Date: Fri, 11 Aug 2000 01:28:59 -0400 (EDT)
From: Plastic Man
Subject: BLAGUES-L: Discrimination


Date: Mon, 7 Aug 2000 09:00:29 -0400 
From: JP Behar


 On a British Airways flight from Johannesburg, a middle-aged, well-off
white South African Lady has found herself sitting next to a black man. 

 She called the cabin crew attendant over to complain about her seating. 
"What seems to be the problem Madam?" asked the attendant. "Can't you
see?"  she said "You've sat me next to a kaffir. I can't possibly sit next
to this disgusting human. Find me another seat!" 

 "Please calm down Madam." the stewardess replied. "The flight is very
full today, but I'll tell you what I'll do-I'll go and check to see if we
have any seats available in club or first class." The woman cocks a snooty
look at the outraged black man beside her (not to mention many of the
surrounding passengers).

 A few minutes later the stewardess returns with the good news, which she
delivers to the lady, who cannot help but look at the people around her
with a smug and self satisfied grin: "Madam, unfortunately, as I
suspected, economy is full. I've spoken to the cabin services director,
and club is also full. However, we do have one seat in first class." 

 Before the lady has a chance to answer, the stewardess continues... "It
is most extraordinary to make this kind of upgrade, however, and I have
had to get special permission from the captain. But, given the
circumstances, the captain felt that it was outrageous that someone be
forced to sit next to such an obnoxious person." With which, she turned to
the black man sitting next to her, and said:

 "So if you'd like to get your things, sir, I have your seat ready for
you..."
 At which point, apparently the surrounding passengers stood and gave a
standing ovation while the black man walks up to the front of the plane.