This news clip that I found in a local newspaper states that a BBC news reader lost her job because she gave specific instructions to her cab company that she doesn’t want a driver that wears a Turban.
The transcripts of the Phone conversation she had with her cab company was published in a local news paper in London and she was fired within 24 Hrs.
Now I am a bit confused with this action against her. Did she commit racial discrimination ? Or was she just exercising her right to choice ?
These days real estate agents and rent a car dealers are very vigilant when dealing with Muslim customers. Many consider it risky to rent out a house or buy /sell cars to Muslim Bachelors. But does that qualify as discrimination ?
If Muslim bachelors are not allowed to rent a house purely because they are Muslims, then it is discrimination. The landlord has the option of verifying their referrals if they are concerned about their background. The incident with the BBC reporter is slightly different. If I recall correctly, her child, whom the driver was supposed to pick up, was vary of a turbaned driver.
Comment by Arby K — March 28, 2009 @ 4:12 am
Well, the first case is of Racial Discrimination for sure. I have no right to say that I wont travel in a cab that’s run by a black, a white or a Punjabi. Thats racial Discrimination for sure!
The second case, is also discrimination, but the context in which it happens is known to all. It has to be done if u don’t want your name in a terrorism case after those guys send a threatening email from ur house to some high profile person and after they hijack or bomb something. It also discrimination, in the perfect world, but here, the situation needs it. Solution, get some good reference about the guys who you are lending ur place.
In the first case, teach the kid that the turban guys are not carnivorous animals, they are humans and the turban is a part of their culture and believes.
Comment by Vineeth Jose — June 14, 2009 @ 11:59 am
Checking references and stuff is just a formality. The 911 attackers had perfect references, there was nothing the landlord could do.
There are kids who are afraid of people with mustaches, Can we say its a must that the child be comfortable with everyone ?
The lady did not disrespect the driver, she did not insult him or pass racial remarks. She called the cab company and told them to send someone without a turban. I dont think its a case of racial discrimination.
Comment by Kenney Jacob — June 14, 2009 @ 12:04 pm