But the fact is, someone with the last
name of "Ahmadi" is more likely to blow up a plan than some "Wilson". If it
can save life, so be it.
Would that others had such a mature attitude.
Racial profiling is, viewed in the theoretical abstract, abhorrent.
But the reality is that racial profiling is something humans have done for millennia as a key tool of species survival. And something virtually every human, particularly those living in cities, does routinely and almost without thinking.
When the issues comes up I sometimes ask people to answer one question honestly. I make them promise in advance to answer the question honestly. If they agree, I ask them: you're coming out of the subway in New York city at 10:00 at night, and can turn either right or left to get to your apartment -- either one takes the same amount of time, and there you choose which way to go at random. This night, on your right you see, in the middle of the block, a group of ten young black men in torn, cutoff jeans and gang colored clothing, talking and hanging around in front of a set of brownstone apartment steps you would have to walk by. On your left, you see a group of ten young white girls in skirts and blouses, talking and hanging around in front of a set of brownstone apartment steps you would have to walk by.
Which direction do you turn to go home? And why?
Most people who are honest about this admit they would engage in racial and gender profiling and turn left.
I would. |
