Two Packets of MILK..

This happened at the end of my trip to hongkong/shenzhen.
We were having dinner/picnic just outside the customs after checking in our luggage. Suddenly there was this huge commotion, it was an African man. He was screaming at the top of his voice, as his food ( 2 packets of milk ) was thrown away by the customs officer as the new rule states that liquids could not be brought to the plane. He later went to burst milk at the counter.

Immediately, really bad comments came from the crowd. Without knowing the reason for his behaviour, as by-standers horrible judgement and names were given to the poor man. "I can't believe all these for just 2 packets of milk."

Before i knew the reason for his behaviour, i managed to catch a glimpse of his expression during the heated moment. To me he was not angry due to the outrageous new rule tat he could not bring the milk on board. He was more frustrated out of sheer disappointment. I suddenly felt sorry for him. Because i know how it is to feel helpless and stuck, being so far from home. I felt that he could have been discriminated throughout his journey due to his colour, and that was his last straw. Probably, that is why he flared up.

Later on, I saw the man pulling a customs officer, guiding him towards a baby's cart. He then said the milk was for the baby, how could they throw away food for the baby, especially this budget flight does not provide anything during flight.

Immediately, i formed a better picture in my mind:
Firstly, He and his family were not treated fairly due to their colour. They could have had problems along the way. Knowing China people, their service were not very good either. Secondly, the chinese customs officer may have just thrown away the liquid with no questions asked as the new rule had stated. (Some would say only a fool would have brought liquids on flight)

Yes, i believed that he was no fool. Now i could feel his disappointment. He knew the new rule, but he thought that there could have been a leeway. He was hoping for a chance, not so that he could smuggle liquids on board, but it was for the baby. He was hoping for compassion. I was frustrated. How come no one helped? Yes i agree, due to the many terrorist threats we should be more careful, but it would not hurt to be nice. Especially the people from China, they are horrible at service. Isn't it obvious why the guy brought milk? Couldn't somemore asked him if he knew the new rules why did he bring the milk? Even if his milk could not be brought, someone could have suggested that the airline to provide milk for the baby.

Is it fair to put this guy in jail for milk? Or prevent him from boarding the plane, or even calling him a mad man? I was very sad, as i could not help him, being stuck on the otherside of customs, and when i crossed over the commotion was over. This was stucked in me the entire day, and it feels a little better letting it out here. Like i mentioned, we really need to be more cautious about terrorist threats, but we should be more fair. Rather than we are more careful of those only of a certain colour or race. Most of them are really nice people. I felt that we really need to learn to show a bit more kindess, a bit more forgivenss, abit more understanding and more compassion.

To Cheryl Kel and Szewei, I am really sorry that i put on a black face before boarding the plane, but the situation really took my spirits away. I hope it did not spoil the trip in anyway.