The use of the Arabic word for wind created a tornado amongst bigots on Facebook, but for every Negative Nancy there were 10 Tolerant Toms, which is something to be proud of as America continues the fight against racisim.

If I say the word ‘haboob,” are you outraged? Does that word make you want to post angry comments on Facebook? If not, then apparently you aren’t from Texas.

The term ‘Haboob” is the Arabic word for wind-try saying it a few times, it’s fun!-and American meteorologists have been using it since the 1950’s to describe a huge sandstorm. Most recently, however, the word inspired a mini-firestorm.

Shortly after KCBD News Channel 11 in Lubbock, Texas posted a photo on its Facebook page with the caption ‘Haboob headed toward Lubbock” Texans begun to freak out, taking to Facebook to make it clear they aren’t fond of Arabs or Muslims therefore don’t want to hear no, ‘meddle [sic] eastern term.”

The hullabaloo over ‘haboob” ranged from run of the mill xenophobic comments such as, ‘Its a freakin’ dust storm people!! Its not a Haboob!! This is America….be proud!!!” to the more angry, racist remarks like:

‘Since when do we need to apply a Muslim vocabulary […]