Stand Up! Woman Confronts Racist on Flight and Social Media Is Behind Her 100 Percent

When will these folks learn?

Although traveling is an enjoyable experience, most folks can agree that dealing with the hassle of checking bags, finding your seat without incident, and dealing with fellow travelers can sometimes be problematic. After all, some folks simply do not know how to practice proper traveling etiquette.

Unfortunately, racism continues to rear its ugly head worldwide, and after one woman on TikTok went through the most uncomfortable experience in-flight, social media is showing her nothing but praise.

Here’s the 4-1-1 on the unfortunate incident.

In a May 27, 2023, video, TikTok creator Taila @Talia.thecreator captured herself confronting an unknown passenger seated next to her.

The text reads, “POV: You decided to confront the racist sitting next to you on your flight.”

“You know what? I wasn’t going to say anything but I decided I want you to feel as uncomfortable as I do,” Talia said to the man.

“I want you to know that I saw your text messages and I think you’re disgusting,” Talia said.

“What text message?” the man replied off camera.

“You know exactly what I’m talking about,” Talia replied. “I’m not going to repeat it because everybody doesn’t need to know. But I want you to know that I know, I saw you, and I think that you’re disgusting.”

Talia's caption reads: "Sitting next to a racist on my four hour flight from Puerto Rico to Atlanta this week. Yes I could’ve minded my own business, but why should I let him slide? I happened to glance over and see the words 'big black woman' so I continued reading. He and his family went on and on about the woes of being stuck sitting next to Black and gay people. Then I see this man say he hopes airlines continue to raise prices so these people get weeded out. If you’re gonna be bold enough to pull your phone out in the middle seat of an airplane and freely talk disrespectfully about Black people, then I’m going to be bold enough to say something to you. What would you have done?"

Talia went on to ask the man if he had anything to say about her sentiments and he replied, “No.”

“And speaking of airlines weeding people out, maybe if they raise the prices, maybe you wouldn’t be able to afford to sit with your family,” Talia added. “That way, they don’t have to sit next to Black people.”

The man attempted to give an impenitent apology and Talia shut him down immediately.

“You don’t have to be sorry to me,” Talia replied. "You’re sorry because I saw it. But I want you to feel as uncomfortable as I do sitting next to you.”

“OK, I am,” the man replied.

Talia ended the confrontation by saying, “You should be.”

Although the identity of the man is unknown, TikTok users are overjoyed with how Talia decided to handle the situation. Unfortunately, once racist actions are displayed, some folks feel the need to escalate the situation.

However, Talia decided to handle the situation with proper tact. After all, we don’t want the content creator to end up on the “no-fly list.”

“I know your heart was beating saying this and honey … but you stood up though. Proud beyond proud,” one person shared.

“That took a lot of courage. You’re amazing,” another person chimed in.

Folks in the comment section sadly agree that this probably wasn’t the man’s first or last time saying disparaging things about Black people on airplanes and beyond.

However, there is a chance that he’ll think twice before spewing disrespectful statements about a Black person in future situations.

Truth be told, racism may never be a thing of the past. But, if we can all handle things with such grace and courage, it’ll make the situation 10 times better.

While Talia’s video doesn’t reveal the man’s identity, we do hope that she took further action by alerting the airline staff.