Is Racial/Gender Profiling racist/sexist? Should our police and government use it?

Question

I'm confused. Some people say that racial/gender profiling is racist/sexist, but other people say thats it's okay to use it. it seems like that would be judging someone and people say that judging is wrong. So what is it?

Answer 1

Obviously differentiating on the basis of race or sex in areas such as flight screening will adversely affect some groups of people. However whether it is racist(/sexist) or not depends upon the definition you use.

Under the common definition (follows) profiling is not racist.

"The belief that race accounts for differences in human character or ability and that a particular race is superior to others."

Under a broader definition it would be.

"Discrimination or prejudice based on race."

This latter definition would also mean that affirmative action programs are also racist. It appears to be overly broad and defies the "ist" ending.

Keep in mind that profile is NOT judging the people or a final determination of any kind. It is the application of demographics from past offenders used to preselect those who exhibit similar characteristics. The recent case of two British nationals singled out on a flight from Spain the the UK is a good example. On a flight full of vacationers wearing short sleeves and flip-flops, these two "arab-looking" men were wearing winter clothing. A number of the passengers were alarmed and the two were pulled off for further screening. They were cleared and put on the next flight.

Was it embarassing and painful for the men? Almost certainly. If they had not been pulled of and had indeed been terrorists with a plan in mind, what would the cost have been? Is the former cost appropriate to avoid the latter? I believe so. Even if 100% of the passengers fit the profile and the flight is delayed as a result.

Answer 2

Well, if a suspect is described as a blonde white male, about 40, and around 210-220 pounds living in the Cincinnati area, I should expect to be looked at thoroughly. All those fitting that description should expect a little extra scrutiny.

However, if a crime occurs in a predominantly white, 40ish area, I shouldn't be considered a prime suspect without a description of the suspect.

So in some circumstances (when a description of a suspect is available), you damn well better believe the authorities should be able to exhaust their resources to find the perp. If there's no actual description, then no, they shouldn't *assume* it's a particular profile.

Answer 3

When the crime is terrorists from the middle east and disproportionally blak in this country - who decided to almost strip search a 74 year old white grandmother at the airport. Why can the news come on with an alert that a 13 year old has been abducted and NOT say the suspect is Blak when they have his name and license number?????????? Just what is so bad about identifying the criminal by his race.when it is Blak or middle eastern. When the guy who kidnaps a 13 year old girl is white. The bulletin starts: "Suspect is a white male". If you are looking for a blak male and scared to say it and we see him - we will not call you. How about that!

Answer 4

just because something is sexist or racist doesn't mean it is wrong or bad, it depends if there is a reason why sex and race are being used. Sexes and races do differ and it is perfectly lea gal and moral to use these as a basis of decision if there is a logical reason to do so. In England most of the terrorist acts or attempted acts have been performed by Muslims of Pakistani extraction. The argument is if they are most likely to perform terrorist acts why should every one else have under go additional security measures when they are most like not to engage in terrorist acts.

Answer 5

yes, it is racist, and yes, our police should use it. Why are there rich white kids driving slow in a poor black ghetto? Should little old ladies from Iowa be strip searched when we are looking for Islamic terrorists? There has to be some degree of judgment involved for our law enforcement. All people may be considered innocent, but that doesn't mean they are.

What we really need to do, is extend crime to its rightful groups - NASCAR stickers, a gunrack, on a Chevy truck, leaving a bar at 2 am - maybe DUI? White attorney advertising criminals can get money - RICO violation? other white collar crimes out there, need to be considered.

Answer 6

the actual policing of the government is the business enterprise of the Congress in partnership with the human beings.... although.... 6 years of crooked republicans confirmed how that doesn't artwork. The media having been offered up via the Billionaires particular does not help. it rather is the tip made of 30 years of artwork via the final wing as they destroyed the regulations on the FCC to allow the purchase up of those information retailers. All in all - remarkable wing enemies of united states of america of america and the yankee human beings have taken over!

Answer 7

I think that it should be kept in check, but also not every case of profiling is actually profiling. If you have a predominately white neighborhood that has low level crime it is probably white people doing it. Should a white guy in that neighborhood that gets pulled over or investigated hollar profliling? Of course not.

Answer 8

i think its not racial,but BEHAVIOUR profiling,which should be used. disregard the age,sex,race,but observe the actions/reactions of a person-do they seem odd,erratic,violent,overly angry for no apparent cause?those are the people who need to be observed in places like airports.most are probably innocent-fear of flying,bad day @ work,etc.---but some are probably worth a second look.unless ur an incredibly smooth actor,intent to harm or destroy causes stress,and stress is usually visible in body language,replies to questions,etc.basic principles of forensic psychology.

Answer 9

Well if it concerns the safety of this country than why not? All the terrorists that have blown up planes and embassies around the world all fit one discription, why not follow that?

Answer 10

racial profiling works, i never heard of gender profiling