' human error.
Or maybe it's just time to rewrite official policy.
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