This week as I was traveling for work, I had my first experience having a full body scan done, courtesy of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). After all the uproar I had heard about whether or not it should be considered a violation of one’s privacy, the process itself was quite simple. I’m not sure what made them pull me out of line for the body scan while my co-workers went through the regular metal detectors. Regardless, I was happy they did. I was all done in about 10 seconds, while my fellow passengers were stuck waiting in line, and being further delayed by items passengers forgot to remove, invariably setting off the alarms.
As I sat on the bench collecting my stuff and putting my shoes back on, I paid notice to flutter of activity going on all around me. One gentleman, who went through the metal detectors with no problem, was asked to step aside while TSA officials wiped his hands with what I can only assume to be an explosive trace detection swab. He was then asked to wait while they took the swab somewhere else to “analyze” it. An elderly woman who was in a wheelchair was wanded and patted down by security officials and then asked to stand up with assistance from the TSA officials and a cane for the full body scan. I wondered how necessary it was to perform multiple security checks on a physically challenged elderly individual. A mother coming through with a young baby wreaked such havoc on the system you would’ve though Osama bin Laden was coming through the checkpoint himself. We all know of the numerous new security measure TSA has put into place since September 11th, but I was staring to wonder has all that time and money gone to waste? Are we scanning and searching the wrong people?
A recent Washington Post – ABC news poll showed 70% of Americans would support the TSA profiling people and using available information about passengers to determine who gets selected for extra security screening at the airports. Of those 70%, 32% favor taking gender into account, 39% favor taking religion into account, 40% favor taking race into account, 50% favor taking a passenger’s personal appearance into account and 86% favor taking a passengers behavior at the airport into account. Currently, the TSA does have enhanced screening procedures for U.S.-bound travelers, traveling from “state sponsors of terrorism, or other countries of interest” including, Pakistan, Yemen and Nigeria. TSA has yet to admit to any form of profiling passengers on domestic flights as all the September 11th flights were. Critics of profiling say the practice is discriminatory and goes against the American ideal of being judged on the content of your character.
So my question to you this week is “Do you think the TSA should profile certain people to determine who gets selected for extra security screening? If so, what characteristics should they use? If no, why not?” Answers are due no later than Tuesday, May 31st, 2011. Happy Memorial Day – enjoy the day off!
I honestly don't think that the TSA should use any kind of profiling when it comes to security checking, but I believe it does happen and will continue to. We are judgmental whether we believe so or not. That's just how our minds work. In that respect I think everyone should get screened the same way. If that means more time then oh well..I think it's in everyones best interest. It wouldn't be a factor of more money because the ability and devices are already in place, it will just take up more time. In which case will be an issue for some people and their "precious time"..but I believe our safety and well being is more important.
ReplyDeleteNatasha Hill
ReplyDeleteThursday moring class
I do not think it should be any kind of profiling when it comes to security checking. I think that it should just randomaly check people for everyones safety.
I think the TSA are doing a fine job of what they are doing now. It seems like the are just doing this at random to keep people from guessing who they are going to pick. Which is on the other hand a way to keep terrorist from acting stupid.
ReplyDeleteTSA are doing the best they can ,to keep people safe from lawsuits and terrorist, because people will sue you for anything. I think its a hard process to follow, that's why people are so uncomfortable with their process, so just tell yourself to be patient and give yourself a thanks for good service. You know people complane about anything.
ReplyDeleteI think the TSA should keep doing what they are doing. If you think about it they have(at some point) have peoples life on the line when it comes to checking/ scanning people. There job is hard enough with people they check giving them crap. I say keep up the good work and help keep this country safe.
ReplyDeleteLeSha Moss Tuesday Morning
ReplyDeleteHonestly I'm sure they are already profiling. And to some extent it does violate people being judged on the content of their character. However if their character has a bad track record then you have marked yourself already. Here in America if your character decides to murder someone, there are consequences to that. So if you know you have a habit of acting stupid on the plane, then of course they are going to want to be cautious. Which unfortunately will be categorized as profiling. I like the system the way it is as long as it's working. Being random can help in major ways. Because it doesn't give people time to change things. Where as profiling will probably have people finding ways to manipulate their identity. Only time will tell if the system is working. But if someone decides to attack, I don't think that they will come the same way twice because we are expecting that.....just a thought.
Gabrielle Banks
ReplyDeleteThurs AM
I don't think TSA should profile, but I do think selecting individuals randomly without them being bias or individuals who may give true signals of alarm is a good idea.
tuesday morning
ReplyDeletethis is a tough question, I think it's rude to profile in order to possibly get a bad guy trying to hurt someone but I think TSA is doing the best they can. Profiling is going to happen whether the general public likes it or not but I think TSA is trying to stop people from believing that by keeping it as random as possible. The lady in a wheelchair or the mother with the baby shows that the system is working. It's a little unnecessary for them to make the elder stand when they can't and anything along those lines, but I'm sure there is a step-by-step checklist that they have to follow as apart of their job.
I agree that terrorists are unlikely to attack the same way twice, and for that reason I feel pretty safe on planes. The TSA, if nothing else, forces potential terrorists to work very hard to get past their systems.
ReplyDeleteIf security checks weren't random, I think elderly people and children would be the ones being used by terrorists to somehow get past the checks. It sucks for people of Middle Eastern descent to also be treated with suspicion, but I'm not sure how we can get around that.
Security checks, intense as they might get, are just part of the experience of flying. It can even be entertaining if you keep your mind in the right place. :)
Tuesday Morning
ReplyDeleteRachael Stone
I think that people should be chosen because they look threatening, but i think that random selection is ok because it makes you feel a bit safer for the extra security but it's not just singling people out.
I find the TSA to be a huge issue, and trying to explain everything that is wrong with the fact that every person on this thread so far has agreed to at least one of the countless abominations of justice that is the TSA. This time I’m going with facts and incidents instead of my own personal opinion:
ReplyDelete(for no good reason linking doesn't seem to be an option, gonna have to do it old school)
The time when screeners stole over $200k from fliers (feb this year)
http://boingboing.net/2011/02/17/tsa-screeners-stole.html
That one time when screeners harassed a women who didn’t want her breast milked x-rayed (November 2010)
http://boingboing.net/2010/11/29/tsa-harasses-mother.html
The four year old forced to remove his leg braces (feb 2010)
http://boingboing.net/2010/02/16/tsa-forces-travellin.html
The five year old detained because his name was a terrorist alias
http://boingboing.net/2008/01/09/tsa-searches-detains.html
Or the woman who was patted down because the scanner couldn’t get a good enough view of her genitals (November 2010)
http://boingboing.net/2010/11/24/menstruating-woman-s.html
Yes these are all anecdotes, but they are anecdotes of a agency that has unlimited power, reports to no one, and is currently installing scanning equipment that costs upwards of $170,000 per unit (during one of the worst recessions in American history). No reports have been released stating that any new security has every stopped a terrorist attack, and I’m willing to bet none ever will.
9/11 didn’t happen because they got weapons on the plane, there is no background check for getting a box cutter; in fact the school sells them. It happened because people didn’t think something like that could ever happen; now they sure as hell do. The only two effective improvements in airplane security; reinforced cockpit doors, and that the passengers know to resist a terrorist attack.
As far as profiling goes, what do you think those 50% of people mean when they say “personal appearance”, because I’m willing to bet in means Arab looking. As a man who has ancestors who were locked up in the ww2 Japanese concentration camps, I can assure you when Americans get scared they become racist.
My stance on the TSA is that every single thing it has done since 9/11 has only succeeded in increasing the nations debt, and that agreeing to these policies, even submitting to them, is no different that setting the constitution on your front porch and using it as a welcome mat.
Jake K
Mariana Beduschi said:
ReplyDeleteI think TSA should not profile people for extra security screening. Sometimes it is really difficult to tell a criminal only by his/her appearance and behavior, and using gender, ethnicity, religion, or any other predicate as a category to select people for screening is definitely discriminatory.
Random selection seems like a better option in this cases. I know being scanned is not the greatest thing, especially when all you want is to get in your plane (I can tell, I've had the experience 3 times!!), but its just 10 seconds that can definitely help and make us feel a little safer.
You get get screened, I get screened, lets all go for icecream afterwords. Funny as it is, everybody seems to be on the same page with this topic. We are judgemental by default, as a human race. but, another thing to add is that there are billions of people one this world, which means billions of opinions. I wouldnt doubt it if im being judged, racially profiled or laughed at for wearing a shirt that someone else thinks looks funny, truth is I dont want to care what someone thinks. but, one thing is clear TSA is only trying to insure that our country and our children are safe. so in my opinion every one should get the same treatment for security purpose. yes, perhapse in a better manner.
ReplyDeleteBethany Hackman.
ReplyDeleteTuesday Morning.
I think the TSA is doing a great job right now. The random screenings are a good choice, but I'm sure they are profiling along with it. I feel like if they probably saw someone back in the line who looked like a 'terrorist' they'd probably do some random full body scans on some people before them to make it not seem like they are doing it on purpose.
I don't think the TSA should necessarily profile certain people, but at the same time I do. It's a hard decision to make. But, for now I think they are making the right choice.
Tiffany Needler
ReplyDeleteThursday Morning
Let me start off by saying if it walks like a duck, and quacks like a duck, then it is probably is a duck. Profiling happens every where, and if that is what has to happen to keep my country safe then fine. With that said I do feel that the TSA should have random screening, because terrorist can come in any shape and size. So why not cover all the bases?
I think it is wise to profile certain travelers that are flying the friendly skies of the United States. Certain people are more likely to be terrorists and although I would normally say it is wrong to profile, it is better to be safe than sorry. It is easier to say sorry than ask for permission in this case. If people that looked like me where suspected of being terrorists I would submit to heightened security measures to set minds at ease. However I think that taking an old lady out of her wheelchair is absurd, most people don't pretend to be crippled and pack a wheelchair full of explosives.
ReplyDeleteDanielle Kraus
ReplyDeleteTuesday Morning
I think that the TSA should have a very good reason for doing an extra screening. Their should be a purpose. Now a days security is very hard to get by so if you have a weapon or anything the scanners will show it. I highly doubt an elderly lady in a wheelchair would have any explosives. I think it is good that they are trying to keep us safe but you have to be fair. My mom has to go through extra security checks every time we go to an airport because she has a knee replacement that sets off the scanners. It sucks that we have to weight for a long time for a check like this but they are trying to keep us safe. I understand the need for keeping us safe but this process can be very hard and frustrating to go through.
Cristiano Mattos
ReplyDeleteThursday Morning
Everybody knows that for the last years or decades the authorities have been forced to control more the people who get in the planes because the terrorist attacks. I do not work for the TSA but I bet they took very serious the decision of doing something against the terrorism and if so far they just came up with the random selection and it’s working, so it’s great. I used to fly a lot and I used to feel a little safer when I saw something was been done.
Of course the good passengers will never like to go through the whole security screening process, but how the authorities will know who is good who is not. Maybe profiling people would be another tool used against the terrorism, but we already know that terrorists do not come just from one place and do not have just one physical characteristic. And for sure a profiled person who has nothing to do with terrorism will complain about this screening process as well. Unfortunately the old story of the good ones paying the price for the bad ones behaviors has been and always will be repeated.
Thurs AM
ReplyDeleteI believe that there should be no profiling standards and that the TSA continue with the random checks. If there were to be a standard then the actually terrorist will have a map of what not to do. No plan can be prepared for random. Plus if we set a standard then the employees of TSA will become complacent with only looking for those standards and that is how major issues occur. What do you want more...a shorter line or a shorter flight???
Janelle Birkey
ReplyDeleteTuesday Morning
I believe that profiling is discriminatory. If the TSA chose people to search based on their looks, I would be upset. The last time I flew (in April) there was a Muslim family in front of me at security check, they went through fine and I was the one chosen for a random security search. I personally have not seen this discrimination yet, but I do believe it happens. However, I feel well protected when I fly today. I personally have been selected many times for random searches. The searches might take ten minutes longer, but I have nothing to hide. As long as I see them working their best to prevent more attacks, I will never have a problem with privacy issues.
Brett A. Williams
ReplyDeleteTuesday Morning Class
I believe that the TSA should not profile people. I know it is good in theory but in today's society looking a certain way, being associated with a religion, and matching a demographic means a lot less than it used to. I believe that everyone should go threw the same tests and if one is trigger or failed entire only then should people be subjected to more intrusive screenings. I believe it to be the only equal and fair process for airline security.
- Brett A. Williams
Natalie Farrell
ReplyDeleteTuesday Morning Class
I'm not going to lie, every time I get on a plane and I see someone that looks Iranian or Muslim I get nervous. I know that sounds terrible, but I can't help it.
The first time I flew on a plane was my senior yr. of high school and I flew out of the country to Paris by myself. The first person I saw that looked Muslim or Iranian, tons of thoughts popped into my head.
This past year when I was flying back from Italy, I sat next to a Muslim family and actually talked to them...they were very sweet people and I wasn't nervous at all...
I feel bad for the people from the Middle East that didn't support 9/11, yet they are paying for it just because of the way they look...I think when in an airport all people should be checked thoroughly. No one should have to suffer because of how they look or act or sound when they talk...even the nicest old lady in the wheel-chair could be a terrorist! The Evil pull tricks, they gain their power by cheating, lying and manipulating!
I'm not saying trust no one...but if your going to be cautious with air security, don't go into it thinking one certain type of person is going to be the terrorist. It could be anyone! Even the lady that's dressed to a "T" and sweet as pie!
I do think that the TSA should do extra screening. Really if you think about it would you rather have another 9-11 or just be inconvenienced a few minutes at the airport. I think the only reason that people really get upset about it is that we all hate to wait or do things we don't like. Well I'd rather be safe then not being sure about who I'm up in the air with. So I think it would be fair to do extra screening on someones personal appearance or their behavior. If im in line, I'll gladly go through the extra screening to either show people it's not a big deal or just get me out of the line of all those compaining people.
ReplyDeleteTaylor Fleeman
ReplyDeleteThursday Morning
I had my first TSA extra screening last year, ironically on my birthday. When telling the TSA that it was my birthday, she laughed. My head, and hair was searched and I was patted down. I of course took it seriously, but once it was done - I turned around and smiled, laughed at the fact it was my birthday and continued on. I never saw it as a negative thing, I always saw it as a positive. I might be strange to say comforting, but that's the only word that comes to mind... It was comforting knowing that they actually were checking. That there was something being done. I felt a little more safe.
I think the TSA is works extremely hard, and I know you never questioned that... but, I would say that it's a little hazy of a line where they decide to check, and decide not to check. I would have to agree with the rest of the 70% of Americans where there should be of some known checking policy. Though, there is a strong part of me that there should be that, as long with random checking. Just as long, as something is being done, and our airways are safe - that's all that matters. Whatever gets that done, is good in my book.
Sarah Green Tuesday Morning Class
ReplyDeleteYes I think they should keep using TSA security because it will prevent terror attacks and let people know that there is security there to stop any threats that may come about. I also feel that having TSA, will help people feel safe and relax that there are technology to let law officers know any mass destruction such as bombs, guns,etc that may try to override.
Stephanie Harrison
ReplyDeleteThursday Morning....
I believe that TSA does profile to an extent, there are times when the searches that they do are random. Over all I think that most of the searches are from profiling. Why wouldn’t they be? You have knowledge of violence from past actions why wouldn’t you use that to protect your future. I know that people disagree with what they do, but I can see the very same people complain if they didn’t do it and something happened. For safety there are things that have to be done and you can’t look at it like negative action, but that they are making it safe so you can live your life.
Justin Mog
ReplyDeleteTuesday Morning
I don't think that the TSA should profile travelers' based on race, religion, or gender. Behavior? Perhaps. What I question is, if the full body scan takes only a matter of seconds, why not send every traveler through that? If the full body scan displays EVERYTHING, why not implement for all travelers? Profiling won't be an issue because everyone is required to step through the space age looking contraption.
James Thomas
ReplyDeleteTuesday morning
I think that they should give certain people screening. I don't think that it should be on the basis on religion, race, dress, or color. I think it should be done completely at random with the occasional pick of a person. To have picks on the way people look is profiling and that is not right. Just because someone looks arabic it does not mean that that person is a terrorist or Arabic at all. If done at random it can get a broad variety of people and use the special picks to people who act and look suspicious.
I believe that the TSA should not profile anyone. Profile just escalates the tension and makes matters worse. Its pretty obvious that the bad guys know that officers will profile and search certain individuals. Earlier we found out that Osama Bin Laden wanted to recruit other races for attacks. It seems that is one of many ways around officers profiling certain people. They should scan everyone if it only took 10 secs. Suspect everyone, and yeah even the old lady in the wheel chair.
ReplyDeleteI think TSA is doing all they can. If they have "random" searches they get ridiculed for screening elderly people or children. On the other hand, if they base the screening off of what we as Americans think terrorists look like then they are accused of profiling. Its a situation where they are stuck between a rock and a hard place, I think they are doing a great job with the amount of heat they get for it.
ReplyDeleteYajaira Hermosillo
ReplyDeleteTuesday Morning
I really don't think that TSA should profile certain people just because they look, talk, or dress. I do think they are doing everything they can to make airplanes safe, but they should profile. I know because I'm Hispanic I wouldn't like people treating me different then the people that are in front of me or behind me in a line. The full body scan is a smart idea because in that way they can see what people are carrying under there close because even though people pass under the detector that don't help all the time.
I think that the TSA are doing a good job at what they are doing but. There is a point that they take it to far they. Really should do it at random to make it so that they just don't go for the people that look like aww he/she look dress up let check them out. If they do it randomly then i think people will feel fine to fly.
ReplyDeleteI don't know that it is necessarily right for the TSA to profile, but if that is what they are doing now, it seems to be working alright. I'm sure that pulling the old lady or the man that already passed through the metal detector was just to keep it "random" so that they will not get punished or ridiculed for profiling certain people. What happens if they do not profile? If something happens again like 9/11 they would be blamed for the incident, I'm sure
ReplyDeleteI think the TSA should be allowed to do extra screening on certain individuals. I believe on thing they should take into account is behavior. This is something that can also be a "sketchy" was to determine who should go through the extra screening, but i think that it would work. If someone in the airport is acting strange or mischievous i would see this as a legitimate reason to pull them aside and make sure that they have nothing "extra" on their person
ReplyDelete