Most people who’ve flown have experienced traditional airport security searches. These searches include metal detectors, “pat-downsâ€, and things of the nature. However, the new trend in American airports, with regard to airport security searches, is extremely thorough and, what passengers call, intrusive body searches. According to the Washington Post, after discovering the terrorist plot of the explosive cargo from Yemen, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has instituted a machine that passengers must go through which detects strange objects but, more importantly, views, in detail, certain “private parts†of the body. Those people who decline to go through the machine are subject to a very intrusive body search by same sex officials.
This intrusive body search includes the caressing of breasts, genitals, and the buttocks to search for any unusual objects. Many passengers are speaking out against this new airport security search. Marc Moniz, of California, stated, “It's more than just patting you down. It's very intrusive and very insane. I wouldn't let anyone touch my daughter like that. We're not common criminals." This is completely understandable. If you felt as though someone were fondling or touching you inappropriately, then your reaction may be somewhat volatile to that offender. Unfortunately, this is airport security search policy.
TSA responded to this outcry on its blog, “There's nothing punitive about it; it just makes good security sense. And the weapons and other dangerous and prohibited items we've found during pat-downs speak to this."  So many people have responded negatively to the airport security search that privacy activists have sought the assistance of Ralph Nader, former presidential candidate, whom himself called the procedure “extremely voyeuristic and intrusive.â€
Though this may be airport security search protocol, many would attest to the fact that they would not want to be violated. With this full body scan machine and the intrusive “pat-downsâ€, potential travelers would be somewhat hesitant to endure the stresses of the airport security search. What do you think? Have you ever been subjected to a full body search? If so, then what was your experience? If not, would you endure such procedures?
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Comments: 4
As for pat downs by someone of the same sex, I think I'd prefer someone of the opposite. They should give you a choice.