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Georgia Apple Store Refuses To Sell iPad To Iranian-American Teen

Posted by timothy on from the cultural-profiling dept.

pdclarry writes "An Iranian-American teenager was told by an Apple store employee that they could not sell her an iPad because it would violate U.S. trade restrictions. She returned to the store with a camera crew from a local TV station and was again turned down. Apparently an Apple employee heard her speaking Farsi. As he was also of Iranian extraction he recognized the language and used this as a basis for refusal."

10 of 1,116 comments (clear)

  1. Poetic Justice by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    Homosexuality is illegal in Iran, so it should be illegal for Iranians to buy iPads.

    1. Re:Poetic Justice by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Funny

      Then the iPad comes with Hangman HD pre-installed.

    2. Re:Poetic Justice by arth1 · · Score: 3, Funny

      Actually trade with an American citizen is banned if you know, or have reason to know, that the item is being purchased for export.

      That means that Apple refuses to sell to soldiers and their families, right?

    3. Re:Poetic Justice by drkim · · Score: 5, Funny

      I thought they would just complete the sale, install Stuxnet, re-wrap the unit, and wish them a nice day...

    4. Re:Poetic Justice by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 3, Funny

      You're literally shocked? As in, you were zapped by lightning due to your perception of arrogance and bigotry?

      Get a dictionary.

    5. Re:Poetic Justice by Elixon · · Score: 5, Funny

      > if you know, or have reason to know, that the item is being purchased for export.
      And he knew it for sure. She was speaking Farsi! And that is a clear sign that she supports terrorists and intends to hand iPad to bomb-makers in Iran. And if not then she is for sure going to develop a nuclear weapon with it.

      Everybody knows that language, colour of the skin, passport your own, ... constitute the guilt. No doubt. Once it was state policy to don't serve non-white people... in my country we used to have state policy to don't serve Jews... now you have a policy to don't serve Iranians in Apple stores... and as always all is backed up by law and very serious regulations (with very severe penalties if not followed) and political theories. Works - proved by history, congratulations for using time-proven practices.

      --
      Well, I've got to get back to work. When I stop rowing, the slave ship just goes in circles.
    6. Re:Poetic Justice by WrongSizeGlass · · Score: 4, Funny

      I thought they would just complete the sale, install Stuxnet, re-wrap the unit, and wish them a nice day...

      Nice try, but it's a well known fact that the Stuxnet iPad app is still stuck in the app review process. Soon it will have to be recalled so it can be made compatible with iOS 6 and then resubmitted. I'm sure if they had made it a paid app rather than a free app the review process would have gone smoother. /sarcasm

    7. Re:Poetic Justice by nospam007 · · Score: 4, Funny

      Unlike the CIA, apple shops seem to have no problems getting employees who speak Farsi.

  2. Re:Incoming... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Funny

    If you're buying from Apple, I think it's fair to say you're not really thinking to begin with. However, I just find this astounding. This wouldn't happen at the hickish farming supply store here in the deep south if someone speaking Farsi bought a half a ton of fertilizer - why is it happening in a store which sells to people who at least think themselves to be progressives? It seems like death to their company image unless the reality distortion field gets turned up to 11.

    Where is at this store at which my Arab brothers can buy large quantities of fertilizer with none questions asked?

  3. "Supreme leader!" by bitt3n · · Score: 5, Funny

    "Our nuclear program has come to ruin, as the triggering mechanism was unobtainable. Operation Angriest Bird has failed!"

    --
    how many pairs of boxer shorts should you own?