How is this not ethnic profiling?

Question

As you'll see from reading my other question, I'm an ex-Muslim, now atheist. I was in jewelry import-export before my son was born, which meant traveling a lot for marketing deals. Once 9/11 occurred, it meant being stopped every single time, simply because of my name being Arab. Now, I'm not a Muslim, I have never worn a burqua since age fourteen (even then only sometimes). I always dress like the Western, modern woman I am, but still it was happening. I'm not fond of Islam, but don't think practicing Muslims should be treated like this either. Tell me, how is this now ethnic profiling? I was going to Europe and Africa, never the Middle East-it still happened every time it seems like.

Answer 1

Not all Arabs are terrorists.



But a lot of terrorists are Arabs.



Ethic profiling is an excellent way to screen for terrorists. Sorry, but this is true. It sucks for you but is good for the rest of us.



It is just a fact under the current world situation. Hope you are able to deal with it someday.

Answer 2

The unfortunate fact of the matter is that with few exceptions, Islamic fundamentalism is practiced by Arabs (and Persians also).

Not all, not most, but some. And enough of that some controls Iran, Al-Qaeda and other terrorist related fundamentalist groups.



And as much as it pains me to say, thousands of peoples lives are not worth any individuals discomfort at being asked extra questions or given a second look.



If you had a son or daughter kidnapped, would you describe the persons race as an identifying factor? Or would the you expect the police to NOT question EVERY person in the area who may happen to match the ethnic description?



Terrorism just needs one chance to succeed.

The people who fight terrorism here just need to let the succeed once and we will have another 9/11...

Answer 3

I always hate going into religion, I myself am a free thinker (it's cleaner, and more fun, I think.)



If they keep stopping you for checks etc. you have to take into account two things;





1. Since 9/11, security had to be pushed up as a mandatory procedure to prevent such a disaster from ever happening again.



2. There have been cases of ethnic profiling everywhere, from airports to streets.





I would say, that while it IS considered ethnic profiling, and probably also because of your name, they are stopping you. Many people in many countries look like other people in other countries nowadays, so do you think this would have happened if your name was more Western?



Maybe, maybe not.

Answer 4

I'm a single white male who just turned 30. I've made about 10 international trips in the last 5 years. I get stopped every single time and singled out for a "random" search. I've been strip searched, had my belongings searched, and asked a bevy of questions.



In your case it may be ethnic profiling, or you just might be randomly grabbed. Im sorry I know how much it sucks.

Answer 5

The fact that you dealt with import/export and did a lot of traveling would make me think they would watch you a little more carefully now. Sorry it has to happen, but it does.

Answer 6

Apparently there is a reason for the profiling. Which group was responsible for the 9/11 attack on America ? If you wish all of us to trust the rest of the world, then you are living in a Liberal dream world expoused by our liberal President Obama.

Answer 7

it is ethnic profiling