C130driver

Hey man, I don’t think anyone is denying that people struggle or that racism exists in the pilot profession. What many, including myself are against, is the notion that somehow there is deep rooted, institutionalized racism amongst pilots just because the demographic tends to be white/male. Racism exists everywhere, in every country in the world. I fact, I’d say America is one of the most tolerant countries in the world, but you wouldn’t think that looking at the “news.”

The charge of racism is thrown around way too loosely these days. It is like the boy who cried wolf and undermines those who actually have legitimate claims of discriminatory behavior against them.

Finally, the airlines are very up front about participating in <insert minority> pride/history month. You would think that any question about institutionalized bigotry in the airline industry would be debunked but let’s face it, you can’t win against some people.

atpcliff

I hear what you are saying. AA does not agree with you, which is why they are taking action to improve AA for all their customers.

Dolphinflyer

And here is the problem. Do you really think you are the only one treated differently because you are an African American?

I've got a news flash for you. While I understand some issues you may deal with, others are the same chit white guys dealt with their entire lives also. Throughout my life since the early teens into my now 50's, I've seen all colors of all social economic backgrounds treated differently because of another party's perception. As a young male, I was treated differently than I am as a old white male today. Why was that? Because I looked like a group that is generally a f-ing problem child, a young male of any mammal species. I personally don't trust any group of them walking down a sidewalk.
Once, I quickly double parked for a quick grab at my inner city apartment adjacent to my college. 30 seconds later the city cop is writing a ticket. Now even knowing this cop's very bad rep in the area, I was non-confrontational, hands visible, safe distance away and a respectful attitude of politely asking what was wrong? (white,dumb suburban kid). I thought I was special (respectful ROTC student) dealing with a known psycho. What I got was a blistering set of commands and a right hand unsnapping his 357 revolver (late 80's). Yes, we dealt with Jackwagon's too.

That also hasn't changed throughout my life, especially living in an wealthy area. I've lost track of the number of times I've been treated like a leper by $15 hour clerks working at fashionable place "XYZ" because I may have driven up in the 3 kids beater minivan while dressed like a FL Cracker after doing outside work all day in July while my W2 was 6 figures. It happens to us too.

The latest was on Worth Avenue in Palm Beach long ago (think Beverly Hills Rodeo Drive). Wife and I were dressed "Costco Chic" with my cheap IronMan watch. One lunch restaurant literally said snobbily, "The kitchen is closed" as they let another party in after us. Another set of shops slammed their doors 10 minutes before closing right as we walked up to the entrance without acknowledging us. Chit happens based on perceptions dude. You surely sound like you deal with it more than I do, but a lot of it is what many people of all colors deal with.

My blonde, blue eyed son also dealt with people treating others in a discriminatory fashion. He was a busboy recently, and his fellow busboys all tried to avoid working a seated party of African Americans. Every one of the other busboys were Haitian.

My point? Unfortunately all races and nationalities make discriminatory judgements, and again, I understand the BS you may deal with at times. Most (forget that, ALL) African American pilots I've ever met slugged it out in one form or another to make it through this BS we call a career and were very well qualified.

Castle Bravo

In America, if you look for racism, you can find it. If you look for success, you can find it.

Society will always have flaws; America is better than most. We have a system of laws that prohibits and/or punishes systemic, institutional racism <insert ism of choice>. However, people have been biased one way or another for 5,000 years, and will be for 5,000 more.

METO Guido

Well that is freaking fantastic. Problem solved.

ItnStln

I wonder how much money AA is paying to solve the problem.

METO Guido

However much, will accomplish little because there is no substitute for meaningful, clear-eyed leadership when grabbing horns of an issue this endemic to our culture. The cabin of an airliner is no place to resolve the world's conflicts. There is a minimum standard of behavior which need be observed, no matter how important any individual thinks they are. Airlines are ignoring much when spinning the effort to shove that many people off & on a 150+ seat pressure vessel within 30 minutes.

Guess how many women presidents the NAACP has had in its 108 year history?

SpeedyVagabond

Lol. Right? This whole discussion should be about whether or not there is in fact racism at AA and whether or not that influenced the captain's decision. Personally, I find it disgusting that Mrs. Mallory can toss out a charge of "white male aggression" so casually. To myself and every other reasonable person on the planet, that in itself is racism in the bright light of day for all to see.

Slaphappy

You must not have seen whats been going on the past 2-3 years. This sort of thing is becoming norm.

ItnStln

Well said!