The TSA and Ramadan
Aug 10, 2010, 1:56 pm
#1
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The TSA and Ramadan
http://www.tsa.gov/press/happenings/ramadan.shtm
re: items 2 through 5: now starting the kettle n' sheeple clock for either a terminal dump or a diverted flight 
Religious Events of Ramadan
Press & Happenings
August 6, 2010
Ramadan, a religious event for persons of the Muslim faith, begins around August 11, 2010, and ends on September 9, 2010. TSA has reminded its security workforce that traveling passengers may be observed at various areas in the airport - including security checkpoints or on aircraft - engaged in religious practices and meditations during Ramadan. TSA would also like to inform the traveling public that they may notice passengers observing Ramadan engaging in the following activities at the airports:
Press & Happenings
August 6, 2010
Ramadan, a religious event for persons of the Muslim faith, begins around August 11, 2010, and ends on September 9, 2010. TSA has reminded its security workforce that traveling passengers may be observed at various areas in the airport - including security checkpoints or on aircraft - engaged in religious practices and meditations during Ramadan. TSA would also like to inform the traveling public that they may notice passengers observing Ramadan engaging in the following activities at the airports:
- Passengers observing Ramadan will abstain from any food, water, smoking or vices of any kind.
- Passengers observing Ramadan are more likely to engage in prayer at the airports or on airplanes while traveling than at other times during the year.
- Before prayer, Muslims go through ablution, i.e., a cleansing or washing of certain areas of the body that is usually done in private if possible, but may be observed in airport restrooms.
- Passengers observing Ramadan may be seen reading, listening to or orally reciting the Holy Qur’an at airports and on airplanes.
- Passengers observing Ramadan may carry prayer beads and “whisper” prayers constantly.
Aug 10, 2010, 2:21 pm
#3
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TSA would also like to inform the traveling public that they may notice passengers observing Ramadan engaging in the following activities at the airports:
1. Passengers observing Ramadan will abstain from any food, water, smoking or vices of any kind.
1. Passengers observing Ramadan will abstain from any food, water, smoking or vices of any kind.
"Hmm. Look at that person over there. He's sitting there not eating, not drinking, and not indulging any other vices. He must be observing Ramadan!"
(grumble grumble nit pick grumble grumble)
Don't get me wrong ... I don't think it'll be a big deal, either. But reminding folks that "this is a common activity" is probably a good idea ... especially when the same security apparatus keeps telling people to "report anything unusual" ...
Last edited by Kiwi Flyer; Aug 12, 2010 at 12:41 am Reason: merge consecutive posts
Aug 10, 2010, 2:38 pm
#4
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Because, of course, there's no possibility that someone will mistake an ancient religious practice as a terrorist threat.
Don't get me wrong ... I don't think it'll be a big deal, either. But reminding folks that "this is a common activity" is probably a good idea ... especially when the same security apparatus keeps telling people to "report anything unusual" ...
Don't get me wrong ... I don't think it'll be a big deal, either. But reminding folks that "this is a common activity" is probably a good idea ... especially when the same security apparatus keeps telling people to "report anything unusual" ...
) actually read the tsa website
Aug 10, 2010, 2:42 pm
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I think its more about cultural awareness.
Aug 10, 2010, 3:20 pm
#6
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Oh, I agree, and I'm all for it. I'm nitpicking.
The TSA announcement basically says "here's some activities you're likely to see during Ramadan that you might not see as often during the rest of the year" --- and then the first thing listed is fasting, which is an almost completely unobservable activity. There's a logical inconsistency in the announcement. [Insert joke about "TSA consistency" here ...]
The TSA announcement basically says "here's some activities you're likely to see during Ramadan that you might not see as often during the rest of the year" --- and then the first thing listed is fasting, which is an almost completely unobservable activity. There's a logical inconsistency in the announcement. [Insert joke about "TSA consistency" here ...]
Aug 10, 2010, 5:07 pm
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Aug 10, 2010, 5:21 pm
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Aug 10, 2010, 5:42 pm
#12
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*based on SATTSO's and PTravel's posts, i've added the word ignorance as it is about cultural awareness
Aug 10, 2010, 5:45 pm
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Aug 10, 2010, 5:52 pm
#14
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I wouldn't give them too much credit. Most of this was for "internal consumption" so they can say that they were "sensitized" and "aware" the first time one of their screeners does something more stupid than usual.
Aug 10, 2010, 5:58 pm
#15
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However, this also cuts both ways. The next time one of their screeners does something stupid, the screener can't plead ignorance. Regardless, I much prefer this approach over, "TSOs use their discretion when they observe something out of the ordinary and acted properly when they harassed, detained and had arrested the Muslim teenager who was merely praying in accordance with Islamic custom on Ramadan."