Imagine being singled out, humiliated, and classified simply for the way you look. This problem is known as “Racial profiling”, a practice used by many forms of police agencies to supposedly prevent any crime or wrongdoing from occurring. When many think of profiling, they immediately picture a police officer pulling an African American male over to the side of the road. But profiling has become somewhat of an accepted practice and in some instances a technique listed in Airports security handbook. This skepticism or classification of individuals who might be perceived as more of a threat than other stems from the terrorist attack in New York on September 11, 2001. Some 20 men of Arab descent boarded 2 planes using fake/stolen ID’s and proceeded to hijack the planes and its passenger’s freedom. Little did the passengers now, these two planes (United Flight 175 from Boston and American Airlines Flight 11) would not be making it to their desired destination. Since the horrible attack on the World Trade Center, which claimed the lives of nearly 3,000 innocent people, Americans have been reluctant to forget what occurred on that day and who was responsible for such a tragedy. However, this attack has led to the belief that all Arab/Muslim/ or “brown” people are out to wage a war of terror against the United States, which is largely inaccurate. These actions were executed by 19 men who belong to an Islamic Extremists group(Al-Qaeda) hell bent on terrorizing the US, what many fail to see are the repercussions that have befallen those innocent travelers who are now subject to public humiliation, de-boarding, and increased vigilance/search. Legislation has been passed in some states such as Arizona, that not only allow but suggest the use of “racial profiling” as a security measure in its airports. But there is light at the end of the tunnel: The End Racial Profiling Act, has been introduced to capitol Hill in 2001, 2004, and 2007. At the hands of former President George Bush, the supposed problem of profiling was glanced at, spoken about briefly and never resolved. But now, President Barack Obama (who supported the Bill while being voted upon in congress) promises that “ending racial profiling is a priority”.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Profiling is Unethical and Immoral
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I'm glad that someone is finally recognizing the huge problem of racial profiling. It's ridiculous that states would go as far as suggesting profiling in airports. Of course, we all want to be safe at all times, but it shouldn't have to be at the disposal of the embarrassment of someone else. I think that profiling should be much more recognized than it currently is, and that the End Racial Profiling Act should be taken seriously. Honestly, this post made me aware of many things that I didn't know. I never imagined that a state government would go so far as to give their employees the right to profile someone. It honestly makes me wonder how far some governments will go.
ReplyDeleteThere are various historical occurrences that demonstrate how relentless the U.S government can be to pass a blind eye over situations. Such events include the war on terror, slavery, and the Water gate scandal. The government had the knowledge and resources to prevent all of these things but chose to ignore them. Of course laws were passed, but in my opinion that was to ease the minds of citizens. We were told that the soldiers were fighting to restore peace in the Middle East but ironically the area is also abundant in natural resources that the U.S wants. With the situation of slavery, there are laws but it still persists today. The Water Gate scandal was abuse of power by the government as well as a cover-up by the government. So in my opinion, if the government really wanted to cease racial profiling it could. There is a "Ground Zero Mosque in Manhattan, New York" that is fueling hatred of Muslim people (http://www.opednews.com/articles/American-Muslims-nine-year-by-Abdus-Sattar-Ghaza-100913-152.html). "Islamophobia" (http://www.opednews.com/articles/American-Muslims-nine-year-by-Abdus-Sattar-Ghaza-100913-152.html) started with the government and has to end with the government. It has been years since the attack and still people are acting out by burning the holy book of Muslims on the anniversary of 9/11. American hatred will not cease completely and even if a law passes people won't change their mentality. The government has to put forth a much stronger effort to change the minds of Americans. Ending Racial Profiling completely will never happen, but maybe Americans will harbor less resentment and animosity in years to come.
ReplyDeleteBeing escorted to a closed room to be interviewed by police is hardly humiliating. You’re not strip searched in front of the crowd of people as they place luggage through the x-ray scanners. Insulting? Very much so, but you can you not swallow your pride for less than one hour as the government performs its most important duty of protecting its citizens? People aren’t escorted off of planes for no reason. One person out of a full flight gets pulled off a plane because he might be a threat to numerous lives and you scream racism? You lose a little bit of time and are slightly inconvenienced while the rest of the group is safely on their way. You simply board a later flight or if you got in there early then you get back on the plane with them. If, during your time in the airport you’ve presented yourself to be worth of suspicion, then you’re going to be pulled in for questioning.
ReplyDeleteIf “racial profiling” was a discriminatory racial practice, then why not go the full nine yards and prevent muslims or non-citizens of the US to enter the country by plane? Skin color doesn’t raise an immediate red flag when protecting airports. The police keeping airports safe have to watch for real terrorists. They don’t have the resources to pull in every person who’s not white for questioning.
After the Oklahoma city bombing, no security systems were developed to closely monitor white men (in particular) who entered government buildings. After abortion clinic bombings, we do not monitor white religious people who hang out in the suburbs.
ReplyDeleteBut when people of Arab descent board planes, our government requires extra security. And when black men are driving in white neighborhoods, police frequently stop them to see what they're doing. And in Arizona, if you appear Mexican, you can be stopped and asked for your papers.
What is the discrepancy here?
I agree with Jimmy that there should be security at airports and that just because a certain person is checked more thoroughly, doesn't always mean racism. However, racial profiling is spreading to other public places. After passing the bill allowing racial profiling in Arizona, many cases of racial profiling in stores were reported, even in stores such as Wal-mart. That means that an innocent ethnic person or family could not even shop for groceries without being harassed for proof of citizenship. I am tan and of hispanic decent, but i was born in this country and my family migrated here over 30 years ago. The fact that someone has the right to stop and question me while I'm shopping based on my physical traits is quite incredible. If someone doesn't "look" like they are an American citizen, they can be stopped and questioned. Now the question I have is what does an American citizen "look" like? We are considered the "melting pot" of the world. There is no one look to us.
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