<img src="https://sb.scorecardresearch.com/p?c1=2&amp;c2=36750692&amp;cv=3.6.0&amp;cj=1"> ‘So When They Travel to Other Countries They Know the Language?’ Family Accuses American Airlines of Racial Discrimination
Something went wrong. Try again, or if the problem persists.
Your details are incorrect, or aren't in our system yet. Please try again, or sign up if you're new here.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google and of Service apply.
Create a GAMURS
By g up, you agree to our and of Service.
Something went wrong. Try again, or if the problem persists.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google and of Service apply.
Choose a name
Choose a unique name using 3-30 alphanumeric characters.
Something went wrong. Try again, or if the problem persists.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google and of Service apply.
Choose your preferences
Choose how we communicate with you, opt out at anytime.
Something went wrong. Try again, or if the problem persists.
Check your email
An confirmation link was sent to your email. Don't forget to check your spam!
Enter the email address you used when you ed and we'll send you instructions to reset your .
If you used Apple or Google to create your , this process will create a for your existing .
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google and of Service apply.
Reset instructions sent. If you have an with us, you will receive an email within a few minutes.
Something went wrong. Try again or if the problem persists.
Screengrabs via TikTok

‘So when they travel to other countries they know the language?’: Family accuses American Airlines of racial discrimination

Shocking TikTok video reveals alleged racial discrimination and linguistic profiling incident of customers by American Airlines employees.

A customer shared a video depicting a troubling incident marked by racial and linguistic TikTok.

Recommended Videos

Trigger Warning: This article discusses sensitive topics. Reader discretion is advised.

A woman ed a harrowing video on TikTok titled, “My family and I encountered racial discrimination from American Airlines employees,” showing shocking expressions of prejudice, intimidation, and selective enforcement. She wrote the following caption:

“While my brother was translating crucial information for my father during the check-in process, an airline employee approached them and haughtily commented, ‘If you’re going to travel here, you should learn how to speak English properly.’ The remark was not only insensitive but also indicative of a systemic issue, concerning the lack of appreciation for linguistic diversity. American Airlines must take proactive steps to cultivate cultural sensitivity among [its] employees. My dad is a U.S. citizen who has contributed to the country by living and working here. Language barriers should not be a reason for mistreatment or discrimination.”

@eastafro_2700

While my brother was translating crucial information for my father during the check-in process, an airline employee approached them and haughtily commented, “If you’re going to travel here, you should learn how to speak English properly”. The remark was not only insensitive but also indicative of a systemic issue concerning the lack of appreciation for linguistic diversity. @American Airlines must take proactive steps to cultivate cultural sensitivity among their employees. My dad is a U.S citizen who has contributed to the country by working and living here. Language barriers should not be a reason for mistreatment or discrimination. #karen #karensgoingwild #racismawareness #racism #americanairlines #americanairlineskaren #somalitiktok #muslimtiktok #africantiktok #karensgonewild #karenfreakouts #spreadawareness #stopracism #blm @American Airlines #report #eastafrican #somali

♬ original sound – eastafro_2700

The customer wisely stepped away from the American Airlines service desk and began recording the interactions involving two employees and her family , who were trying to check in for their flight. It’s important to note that the family are Americans of Somali descent, and one person was wearing a chador.

The customer highlighted the absurdity of the American Airlines employee’s comment that English was required to travel in the United States, asking, “When you travel to different countries, do you speak every language?”

The employee fired back, waving her hand dismissively at the family and saying, “This is unacceptable.”

The customer responded:

“Your racism is unacceptable. Your ignorance is unacceptable.”

The American Airlines employee continued to disregard the customer’s concerns and took a more combative stance. She escalated the situation by coming out from being the desk, walking up to them, and pushing her hand into their face, attempting to disrupt the recording by covering the camera lens.

Afterward the American Airlines employee returned to the service desk and stood with her arms folded. She pointed at the customer’s father and making the following threat:

“I want the phones off right now, or he doesn’t fly.”

The customer told the employee that she had no authority over her. She asked to employee to identify herself. The employee claimed her name was Laurie and offered to provide her badge number. However, when the customer tried to zoom in on “Laurie’s” badge, the employee covered it with her hand, showing unwillingness to take ability.

It is shocking to see paying customers subjected to casual racism and discrimination by the companies they patronize. The incident shows what can happen when employers fail to provide adequate training for staff and neglect to emphasize the importance of treating customers with respect.


We Got This Covered is ed by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small commission. Learn more about our Policy
Author
Image of Manya Seisay
Manya Seisay
Manya is a Contributing Writer for We Got This Covered, who explores diverse topics, including entertainment, gaming, and new technologies.