Inspired by a blog a read today about the strip searches and security at the airport, and after watching "The View" this morning and hearing about a woman who believes she was selected for a body scan because she is attractive, it got me thinking. Where do we draw the line between keeping the skies safe and violating the rights of American citizens.
According to "Inside Edition," many female celebrities like Fergie and Khloe Kardashian have all been "randomly" selected for body scans and pat downs. While celebrities shouldn't be given special privileges and exempt from this type of security we're all required to go through at random, many of these women have made allegations that they were selected because of their celebrity status and physical attractiveness. Some said the men doing the body scans were whispering and grouped together looking at it, making women feel uncomfortable.
A person can opt to be patted down or go through the scan. You have the choice to either feel physically violated as a strange person touches you in relatively inappropriate places or, you can know that the outline of your genitals can be seen on the body scan. A woman's chest can be seen and outlines of male and female genitals can also be seen by those members of security.
As a woman, I would be uncomfortable with both of these types of security. I do not feel anyone should have to see you essentially "naked" at the airport or that anyone should be able to touch you and make you uncomfortable. Additionally, how do we know these scans are at random? Those security staff members can select whoever they want, however "suspicious" or physically attractive.
I don't trust that all members of security staff have good intentions. We're living in an age where rape and molestation are commonly heard about on the news. How can we trust those who do these jobs?
While security is essential, especially when flying, there has to be a better way out there. With all of the technology now, I'm sure there are other ways we can keep our skies safe that don't involve being violated by security personnel.
I agree with you Dancer 89. What gives a random person the right to make a woman feel uncomfortable. I understand it is for safety purposes, but your right, there needs to be a new way for them to check people without physical contact. I would not allow someone I don't know to be able to put their hands on me, especially in areas I feel uncomfortable with. They need to address this issue better or people may even stop flying because of it.
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