British Airways and Racial Coloration: A Nigerian's Experience Discussion Topic @ AdlandPro Community

British Airways and Racial Coloration: A Nigerian's Experience

Sun, 04 May 2008 22:29:44 GMT

March 21, was celebrated all over the world as the International Day for the Eradication of all forms of Racial Descrimination and also, recently in our article of virtue, two of our community's most respectable personalities wrote against racism in The African Kid in Nazi Germany by Pierre Louma and We Shall Not Forget by Peter Fogel. Unfortunately, this inhuman acts are still being carried out in many parts of the world and public places/ firms.

British Airways has been in the news recently and many individuals including its staff have been telling tales of the prevailing racial atmosphere within and around the supposed "Worldclass Airline"
Presently in my country, Nigeria, we are threatening to boycott the Airline due to its racial and selective treatment of Nigerian travelers. Below is an except of the story of a Nigerian who was recently given a bitter dose of the BA treatment. This story has been investigated by the Nigerian Government and found to be true. We are demanding an official apology from BA.

On the 27th of March 2008 at about 12:30pm, I boarded the British Airways flight BA75 and I went straight to seat 53C. On getting to my seat, there were noises from an individual being forcibly restrained but who was not visible because some police officers and some plain clothes people held him down. The noise continued for more than 20 minutes and I was concerned because the individual was screaming in agony and shouting in pidgin (local) English "I go die - o" meaning, I will die. I pleaded with the officers not to kill him and my exact words were "please don't kill him". The British Airways staff said that the officers were doing their jobs and that nothing was going to happen. The noise became louder and other passengers started getting concerned and were complaining especially about their safety. The situation continued for another 15 minutes after I got on.

Eventually, a member of the cabin crew announced that the passenger was going to be removed and the passenger was removed from the plane and we all thought that was the end of the situation. Five minutes later,

two members of the cabin crew arrived with about 4 police officers and told me to get off the plane. I asked what the matter was and they said that I was not going to travel with the airline because the cabin crew thought I had been disruptive by questioning the noise being caused by the person that was removed. I pleaded with them that I was going for my brother's wedding and that I had all his stuff with me. I was dragged out of the plane as if I was resisting arrest. As we got to the corridor that linked the plane with the terminal building, I was slammed against the wall and made to sit on the floor. I was still pleading with them telling them that they had completely misunderstood me and that I was only complaining about the situation regarding the disturbances caused by the deportee they were trying to restrain and subdue. I was on the floor for about 20 to 25 minutes. Another passenger was brought to the corridor as well and he was also pleading with the officers.

I was later put in the back of the police van at about 1:50pm and I was locked up there for about an hour or more still handcuffed. I was formally arrested approximately 2:30pm and my rights were read to me. Before the arrest in the van, I managed to reach for my pocket and brought out my mobile phone. I made some phone calls to my wife, sister and a friend while the low battery sign was on because I was all alone and still handcuffed.

I was later driven to the police station where I was formally checked in. I was in police custody for almost 8 hours and later released on bail after the interview with the duty solicitor and the detectives. I had £473.00 on me which was seized as well as £90.00 sent to my mother in-law from my sister in-law and £1,050.00 given to me by my cousin who is a doctor for the upkeep of his parents in Nigeria. All the money together was £1,613.00. I was told that I would appear in a magistrate court to prove the money was not meant for crime or proceeds of crime. The officer told me that they will like to see traceability and that I needed my pay-slips and bank account detailing my payments and withdrawals as well as my cousin's payments and withdrawals.

I was released but without the money. I made my way to terminal 4 and arrived there at about 12:30am but the British Airways kiosks were closed. I was directed to the staff room and told them that I wanted to rebook my trip to Lagos. A lady told me to give her my ticket and she stated that British Airways has banned me from traveling with them indefinitely and that only the managers can use their discretions because I was a 'disruptive passenger'. I requested for my 2 piece luggage and she told me that the section will be opened later at about 5:30am and I will be escorted in to collect them. I slept on the chair and waited till about 5:30am and attempted to rebook my ticket but was told that British Airways....... Read the whole story and others <HERE>

BA's other troubles

*The crucifix
BA was threatened with a boycott by protesting Christians, after Nadia Eweida, a check-in worker, was suspended for refusing to remove her crucifix at work.

Links: Nigerians Threaten Boycott of British Airways
           British Airways Maltreatment of Nigerians
          A World of Casual Racism Exposed in BA
           Indian Passengers alleged Racism in BA

Created By: samiplus

Re: British Airways and Racial Coloration: A Nigerian's Experience

Sun, 04 May 2008 23:15:54 GMT

Oh Sam,

I am so ashamed that such behaviour and discrimination should need to be addressed by a company whic flies the flag of my country.

Britain has a very mixed past over discrimination. From the unforgivable days of British slavery up to the time when we welcomed immigration to prop up our growing economy we have given out very mixed messages.

I can honestly say that my overall impression of those that I have lived alongside over a lifetime has been one of broad acceptance and we have, as a nation, always managed to absorb and accept different nationalities and cultures and make this one of the most cosmopolitan of societies.

Since the war on terror, the authorities here, on the basis of keeping us safe, have striven to watch anyone who is not instantly recogniseable as British (whatever that is) to a point where reason flies out of the window. I remember feeling uncomfortable myself on entering the USA when I expected to be greeted as a friend by our "special relationship" but was grilled for some time, however, nothing compared to the Russian lady who followed behind me.

It is obvious that mistakes are made but this organisation is getting a reputation for unacceptable values and if true deserves to be given as harsh a treatment as can be dealt. It would seem in this casethat the police were not without blame.

May I say here, on behalf of all fair-minded British people, SORRY, and help us to stamp out this kind of discrimination before it infects a broader spectrum of society.

Sam, if I can help from inside the UK then please let me know.

Roger

Created By: 286465

Re: British Airways and Racial Coloration: A Nigerian's Experience

Mon, 05 May 2008 01:24:45 GMT

Hello Roger my friend,

Thanks a lot for your prompt response, I appreciate your candid concern. As a matter of fact, many of us in Nigeria are quite suprised that this act of indignation is coming from our so call "Colonial Masters" We are supposed to have the best of codial relation with Britain as Nigeria is one of Britain's leading trade partners. An average lettered Nigerian speaks the British English and a lot of concessions are always given to UK by Nigeria when it comes to bilateral concerns between the two contries. These are some of the reason's the Nigerian government and people are taking this whole issue serious. We have suffered so much humiliation from the hands of our other western brothers recently even inside our country.

Accepted there are some dubious Nigerians who have succeeded in portraying Nigeria in a very negative light to the rest of the world, but like I always noted, undesirable elements abound all over the globe. We as well have great and trustworthy Nigerians who have proved their mettle and so deserve certain dignity and respectful recognition/ treatment.

Well Roger, the bottomline is what we have been trying to build in ALP world, Love, Respect, equality and Justice. We Must Not Forget to keep preaching!

Many thanks.

Created By: samiplus

Re: British Airways and Racial Coloration: A Nigerian's Experience

Mon, 05 May 2008 01:20:37 GMT

Dear Sam,
My heart aches when read these stories, when will we get it right.
I wonder how different the outcome would have been, had every other passenger on that plane been compassionate enough to walk off in protest and refused to fly with BA.

As a human race we have to move beyond the apathy and fear if we are ever going to truly be brothers and sisters.

Blessings and Much Love, Gerri

This is a story about four people named Everybody, Somebody, Anybody and Nobody.

There was an important job to be done, and Everybody was sure Somebody would do it.

Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did it.

Somebody got angry about that because it was Everybody's job.

Everybody thought Anybody could do it, but Nobody realized that Everybody wouldn't do it.

It ended up that Everybody blamed Somebody when Nobody did what Anybody could have done.
-- Denis Waitley

Created By: Gerri

Re: British Airways and Racial Coloration: A Nigerian's Experience

Mon, 05 May 2008 01:44:49 GMT

Hello Geri,

You have hit the nail right on the spot:
"As a human race we have to move beyond the apathy and fear if we are ever going to truly be brothers and sisters"

I completely agree with you dear friend, we can only fight to success if we do it together!

Thank you.

Created By: samiplus

Re: British Airways and Racial Coloration: A Nigerian's Experience

Mon, 05 May 2008 04:17:54 GMT

Hi Sami,

Holy cow! I read every word of this story, and it is a travesty!

It is happening all over the world, and there is a LOUD AND CLEAR message that we are no longer free in any country.

A recent incident happend in the USA when a Russian journalist landed on the east coast. She was immediately handcuffed, tasered and bodily taken to an out-bound plane. She is a colorful personality who has taken some pretty good stabs at our administration.........but nonetheless, it should not have happened.

I just hope the gentleman in your article finds proper retribution. We are living in pretty scary times.

Bless you, Jill

Created By: pro3

Re: British Airways and Racial Coloration: A Nigerian's Experience

Mon, 05 May 2008 07:08:03 GMT

Hi dear Jill Bachman,

Yes, there have been several reports of abuse all over the world since the 9/11 US incident. This, I agree with you, should not be the case because the innocents suffer the most. The more reason we should all collectively work against such distard acts and set ourselves free. This I believe is way off the supposed security palance, we should encourage a more humane way of securing ourselves and countries!

Thank you for your concerns, I know WE SHALL OVERCOME!

More Links: The South African Experience

Created By: samiplus

Re: British Airways and Racial Coloration: A Nigerian's Experience

Mon, 05 May 2008 07:35:02 GMT

Hi! Sami

For Christ sake! I thought I was the only one experiencing a serious problem traveling on British Airways. A few other passengers were complaining as well. A few weeks ago I had an important business trip to extend. I can tell you it was a nightmare with the employees working for that airline. I nearly had to strip naked to fly on British Airways, I did not see them treating anyone else in the same matter as they did me, the security almost broke open my laptop, until I started to screamed, NO you going to break my laptop, they even went through my luggage without me seeing them and threw my things out of place, not only that, they made sure I was the last they asked if I wanted anything to drink, I mean she deliberately just passed me up on purpose. I was as more hurt than pissed off about the situation. When she finally asked, I politely, said no thank you I’m fine. You have no clue, what it feels like to be treated in such matters. I have never in my natural born life experienced racism, but this was clearly awful, scary. Even the security at their entrance to board the plane was on me like glue. I wanted to cry, but hide back my emotions, and prayed that I made it to my designations safe. They took my purse, the security looked to see if I was looking and it clearly appeared to me she was trying to get me tempted, she played it off as pretending and just took things out, and throw it away, which it was never a problem from the beginning, I had already passed all the other security safely with the same things in my purse. I kept my faith in God and thank God! My car and home keys and my wallet were still in my purse. I could not believe what I was going through, I mean, what was the meaning of this attitude with the employees, when I never said a word, I was smiling until the unthinkable started to happen to me. I will never fly British Airways ever again. They were totally unfriendly to fly with. ;o(

Ayodeji Omotade is in my prayers.

Leslye

Created By: powerdollars

Re: British Airways and Racial Coloration: A Nigerian's Experience

Mon, 05 May 2008 08:08:56 GMT

Hello Sam,

Should I say your post surprised me??? Unfortunately it didn't and if you for a minute think that BA will change it's attitude you're sorely mistaken. An official boycott and loss of revenue might affect them but not human complaints like yours, mine and Leslye's will do the trick.

Roger's apology is in place and knowing Roger it doesn't surprise me but like in many other countries in the world Britain doesn't have a very good track record in regard to the immigrants and immigrant labor converging all over Europe and the whole world for that matter. 911 was the catalyst and excuse for inexcusable behavior. Were there no major terrorist attacks before 911 and after too? This should not be the excuse for demeaning others for racial reasons and "deleting" basic human rights for any of the above reasons.

Racism is an illness, racism is inexcusable in our day and age and should be a thing of the past. It is only one of the dangers the world is facing and surely we should be aware of the dangers of allowing such disgusting behavior to go unpunished.

BA and others will only learn when it affects their bottom line. Personally I'll never fly with them again and hopefully others will act in the same manner.

Thanks for sharing with us.

Shalom,

Peter

Created By: 281772

Re: British Airways and Racial Coloration: A Nigerian's Experience

Mon, 05 May 2008 17:00:29 GMT

Hello Peter Fogel my friend,

We are constantly seeing and experiencing the weight of the substance of your article - WE SHALL NOT FORGET. I have now realized that people can take advantage of the least reason to pepertrate acts that tantamount to practical transfer of their personal planned hate and vendatta against others. Or how can we explain many of these actions that are reverbrating all over the world just because of the 9/11 episode.

We should not relent at-all in our total condemnation of every act of evil and negativity again our fellow man:
"Racism is an illness, racism is inexcusable in our day and age and should be a thing of the past. It is only one of the dangers the world is facing and surely we should be aware of the dangers of allowing such disgusting behavior to go unpunished"

Thanks for adding your voice!!
Shalom!

Created By: samiplus

Re: British Airways and Racial Coloration: A Nigerian's Experience

Mon, 05 May 2008 15:52:30 GMT

Oh No Leslye!!

You mean you're an in-house testimony of BA's act of inhumanity to its colored passengers? This is roundly apalling and sickening!!

That a company of that standing and respect can stoop to the level of condoning such ignoble and currish behavior by its staff is unthinkable and should be vehemently condemned.

I thank you so much for coming out to share your own side of the experience.

Created By: samiplus

Re: British Airways and Racial Coloration: A Nigerian's Experience

Mon, 05 May 2008 16:46:41 GMT

Created By: nicksym

Re: British Airways and Racial Coloration: A Nigerian's Experience

Mon, 05 May 2008 17:12:50 GMT

Hi Nick Sym

I fully go with your graphical campaign against this evil act.

Created By: samiplus

Re: British Airways and Racial Coloration: A Nigerian's Experience

Mon, 05 May 2008 21:15:18 GMT

This is my message to all businesses and human beings who serves the consumers.

It is my personal belief, that anyone who practices racism is clearly practicing Anti-God. This means you have no belief in a righteous God! The Spirits, Love, Happiness, Enjoyment, Understanding, acceptant and forgiving of All Human Beings, and most importantly acceptant of yourself. You will be forgiving, but will never experience eternal life, until you ask for forgiveness through prayers and start changing your views on life, to better understand who you are first, before you disgrace virtue people, who least say or do anything vindictive.

BE AWARE!!!!!!

Leslye

Created By: powerdollars

Re: British Airways and Racial Coloration: A Nigerian's Experience

Tue, 06 May 2008 21:04:52 GMT

Created By: arinarr

Re: British Airways and Racial Coloration: A Nigerian's Experience

Tue, 06 May 2008 22:20:43 GMT

Hello Rina Rishilah Rani

It has been a while since I last read from you. I am more than excited to see you post again in our forum.

Thank you so much for stopping by and identifying with us.
God bless!!

Created By: samiplus

Re: British Airways and Racial Coloration: A Nigerian's Experience

Thu, 08 May 2008 06:17:01 GMT

Hello Sammy,

I'm so sorry to hear what your countrymen are going thru. I think it is a shame for something like that to go on in this day and age. I for one could not care less about a person race, color, religion or belief, we have good and bad on all sides.
I cannot understand why a company as big as BA would do that, it can only help they're downfall, I can tell you truthfully that I will not fly with any company like that.
I will keep you and your countrymen in my prayers, I'm really sorry.

God Bless,
Gaby

Created By: 321095

Re: British Airways and Racial Coloration: A Nigerians Experience

Thu, 08 May 2008 06:48:08 GMT

Hi Sam,

I had to come back and see what our friends think of the "incident" on the BA flight.

It's obvious that all are disgusted and severely condemn the actions of BA and it's staff. But what I find remarkable are the actions taken by the police and the British legal system.

The freezing of monies confiscated, the illegal holding of a person that did nothing wrong other then to say "don't kill him".

The excuses for such actions and what ever else they can come up with are non existent. Human rights don't seem to exist anymore and the "authorities" are taking full advantage of the paranoia of 9/11. Will this farce never end??? The use of power is corrupting as we speak and it's getting worse every day.

As I said in a previous post; terrorism existed prior to 9/11 and exists now. Human lives whether in the thousands , hundreds or single digits are a tragedy but never an excuse to withhold basic rights granted to all.

Your example of a Nigerian countryman on his way to Lagos is one of many (to many) and all thinking beings should understand that it doesn't only happen to "them" cos before you know it it can happen to "you".

In my thread about Yom HaShoah Phil Black added some thoughts written by a Lutheran Minister in 1945. We would all do well to heed what he wrote back then! It is all too real today (unfortunately).

First they came for the Communists,
and I didn’t speak up,
    because I wasn’t a Communist.
Then they came for the Jews,
and I didn’t speak up,
    because I wasn’t a Jew.
Then they came for the Catholics,
and I didn’t speak up,
    because I was a Protestant.
Then they came for me,
and by that time there was no one
    left to speak up for me.

Rev. Martin Niemoller, 1945

Shalom,

Peter

Created By: 281772

Re: British Airways and Racial Coloration: A Nigerians Experience

Thu, 08 May 2008 19:24:13 GMT

Hello Peter Fogel my friend,

You remain the resilient and consistent crusader of justice and equality and I respect you a lot for it. Thanks for you response and Happy 60th Anniversary of creation of Isreal Nation.

Created By: samiplus

Re: British Airways and Racial Coloration: A Nigerians Experience

Thu, 08 May 2008 21:14:46 GMT

Hi Sam,

sometimes I love to say ' Long time no see' .

The word is now become racial incrimination and no more racial discrimination. However I had a good bet on British Airways over 25 years ago. I was traveling 1st Class via Switzerland to London. I was on the plane with my British partner when we had to board on their transit flight to London. Being a Transit passenger ,we had priority to board first.

About 15 minutes before departure, I heard my name being called over the speaker phone to go to the front door , for an urgent matter. I did not bulge, I immediately figured out that there was something smelling?

The hostess finally came over to my seat . Here is the dialog.

BA- Excuse me sir, we have a problem?
Louma- Am I the problem ?
BA- No sir, but we over booked the flight?
Louma- Then thats your problem?
BA- Please this is very urgent, could you come over for a second.
Louma- Sorry , but please explain what the exact problem is?
BA- Ok , no listen, There is no place in business class, so we have to downgrade you to economy, we will give you a refund.
Louma- how did you choose my name?
BA-Its the computer, not a choice because of your color,if thats what you feel.
Louma-I am very sorry, I cannot help you. Thanks
BA---------(looked at me angrily and left without saying a word°

Of course I was the only Black in the first class.

After a few minutes, my friend (who is British) decided to go to the exit to discuss with the Airline management . He finally decided to be downgraded. Excellent I thought. But can you guess who sat next to me?

Cant believe it ! The former Prime Minister of Australia. He was very apologetic for what happened and we exchanged coordinates.

°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°

On the issue of our Nigerian friend who was maltreated by the British Airways, I would say that such stories are common every day. Without Nigeria passengers, British Airways could have gone bankrupt a few years back. The Nigerian market and its surrounding connections constitute over 23 percent of British Airways annual Turnover. That is huge !

Boycotting British Airways is not the best answer . Its addressing the concerns of the People through a National Ban on BA, that should be imposed by the Nigerian Government for at least 2 weeks ,with an option to extend it. If that happens British Airways stock value will drop minimum 7 percent. Thats enough bite to change their attitude.

Tell that young Nigeria, that when he sees an issue like that next time, he shouldn't try to solve it by himself. He should have sat on his seat and say a little Prayer to help that fellow. The Bible Reads ' God is a very present help in trouble'. Use that power , its always available to everyone, poor or rich.

Have a nice time my friend.

Pierre Louma

Created By: Podo3500

Re: British Airways and Racial Coloration: A Nigerians Experience

Fri, 16 May 2008 14:33:57 GMT

Hello Dr. Pierre,

This is quite interesting and very nice of you to share such an unpalatable experience with us. Well, I'll sure try to make your suggestion available to the Nigerian public and hopefully the government will learn a couple of things from here.

Recently, the BA management sent an empty explanation/ apology to the Government and people of Nigeria suggesting security issues as their reason rather than descrimnation or elimination (let me borrow your word).
We hope for the better all the same.

Many thanks for sharing.
God bless.

Created By: samiplus

Re: British Airways and Racial Coloration: A Nigerians Experience

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 16:14:44 GMT

Hi Sami. I'm just now reading your thread about RACISM and BRITISH AIRWAYS.

I don't imagine I'll have cause to travel by British Airways. I live in the US and don't travel internationally. But ... If ... I ... Did ...

I would NEVER choose British Airways! The true story you told make me sick! I'm disgusted over the racial profiling and the HATE that was shown to your countrymen.

I detest bigotry, age, sexual discrimiation and racism. I am truly sorry for what is occuring.

You said Recently, the BA management sent an empty explanation/ apology to the Government and people of Nigeria suggesting security issues as their reason rather than descrimnation or elimination (let me borrow your word).

Well, I don't believe a word of it. BA practices HATE and Bigotry!

God Bless you my friend. Thanks Sami for telling us about this important issue.

Pat

Created By: 252171

Re: British Airways and Racial Coloration: A Nigerians Experience

Sat, 12 Jul 2008 16:31:22 GMT

Hi Patty B,

Thank you for your response and loyalty to our forum. Your smiling face tells it all, I mean sharing and caring about others.

God bless you too, my friend.

Created By: samiplus

Re: British Airways and Racial Coloration: A Nigerian's Experience

Thu, 08 May 2008 19:15:36 GMT

Hi Gaby Brothers,

It is quite appalling what British Airways has indulge in all these while and I hope they will do something to desist from acts that depict them in bad light.

Thank you for your solidarity support.
God Bless.

Created By: samiplus

Re: British Airways and Racial Coloration: A Nigerian's Experience

Sun, 05 Oct 2008 05:38:59 GMT

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Created By: charagma

Re: British Airways and Racial Coloration: A Nigerian's Experience

Sun, 05 Oct 2008 09:44:57 GMT

Hello Kengo,

It is nice to know you. You are warmly welcome to the forum and ofcourse to Adlandpro. I wish you a great stay and good networking.

Best wishes.

Created By: samiplus