LOOK: Photo of Muslims in burqas draws alarm, turns out to be bus seats

When a photo of a bus  supposedly filled with women in burqas was posted on an anti-immigrant Facebook group, members immediately responded with alarm.

“It looks really scary, should be banned. You can never know who is under there. Could be terrorists with weapons,” said a Facebook user in the Norweigan group “Fedrelandet viktigst” or “Fatherland First,” according to a Washington Post report.

Many others commented that the burqas posed a danger.

The sentiments fit with concerns in Europe that immigrants pose a threat to locals. Norway is the next European country to propose banning full-face veils in public. France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Bulgaria and Bavaria in Germany have already enforced this ban.

Some members of the public have argued that this kind of law would isolate Muslim immigrants.

For Facebook user Johan Slattavik, the post was a practical joke and a lesson in human behavior. Stating he was bored one night, he posted a picture of bus seats in the group to see how people would react.

“I have thought about the differences between legitimate criticism of immigration to Europe and blind racism and xenophobia. I wanted to look into these differences: something I think I have achieved by setting up this practical joke and watching the reactions,” he explained.

Another user, Sindre Beyer, spotted the reactions and shared it on Facebook.

It gained even more attention on the social media platform, getting about 3,000 likes and 1,700 shares. Members of “Fedrelandet viktigst” were mocked and criticized for their comments. “Then it is proven: The meanest are also the stupidest,” said a user.

Another user said, “Think I passed the test, since the first thing I saw was a bunch of Darth Vaders.”  Niña V. Guno /ra

RELATED STORIES:

Canada lawmakers pass anti-Islamophobia motion

Anti-Islamic sentiment spreads across Europe