• Delta airlines apologises after it’s social media account calls a Palestinian flag terrifying after a anti-Palestinian social media frenzy.
• Delta airlines who’s policies were not broken retracts their statement by merely calling it an ‘error’
Delta Airlines recently found itself at the centre of controversy after a tweet from its official account sparked outrage. The tweet, posted on Twitter, featured an image of the Palestinian flag on a flight attendee and a statement implying that the sight had “terrified” its employees. This incident has drawn significant backlash, prompting an apology from the airline.
The tweet, now deleted, was seen as deeply insensitive, particularly in light of the ongoing genocide in Gaza. Critics have pointed out that such a statement not only displayed a lack of cultural sensitivity but also perpetuated harmful stereotypes and dehumanization of Palestinians. Delta Airlines quickly issued a retraction, calling the tweet an “error,” but this apology has been met with scepticism and criticism.
Many have argued that merely labelling the incident as an “error” is insufficient. This stance is particularly resonant against the backdrop of a recent Lancet study, which reports that the Palestinian death toll has reached a staggering 186,000. The study highlights the severe human cost of the genocide, underscoring the need for greater empathy and understanding in international discourse. If this had been any other country flag that Delta had called terrifying and apologised later, it would likely have received a much stronger retraction then merely the word ‘error’
The Guardian’s coverage of the incident emphasizes the broader implications of Delta’s misstep. It points out that the airline’s tweet is part of a larger pattern of dehumanization that Palestinians face, especially in Western countries like the United States. This pattern is not just limited to social media but extends into various aspects of public and political life, contributing to a pervasive sense of othering and alienation.
NBC News provided additional context, reporting on Delta’s swift apology. The airline stated that the tweet was an error and assured the public that measures would be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future. However, for many, this response falls short of addressing the underlying issues. Advocacy groups and social media users have called for more substantial actions from Delta, such as sensitivity training for employees and more proactive engagement with Palestinian and other marginalized communities.
CAIR’s Response and Calls for Action
In response to the controversy, the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) issued a statement condemning Delta Airlines’ tweet. CAIR, the largest Muslim civil rights organization in the U.S., emphasized that the tweet was not just an error but a reflection of a broader issue of anti-Palestinian sentiment and Islamophobia. CAIR’s spokesperson called for Delta to undertake comprehensive measures, including sensitivity training for its employees and a review of its social media policies, to ensure that such incidents do not recur.
CAIR’s response underscores the broader societal responsibility to combat the dehumanization of Palestinians and other marginalized groups. The organization’s call for substantive actions rather than mere apologies highlights the need for systemic changes in how corporations handle cultural and political sensitivities.
This incident with Delta Airlines is a stark reminder of the demeaning condescending tones and languages used to perpetuate the ongoing genocide in Gaza by shaping public perceptions. In an age where social media can amplify voices and messages instantly, companies must be vigilant in their communications to avoid perpetuating harmful stereotypes and contributing to the dehumanization of already marginalized groups.
As tensions remain high and the human toll of the genocide continues to rise, it is crucial for corporations, media, and individuals to approach the topic with the sensitivity and respect it deserves. The Lancet’s report on the Palestinian death toll serves as a sobering reminder of the real-world consequences of genocide.
