Apple store accused of racism after black teens ejected
Source: Associated Press
SYDNEY (AP) Apple was facing accusations of racism in Australia on Thursday after a group of black teenagers was asked to leave a store in Melbourne when a staffer expressed concern they would shoplift.
The backlash against the technology giant began after one of the teens posted a video of Tuesday's incident on his Facebook page, captioning it: "Simply Racism." In the video, a staffer is heard telling the teens: "These guys are just a bit worried about your presence in our store. They're just worried you might steal something."
"Why would we steal something?" one of the teens asks.
"End of discussion," the staffer replies. "I need to ask you to leave our store."
The six teens, who are 10th grade students at nearby Maribyrnong College and are of African or Middle Eastern descent, did nothing to prompt the ejection, said principal Nick Scott, who spoke with the students about the incident.
Read more: http://bigstory.ap.org/article/ad2a5c46bedc4038a59918785b9798fa/apple-store-accused-racism-after-black-teens-ejected
I am not of The Body Apple, so I really can't comment.
longship
(40,416 posts)I apologize for thread highjack. It's late and I could not resist. I just wish I could edit Steve Jobs head onto these clips.
My best to you once you are absorbed into the body.
mwrguy
(3,245 posts)not exactly a diverse bunch
Deuce
(959 posts)After hearing about the incident, Scott contacted the store and asked if the teens could speak with the manager to smooth things over, and the store agreed. On Wednesday, the teens met with the manager, who apologized and reassured them they were welcome in the store, Scott said.
Sherman A1
(38,958 posts)I believe that with that statement, you already have done so.....
You saw what I did there.
BumRushDaShow
(127,310 posts)in many retail stores - Apple is not somehow unique. It happens in mall stores, supermarkets, and standalone stores. The insidious, virulent, and very much internalized stereotypes of POC over many generations, has resulted in retail clerks automatically assuming that POC are prone to shoplift despite the evidence that most shoplifters are white.