Government Have the Right to Racially Profile?

¶ … government have the right to racially profile?

We all stereotype others to some extent or other. These are natural, evolutionary ways of perceiving others, namely categorizing them into particular groups. Stereotypes are often erroneous, since people, are, after all, individuals rather than categories, and, therefore, stereotyping is often considered a subjective negative thing to do. On the other hand, it is argued that sometimes, people in positions of authority may be compelled to stereotype and to categorize certain groups for the sake of public security.

One such instance is racial profiling, perpetrated by the government and by, for instance, airport security, particularly when applied to people of Middle East extraction in order to ascertain that they are not carrying bombs or other harmful weapons on their person. On the one hand, the political times warrants this racial profiling; on the other hand, instances such as Timothy McVeigh have taught us that exceptions occur and that categorization can, therefore be subjective and unfair.

Summary: Pipes

Daniel Pipes asserts that racial profiling is in order. This is particularly so since, even though, exceptions may exist, terrorism and Muslims are significantly positively correlated and that, therefore, we must take precautions. This may not mean that Islam itself is at fault; indeed it is Islamism, rather than Islam that instigates militancy.

Islamism is a comparative recent phenomena. Castigated by some aauthentic Moslems, fundamentalist Islam has vowed war against the United States and the West and have, in doing so, committed lethal acts that have killed thousands of innocent individuals. This includes women and children amongst numerous other citizens that have had nothing to do with them. For our safety then, Pipe concludes, racial profiling is a necessity and should be done via three steps: preventing Isalmists from entering the U.S.A.; monitoring them, within the perimeters of democracy, within USA; and deligitimating extremists.

Summary: Harris

By categorizing, we often make the error of including certain people into a certain category and, consequently, mistreating them. That this is so was seen by the way we treated the Japanese living in America during the Second World War. More so, not only are such actions detrimental to the other but they are also harmful to ourselves since they misdirect appropriate attention and care to unnecessary populations at the great expense of others who, being the true culprits in this case, are overlooked. Moreover, unnecessary expense, wastage of resources, and of labor, time, and individuals are exerted in doing so. Moreover, profiling of Arabs and Muslim makes us believe that there is only one kind of terrorist and, of course, the reverse may be the case as was demonstrated by Timothy McVeigh and Terry Nichols, both very average American white men. We should not surrender to prejudice. Arabs and Muslims should be treated with respect, rather than singled out. Racial profiling should be eliminated.

Summary: personal perspective

Being diplomatic, I would opine that both Pipes and Harris are correct. The first in that we have to protect ourselves and, therefore, should take precautions. Significant correlations do indicate Islamism to be connected with terrorism. On the other hand, there are many Muslims who are not terrorists, and likewise there are average white Americans who turn out relish terrorism. No instrument or wonder tool exists, however, to sniff out distinction between a 'true' terrorist and one who is not although he may carry all the surface appearances of one. Self-protection is first and foremost. Respect of the other and tolerance too is likewise important. To strike a balance may be difficult, but should be done for the safety and protection of one's nation.