In black and white - A real story about racismOn a British Airways flight from Johannesburg to London, a White woman of about 50 was seated next to a Black man. She complained to the air-hostess: “You placed me next to a Black man. I do not like to sit next to Black people.” The hostess replied, “The plane is full, but I will see if another seat is available.” She came back a few minutes later and said: “Just as I thought, there is no available seat in economy class. I spoke to the captain and he tells me there’s no seat in business class either. But we have one in first class.”
Before the woman could say anything, the hostess continued, “It is not usual for us to permit someone from economy class to sit in first class. But the captain feels that it would be scandalous to make a person sit next to someone so disgusting.” She turned to the Black man and said, “Sir, if you would like, please collect your hand luggage, a seat awaits you in first class.” At that moment, the other passengers, who’d been shocked by what they had just witnessed, stood up and applauded. (This is a true story.)
(Contributed by Vipin Bucksey, New Delhi)
Hindustan Times – May 28, 2006
http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/181_1685909,00120002.htm