Comments on: Bollywood Star’s Airport Detention Triggers Outrage,Debate

By: Chris Devonshire-Ellis

Chris Devonshire-Ellis — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 05:43:27 +0000

I thought that prior to departure all airlines flying into the US had to provide the passenger manifest to Homeland security for checking. Clearly part of the system isn’t working, otherwise Khan would have been identified as a movie star rather than a threat. I’m also sure that he wasn’t exactly dressed as a low end terrorist either. They’re not known for their fine silks, gold jewelry and LV luggage in first class.

It is also true to observe that the US loves its paranoia. It used to be Communists as the bogey man, now its Muslims. However, I guess we just have to put up with it. I’d rather that than a slip up. I also always get singled out for “Special Treatment” whenever I fly in the US, and with a name like Christopher it’s rather obvious which religious faction I belong to. Thanks for your comments – Chris

By: Sandeep

Sandeep — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 04:45:49 +0000

The real cause of concern is not that SRK was held for 1-2 hrs for questioning. Anyone can be held that way and should be asked questions. The real question is why a significantly large % of muslim surname people have to go through this”. BTW..I am a hindu and I live in the US and in India. I have muslim friends..and it is a very known fact the the US has a bias against muslims in general (esp in security matters).

By: Gyandeep

Gyandeep — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 07:11:28 +0000

It is not fair. If SRK has a common surname does not mean that every Muslim can be taken as a suspect or considered to be a terrorist.

Gyandeep

By: Chris Devonshire-Ellis

Chris Devonshire-Ellis — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 05:22:57 +0000

Quote: “The star was also in the United States to promote his new film, “My Name is Khan,” about an Indian Muslim mistakenly arrested by U.S. airport authorities”

Thats a somewhat delicious irony isn’t it? To be fair to the US, the Newark authorities only detained him for an hour or so. They have their jobs to do, and I’m sure we’ve all been subjected to delays or frustrations by the US Homeland Security since 2001. Khan may be a superstar, and he has my sympathies, but it wasn’t a big deal and it’s at least comforting to realise that the US immigration authorities are still on their guard. It’s a storm in a cup of Orange Pekoe.