In today's day and age of terrorism, especially on airplanes, do you think racial profiling is indispensable?

Question

Is it ethical? Does it matter whether or not it's ethical?

Answer 1

Profiling is indispensible, however by no means should profiling be racially based. Not only that it really doesn't work. Racial profiling would have not stopped the Oklahoma City terrorists. Profiling correctly takes a great deal of training adn I doesn't see TSA ever being able to do it.

Answer 2

I don't think it's racial profiling at all.
Given this day and age, we have to do something to make flying somewhat secure.


I am a caucasian, light-skinned female from the Southwest. I flew out to Hawaii a few years ago on vacation. On my way back to the mainland, I was detained at Honolulu airport just because they check certain passengers, or every so many passengers. I didn't have a problem with that. I was actually glad they were doing their jobs.

So it's not just that the airline personnel are practicing profiling in my opinion. They stop other passengers, also.

Is it ethical? I think ethical needs to be redefined in this case. I think it's ethical that the airlines bear the responsibility for preventing a plane load of people from dying at the hands of terrorists.

Answer 3

I object to racial profiling on general principles, but I have to admit that when it comes to airport security, it's not grandmothers like me who have dynamite strapped to their chest - yet I'm one of the people who's made to remove her shoes while her luggage is searched. It's absurd and preposterous and slows the whole check-in process. So I have to say, with some reluctance, that in this instance it makes sense. On the other hand, I fly a lot and I have never seen anyone refused a boarding pass on the strength of something that was found on their person or in their carry-on bag.

Whether or not profiling is ethical is a knottier problem. I'm cursed with the ability to see both sides of an issue so I'm going to skirt that one, thank you very much!

Answer 4

Profiling is going to happen whether they tell you they are or not. But we would be remiss in our responsibility and a little fool hardy if we assumed that only a particular race is capable of a crime. If I were a terrorist and I knew that they were only checking muslims, I would figure out how to get an old lady to carry stuff on for me. So we need to be open to all possibilites.

Answer 5

It's indispensible, doesn't matter on ethics. Better to be safe than sorry.

Answer 6

I just see it as a tool. I don't really care of it's unethical and I don't believe anybody else would either, supposing they know what is going on. Sensitive people will mind it.

Answer 7

Racial profiling is another form of racism, another form of prejudice, it is very unethical.

Answer 8

sure... and just when you feel safe coz all the olive-skinned people are cuffed and stuffed in the baggage compartment a radical group of white supremists will get you ...you just cant win ya know?