by Sebastian Talon

Created on: February 27, 2010

Is racial profiling used for identification or discrimination?

Racial Profiling is used for discrimination, plain and simple. Identification can be established in other ways and with other techniques.

So, that leaves us with Racial Profiling being discriminatory. So what? Do you really care as long as you and yours are kept safe? So our government is pulling aside people who may be terrorists because they fit a certain profile. We can bitch about it all we want, but inside, where it really counts, we all WANT our government to do this nasty, discriminatory thing. Why? Because inside each of us is a voice that says, "We don't care what happens to anyone else, as long as me and mine are safe!" A normal human reaction, and one that ALL humans share, even if they will deny it.

The point is that it really does not matter how, or why, the technique of racial profiling is used. In today's world, when men are willing to kill other, innocent men, women and children for a political goal, it is necessary. Think of it as a necessary evil. We don't want to have to do it, but we MUST! No other option is available, unless we are willing to accept the loss of life that terrorism brings to a society.

That's right. You want to get rid of racial profiling? Okay, I may agree. However, in order to do so, we must be willing to watch our fellow countrymen die when the terrorists score another point, as they did on 9/11. I for one welcome this attitude. Our forefathers were said to shout, "Give me Liberty or give me Death!", as they rode to battle during the American Revolution. Where has this attitude gone? Do we still have it? Are you willing to die so that we can all have liberty and freedom from things like Racial Profiling?

Doubtful. The normal human reaction to such situations is self protection, not self sacrifice. Therefore, racial profiling exists.

Did it exist before 9/11? Yes, of course it did. Anyone who thinks differently is wrong. But, to make it clear to everyone, all nations do it. White, Black, Red, Yellow, Green, Purple or Orange, it makes no difference what skin color you are. First off, we are all one race, human. There is no racial profiling, per se. There is, however, skin tone profiling. And it is done by every skin tone on the planet! No one human is immune to the tendency. If you really think you are, then reevaluate your attitudes toward others and take a closer look at the first thought that enters into your head when you meet someone whose skin color differs from yours. It is human, it is natural, and it won't just go away because we want it to! Everyone on the planet does it in some way, shape, or form.

But when a government does it?  Does that make it wrong? Does that make it discriminatory? Not in and of itself, but the policy is discriminatory, by and large. And those who profess to believe in freedom make sure that you and I know that. I, however, will ask again. Are you willing to die so that we do not have to use this discriminatory technique for National Security? I didn't think so. And since that is the case, then the only option is to change your mind about the nature of racial profiling.

Discriminatory it may be, but it is necessary. I will say this over and over and over and over and over.....Well, I guess you get the point. Racial profiling could be the worst policy decision we could ever make, but make the decision to use it we must. You are not willing to die an unnatural death so that we don't have to use the technique for safety reasons. And if you're not, then most are not either. Does it REALLY matter if the policy is discriminatory? No, of course, not. Not if you want to live.

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