Skip to content
  • Image
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Youtube
  • Podcasts
  • Email
  • Contact
  • Home
  • Opinion
  • News
  • Features
  • Comment
  • Store
The Arab Daily News

The Arab Daily News

Original news, features, opinions from Chicago to Jerusalem

  • About
    • About
    • Our Writers
    • Subscribe to Ray’s Columns
    • Book Store
    • Contact
    • Submit Book Reviews, Press Releases
    • Advertise
    • Privacy Corrections Policy
    • Profile on Ray Hanania
  • Features
    • Food
    • Book Review
    • Humor
    • Movies
    • Travel
  • Arab Stores Targeted
  • Arab Community Network Page
    • Arab Community Network Page
    • Arab Heritage America resources
    • Directory
      • Groups & Organizations
      • Mosques, Churches
      • Restaurants
      • 2008 & 2014 Arab Media Directories
    • National Arab Heritage Month
    • Video: Chicago Arab History
    • Video: Photo Array of Chicago Arabs
    • Overview of Arabs in America
    • Hanania standup comedy
    • Arabs on the Titanic
    • Obituaries
  • Podcasts
    • Arab News Ray Hanania Radio
    • Ray Hanania on Politics Podcast
    • Podcast Info
    • Hanania Podcast intro
    • Live Arab Radio
  • Your Views
  • Submit Press Release
  • Toggle search form
  • J.B. Pritzker from his election campaign Facebook Page at UFCW union endorsement.
    Pritzker interview with Arab American newspapers American Arabs
  • AHRC Logo new Feb 2021
    AHRC “Spirit of Humanity” Awards & Dinner Gala, New Date:  Friday, October 21, 2022  Activism
  • rab American Democratic Club hosts a gathering of elected officials and journalists looking at the recent elections, celebrating Ramadan and Arab American Heritage month (April.)
    Arab American Heritage Month, Ramadan feted by Journalists and elected officials American Arabs
  • Chicago Mayoral candidate Dr. Willie Wilson promised to ensure that Arabs and Muslims will be included in his administration during a visit he made to celebrate the Eid Al Adha with Chicagoland's Muslim community.
    Chicago Mayoral candidate Dr. Willie Wilson promises to support Arabs and Muslims Activism
  • Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia
    Pritzker makes more appointments, none are Arab American American Arabs
  • The American Foundation for Relief and Reconciliation in the Middle East (American FRRME) helping Christians in Iraq
    New report on Christians in Iraq shows desperate situation and needs Arab World
  • Winter in Bekaa Lebanon January 2015 Photo courtesy of NRC Lebanon. January 7, 2015 in Bekaa valley Lebanon. Heavy snowfall in Lebanon January 7, 2015. Yesterday staff from NRC Lebanon’s Bekaa office were working with refugees to put in place flood mitigation measures in advance of the forecast harsh storm which hit overnight. Field teams distributed 1,205 plywood sheets and 885 bricks as floor-raising kits for tents in two settlements in the town of Sarain, and 250 wooden pallets to ensure a clear pathway in five settlements in the town at risk of flooding. Niamh Murnaghan, NRC’s Country Director in Lebanon said, “This morning residents of these informal settlements awoke to a knee-deep blanket of snow. With roads impassable in Bekaa, our staff have not been able to reach refugee settlements, but refugees have sent photos of themselves clearing the snow from their tents.” Photo credit: NRC Lebanon/Syrian refugees in Lebanon. January 7, 2015 in Bekaa valley Lebanon. Heavy snowfall in Lebanon January 7, 2015. Yesterday staff from NRC Lebanon’s Bekaa office were working with refugees to put in place flood mitigation measures in advance of the forecast harsh storm which hit overnight. Field teams distributed 1,205 plywood sheets and 885 bricks as floor-raising kits for tents in two settlements in the town of Sarain, and 250 wooden pallets to ensure a clear pathway in five settlements in the town at risk of flooding. Niamh Murnaghan, NRC’s Country Director in Lebanon said, “This morning residents of these informal settlements awoke to a knee-deep blanket of snow. With roads impassable in Bekaa, our staff have not been able to reach refugee settlements, but refugees have sent photos of themselves clearing the snow from their tents.” Photo credit: NRC Lebanon/Syrian refugees in Lebanon.
    AHRC Observes World Refugee Day American Arabs
  • Endorsements: Democrats in the Illinois June 28, 2022 Primary election Activism
  • The Arab Daily News candidate endorsements: Cook County, Illinois American Arabs
  • Endorsements: Republicans in the Illinois Republican Primary Election June 28, 2022 Election
  • Joseph Gutman was appointed by Gov. Pritzker to serve as a Member of the University of Illinois Board of Trustees. Gutman was a Partner at BDT & Company from 2017 until retiring in January 2020 where he remains a consultant today.
    Gov Pritzker makes more appointments to state commissions, boards but no Arabs American Arabs
  • World Jewish Congress Chairman Ronald S. Lauder
    WJC President Ronald S. Lauder Receives France’s Top Distinction  Activism
  • Project DYNAMO rescues more than 600 people from Mariupol, Ukraine over the last week Major Mariupol rescue operation conducted by Project DYNAMO, more than 480 people from Mariupol as city under violent siege falling to Russian forces. 
    Project DYNAMO rescues more than 600 people from Mariupol, Ukraine over the last week Human Rights
  • US Congressman Sean Casten, 6th District, Illinois
    Congressman Sean Casten joins Ray Hanania Radio Show American Arabs
  • The U.S.S. Liberty photo courtesy of the USS Liberty Veterans.
    Survivors of Israel’s strike on USS Liberty commemorate 55th year June 6 – 8 American Arabs
Ramy Youssef passes through Los Angeles Airport Security Tuesday Jan. 7, 2020 with his Golden Globe Award, notes being Muslim. Photo from Ramy's Instagram

Islamophobia or fun? Golden Globe winner Youssef suggests he was profiled during airport security check

Posted on January 8, 2020January 8, 2020 By rayhanania No Comments on Islamophobia or fun? Golden Globe winner Youssef suggests he was profiled during airport security check
SHARE ...
18         
 
  
18
Shares

  • Tweet

Islamophobia or fun? Golden Globe winner Youssef suggests he was profiled during airport security check

Golden Globe winner Ramy Youssef videotapes his experience passing through Los Angeles Airport security with his Golden Globe Award carried in a special box as it passes through security, is opened and then wiped down. Afterwards, the TSA Agent jokes with Ramy posing with the award. Clearly it was all about humor as the TSA does not permit anyone to videotape the security process, but Youssef, who won the Award for his performance int he 10-episode hit Hulu series “Ramy” suggested it was because he has a “Muslim” Name.

By Ray Hanania

Golden Globe winner Ramy Youssef suggested he was profiled as a Muslim when his Golden Globe Award was searched by TSA security agents at Los Angeles Airport Tuesday.

Youssef, who won the Golden Globe Award during Sunday’s ceremonies for his performance in the 10-part Hulu comedy series “Ramy,” videotaped the TSA security check with his cell phone as he went through security and posted it on his Instagram account.

The incident suggested Youssef, 28, was being targeted because he was profiled as a Muslim, but the Golden Globe Award looked very suspicious when it passed through the X-Ray Machines.

Ramy Youssef passes through Los Angeles Airport Security Tuesday Jan. 7, 2020 with his Golden Globe Award. Photo from Ramy's Instagram
Ramy Youssef passes through Los Angeles Airport Security Tuesday Jan. 7, 2020 with his Golden Globe Award. Photo from Ramy’s Instagram

At the end of the short video clip on Instagram, Youssef posted, “The ‘random’ checks you have to deal with when you have a Muslim name.”

But no one should mistake Youssef’s sharp impromptu humor as a serious complaint of Islamophobia.

In viewing the video, it is clear that the Golden Globe Award looked suspicious even though it was in a separate dark brown box with the words “Golden Globe Award” emblazoned in gold on the top of the box.

After passing through security, TSA officers opened the box and pulled out the Award and one female officer held it up and displayed it as Youssef videotaped with his cellphone.

When the female TSA agent picked up the Golden Globe Award from out of the box and held it up in air, Youssef asked, “Is that part of the test or what?” The TSA agent posed with Golden Globe Award like she had just won it and then proceeded to wipe the statuette down for security tests.

Youssef then playfully asked the agent, “You had to make sure. Did it pass?” while sharing a laugh with the TSA Agent.

Normally, passengers who go through security screening are not allowed to videotape or to use their cellphones. That suggests the TSA incident at LA Airport was less about Islamophobia and more about entertainment.

To view the video, visit Youssef’s Instagram account @Ramy.

https://www.instagram.com/ramy/

Ramy Youssef passes through Los Angeles Airport Security Tuesday Jan. 7, 2020 with his Golden Globe Award, notes being Muslim. Photo from Ramy's Instagram
Ramy Youssef passes through Los Angeles Airport Security Tuesday Jan. 7, 2020 with his Golden Globe Award, notes being Muslim. Photo from Ramy’s Instagram

In “Ramy,” Youssef portrayed a first-generation Arab Muslim American who deals with the many stereotypes he has to face in America.

Youssef did not disappoint fans during his brief acceptance speech, remaining in his comedic role and carrying the stereotypes he tackled in his series to the live Golden Globe stage. Click here to read the story in the Arab News Newspaper.

“Allah-uh-Akhbar … This is thanks to God and Hulu,” Youssef said in accepting the award. “Most of you haven’t seen my show … This means a lot. Thank you.”

TSA Agent at Los Angeles Airport Security Jan. 7, 2020 poses with Ramy Youssef's Golden Globe Award after it was x-rayed and then wiped down as is required procedure. Photo courtesy of Ramy Youssef's Instagram
TSA Agent at Los Angeles Airport Security Jan. 7, 2020 poses with Ramy Youssef’s Golden Globe Award after it was x-rayed and then wiped down as is required procedure. Photo courtesy of Ramy Youssef’s Instagram

 

The Golden Globe Award as seen during the X-Ray at Los Angeles Airport Security Jan. 7, 2020. Photo courtesy of Ramy Youssef's Instagram
The Golden Globe Award as seen during the X-Ray at Los Angeles Airport Security Jan. 7, 2020. Photo courtesy of Ramy Youssef’s Instagram

“Ramy” was broadcast by Hulu as a 10-part streaming series in April 2019 and is scheduled for a second season later this Spring.

With episodes set in New Jersey and Cairo, where he visits relatives, the show hilariously portrays the humor and reality of being an Arab and Muslim in America. Much of the show’s focus is more on being Muslim and less on being Arab, a trend that reflects the reality of Arab American life in the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

The irreverent half-hour comedy series took on many of the stereotypes and challenges Muslims, and Arabs, face in America, from having to wash your feet before Masjid prayers and having sexual relations with non-Muslims while dealing with the concerns of his conservative and religious parents.

TSA Agent inspects X-Ray of Golden Globe Box before opening it. The Golden Globe Award looks suspicious for sure. Photo courtesy of Ramy Youssef's Instagram
TSA Agent inspects X-Ray of Golden Globe Box before opening it. The Golden Globe Award looks suspicious for sure. Photo courtesy of Ramy Youssef’s Instagram

 

 

Ramy Youssef passes through Los Angeles Airport Security Tuesday Jan. 7, 2020 with his Golden Globe Award. Photo from Ramy's Instagram
Ramy Youssef passes through Los Angeles Airport Security Tuesday Jan. 7, 2020 with his Golden Globe Award. Photo from Ramy’s Instagram

 

  • Author
  • Recent Posts
rayhanania
rayhanania
Op-Ed writer, author, radio host, podcaster at The Arab Daily News
RAY HANANIA — Op-Ed writer, author, radio host, podcaster

Ray Hanania is an award winning political and humor columnist who analyzes American and Middle East politics, and life in general. He is an author of several books.

Hanania covered Chicago Politics and Chicago City Hall from 1976 through 1992 at the Daily Southtown and the Chicago Sun-Times. He began writing in 1975 publishing The Middle Eastern Voice newspaper in Chicago (1975-1977). He later published “The National Arab American Times” newspaper (2004-2007).

Hanania writes weekly columns on Middle East and American Arab issues as Special US Correspondent for the Arab News ArabNews.com, at TheArabDailyNews.com, and at SuburbanChicagoland.com. He has published weekly columns in the Jerusalem Post newspaper, YNetNews.com, Newsday, the Orlando Sentinel, Houston Chronical, and Arlington Heights Daily Herald.

Hanania is the recipient of four (4) Chicago Headline Club “Peter Lisagor Awards” for Column writing. In November 2006, he was named “Best Ethnic American Columnist” by the New American Media. In 2009, Hanania received the prestigious Sigma Delta Chi Award for Writing from the Society of Professional Journalists. He is the recipient of the MT Mehdi Courage in Journalism Award. He was honored for his writing skills with two (2) Chicago Stick-o-Type awards from the Chicago Newspaper Guild. In 1990, Hanania was nominated by the Chicago Sun-Times editors for a Pulitzer Prize for his four-part series on the Palestinian Intifada.

His writings have also been honored by two national Awards from ADC for his writing, and from the National Arab American Journalists Association.

Hanania is the US Special Correspondent for the Arab News Newspaper, covering Middle East and Arab American issues. He writes for the Southwest News newspaper group writing on mainstream American issues.

Click here to send Ray Hanania email.

Follow RayHanania on Gettr.com, the uncensored Twitter Ray Hanania on Gettr, the new Twitter
rayhanania
Latest posts by rayhanania (see all)
  • Weaponizing Anti-Semitism as a tool to protect Israel’s war crimes - July 27, 2022
  • Time to ditch the spoils system, our elected officials need to be more inclusive - July 26, 2022
  • AHRC “Spirit of Humanity” Awards & Dinner Gala, New Date:  Friday, October 21, 2022  - July 21, 2022

  • Tweet

SHARE ...
18         
 
  
18
Shares
 
18
Shares
18         
 
 Tweet 
American Arabs, Christian & Muslim, Entertainment, mainstream, Middle East, Movies, News, Spotlight, Terrorism, Travel Tags:being Muslim, Golden Globe Award, humor, Islam, Islamophobia, Los Angeles Airport security, Ramy Youssef, security check

Post navigation

Previous Post: AHRC expresses concern with dramatic developments in Middle East, urges Dialogue and Peace
Next Post: Rouhy Shalabi named Associate Judge in Cook County

Related Posts

  • CAIR, Muslims applaud end of NSEERS tracking program American Arabs
  • President Ali Abdallah Salih (center), of the Republic of Yemen, and his delegation meet with Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld and his staff at the Pentagon on June 8, 2004. The two leaders are meeting to discuss defense issues of mutual interest. DoD photo by Helene C. Stikkel. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
    Saudi-led Coalition takes steps to safeguard civilians in Yemen Arab World
  • Muslim women wearing a Hijab. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia
    American views of Arabs and Muslims improve, AAI study shows American Arabs
  • University of Illinois Board formally votes to deny Salaita hiring American Arabs
  • American Arab pushes for voter empowerment Activism
  • Kathy Griffin and the real US extremism American Arabs

More Related Articles

Courageous stand by Obama on terrorism and Islam American Arabs
Hunger crisis ravages some Middle East nations, ICRC Arab World
Controversy plagues Arab Quartback Manziel American Arabs
International musician, dancer, and entertainer Shakira cancels her appearance in Tel Aviv, Israel, May 29, 2018. Image courtesy of Jewish Voice for Peace Shakira cancels Israel performance in face of worldwide outcry American Arabs
Jay McMullen, husband of former Mayor Jane M. Byrne, with Ray Hanania weeks after threatening to punch the author in the nose. Photo courtesy of Ray Hanania. 1979 Trump not the first to battle media bias mainstream
Arab League backs Saudis against Iran aggression Arab World

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

  • OPINION COLUMNS
  • Israeli soldiers and settlers attack Palestinians in Khirbet al-Mufaqarah, on Sept. 28, 2021 captured by B'Tselem video. The attacks were intentionally distorted by Israeli TV to blame the Palestinians
    Weaponizing Anti-Semitism as a tool to protect Israel’s war crimes
    July 27, 2022
  • AHRC Logo new Feb 2021
    Time to ditch the spoils system, our elected officials need to be more inclusive
    July 26, 2022
  • Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia
    Nearly four years in office, Pritzker fails to deliver on promises to Arab Americans
    June 12, 2022
  • Palestinian refugees forced to flee their homes at gunpoint by Jewish terrorist groups operating in Palestine in the 1930s, 1940s and after Israel was created on May 14, 1948. Photo courtesy of the United Nations
    Unresolved status of Palestinian rights makes UNRWA essential
    May 7, 2022
  • NEWS
  • AHRC Logo new Feb 2021
    AHRC “Spirit of Humanity” Awards & Dinner Gala, New Date:  Friday, October 21, 2022 
    July 21, 2022
  • Chicago Mayoral candidate Dr. Willie Wilson promised to ensure that Arabs and Muslims will be included in his administration during a visit he made to celebrate the Eid Al Adha with Chicagoland's Muslim community.
    Chicago Mayoral candidate Dr. Willie Wilson promises to support Arabs and Muslims
    July 16, 2022
  • Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia
    Pritzker makes more appointments, none are Arab American
    July 11, 2022
  • The American Foundation for Relief and Reconciliation in the Middle East (American FRRME) helping Christians in Iraq
    New report on Christians in Iraq shows desperate situation and needs
    June 20, 2022
  • NEWSWIRE
  • Imad Hamad Director American Human Rights Council
    AHRC Calls for Moral Consistency on Human Rights, Urges President Biden to Pause His Trip to Israel:
    May 24, 2022
  • The U.S.S. Liberty photo courtesy of the USS Liberty Veterans.
    Survivors of Israel’s strike on USS Liberty commemorate 55th year June 6 – 8
    May 23, 2022
  • AHRC Logo new Feb 2021
    AHRC hosts an open meeting with TSA & community
    May 19, 2022
  • Closure notice posted on the doors and windows of Arab American businesses during Mayor Lori Lightfoot's closure of Arab owned stores in June - Sept. 2021. Photo courtesy of Ray Hanania
    Chicago aldermen to host forum on Arab businesses closed by Mayor Lightfoot
    April 15, 2022

The Tabboun Column

The Political Grapevine Political Tabboun. Original photo by tim-mossholder-KX1BBNY69Ao-unsplash
  • Tabboun
  • The Political Grapevine Political Tabboun. Original photo by tim-mossholder-KX1BBNY69Ao-unsplash
    The Political Grapevine/The Tabboun, Friday Dec. 16, 2021
    December 16, 2021
  • The Political Grapevine Political Tabboun. Original photo by tim-mossholder-KX1BBNY69Ao-unsplash
    Tabboun: Chicago remains strongest Palestine voice
    September 7, 2016
  • The Tabboun: Israeli human rights violations hit
    June 30, 2016
  • The Political Grapevine Political Tabboun. Original photo by tim-mossholder-KX1BBNY69Ao-unsplash
    Tabboun: Himes questions troop deployment to Syria
    November 3, 2015
  • The Political Grapevine Political Tabboun. Original photo by tim-mossholder-KX1BBNY69Ao-unsplash
    The Tabboun: Dearborn removes statue of racist former mayor
    September 29, 2015

Creative Commons License
All work on this website is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. Do not edit original work. Give credit to the original source.

  • 08-09-21-Ziyad-Sices-Ad.jpg
  • 08-09-21-Ziyad-Ad-Pantry-essentials.jpg
  • ZiyadBrandLogo-2016BlackRedBackgrnd.jpg
  • HANANIA Arab News Op-Eds
  • Ukraine conflict gives Palestinians chance to redefine their conflict
    March 9, 2022
  • Mishmeshan PHC medical center destroyed in Syrian Government assaults. Photo courtesy of UOSSM Union of Medical Care and Relief Organizations
    President Biden’s dyslexic policy in Syria is a mess
    October 20, 2021
  • Annissa Essaibi George and family
    Annissa Essaibi George faces “race hypocrisy” in campaign to be Boston Mayor
    October 20, 2021
  • Jerusalem image of Jews and Arabs walking together. Shutterstock. Courtesy of Arab News Newspaper
    Jewish Michigan lawmaker leads push for Two State Solution
    October 7, 2021
  • BOOK REVIEWS
  • Stories My Father Told Me by author and artist Helen Zughaib, book cover. Photo courtesy of Cune Press
    Stories My Father Told Me by author and artist Helen Zughaib
    November 1, 2021
  • Girl Fighters, new book on Yemen Book Cune Press
    New Book: Girl Fighters: Break Tradition in Yemen 
    October 25, 2021
  • ENTERTAINMENT
  • The Ray Hanania Radio Show Live Wed 5 PM EST in Detroit, Washington DC, Ontario and on Thursday in Chicago. Watch the program live at Facebook.com/ArabNews
    Second Season of “The Ray Hanania Show” Arab American radio launches April 6
    April 4, 2022
  • American Arab CHamber President HassanNijem accepts the Proclamation from Chicago Ald. Roderick Sawyer at the Chamber dinner March 30, 2022
    Chicagoland celebrates Arab American Heritage Month
    March 31, 2022
  • Hollywood Sign
    Will Smith violence takes Oscar protests to dangerous level
    March 31, 2022
  • 03-30-22 Arab Chamber Heritage Month Flyer
    Arab Chamber to host Arab Heritage Month dinner March 30
    March 14, 2022
  • “Rupture”, the psychological thriller produced by MBC STUDIOS, has won Best Saudi Film at the 2021 Red Sea International Film Festival (RSIFF).
    MBC GROUP’s Rupture wins Best Saudi Film at the inaugural Red Sea International Film Festival
    December 15, 2021
  • New-iTunes-1400-x-1400-The-Ray-Hanania-Show-Podcast-Icon-300-x-300.jpg
  • The-Kings-Pawn-Book-300-x-300.png
  • Podcast-iTunes-Logo-Chi-City-Hall-1985.jpg
  • terroristbookcover-300-x-300.jpg
  • powerpr300x300ad.jpg
Arab News Newspaper Logo
Read the Arab News, the leading English language newspaper in the MIddle East

Follow Ray Hanania at Gab.com, MeWe.com and IDobbinate.com, the alternatives to Facebook and Twitter Censorship.

Click here to get information on The Ray Hanania Radio Show and its podcasts

Copyright © 2022 The Arab Daily News.

Powered by PressBook Premium theme