| Subject: Re: Racial Profiling - Semi-vent |
Author:
Astrid
|
[
Next Thread |
Previous Thread |
Next Message |
Previous Message
]
Date Posted: 16:08:27 10/11/02 Fri
In reply to:
Raisinmom
's message, "Re: Racial Profiling - Semi-vent" on 15:49:56 10/11/02 Fri
>Well, here's the problem. There are certain traits
>that were shared by all 19 9/11 hijackers, plus those
>convicted of the 1993 WTC bombing, plus related
>terrorist acts against the US. All were Arab, for
>one. So what exactly do you want our intelligence and
>police forces to do with this information? Do you
>want them to totally ignore it?
>Do you want them to shrug if four young Arab men, all
>clean-shaven and traveling alone, board a flight?
I think profiling is an important tool that can save law enforcement time. It isn't just racial profiling--ever notice how the lists of suspects in serial killings are virtually always male-only?
I do think it's ridiculous to be taking knitting needles away from little old ladies on airplanes and doing random checks in airports (sorry if it's not PC, but I want every single Arab male between the ages of 15 and 50 checked thoroughly on my plane, and I'm perfectly ok with letting the elderly hispanic woman through without such a thorough search). OTOH, I think we need to be respectful and uphold people's dignity. I feel for Arabs in this part of the world today, but I think if I were Arab I'd try hard to be understanding of the fact that I am going to be perceived as a slightly higher security risk. It isn't personal--it's logical.
>They are military
>actions because they do not target noncombatant
>civilians
This is not always true, Raisinmom. Young Palestinian boys in particular are targeted by Israeli soldiers, who justify their actions by saying the boys were throwing rocks at them. That's a pretty weak self defence scenario.
You're right, though, the parallels aren't great. Presumably most Palestinians who mind their own business aren't going to be shot at. They are, however, paying the price for Palestinian terrorism--economically, socially, in terms of health care, etc.
I think you could make the case that the Israeli gov't is trying to "terrorise" the Palestinians into submission, albeit via a more subtle form than pure terror. But not being able to see a life for your kids or grandkids might not be terrifying, but it's still pretty awful.
[
Next Thread |
Previous Thread |
Next Message |
Previous Message
]
| |
Feedback: 