[ta86868]

I have an acquaintance who looks white but was named Mohammed (he is Kurdish). He changed his name to "Michael" because, as he said, "It's easier to say... like for example at the airport."

I agree about referencing the word "nigger", Louis CK has a bit where he says he hates the phrase "the n-word" because, "you still put the word 'nigger' into my head, so it's not like you didn't say it".

But socially one probably has to accept reality, there's a court case about a guy who was fired for saying the word, not using it in a derogatory way but just referring to the word itself.

[LordKano]

A former co-worker is ethnically Persian but grew up in Belarus so he has a vaguely European accent.

When traveling, he likes to wear a shirt that says "Italia" because when airline security thinks that he's Italian, he gets less hassle.

[rhaps0dy]

My anecdotal evidence is in accord with this.

During the last few months, I have let myself have a beard. I have a darkish skin, so with a beard I look very Arabic.

In my last flight, security were specially bothersome, making me open and show my luggage. I didn't relate it until my friend pointed it out, but I am very sure he was right now.

[LordKano]

Please, tell us that his last name was "Bolton"... please!