Screen Me?

This is a follow up to a piece I posted Monday at The Women’s Colony

The attempted act of terrorism on the Amsterdam-Detroit flight has ignited (which luckily didn’t happen with the bomb) a conversation about how invasive passenger screening should be.

My opinion? Hella invasive is okay by me. Especially since they have this new screening machine—known as Backscatter X-Ray or Whole Body Imaging which means they can be invasive without actually feeling me up.

The main argument against this technology is that a screener would see us naked. The screener would be in a separate room and not actually know it was you he or she was looking at, but many still consider this an invasion of privacy and the internet abounds with comments about how titillating this would be for the screener.

Really?

I would have to say the most generous estimate of the population of an airport that I would actually not mind seeing naked is 10%. I said generous estimate.

Rather than think, “What lucky devils!” the screeners are, I would want to make sure they are well remunerated for their efforts. They are going to have to look at a whole bunch of bodies that are only vastly improved by being viewed with clothing on.

Unless there’s a flight full of Victoria’s Secret and Calvin Klein Underwear models (and how often does that happen?!) I really don’t see the upside of the whole “seeing-people-naked” thing.

If it turns out that this new technology allows me to keep my shoes on I am definitely sold!

What’s your take?

Comments

[kcinnova]

Better than a pat-down, hands down! (couldn't resist the pun)
Since it is digital imaging, it's not exactly like seeing someone naked, and you are right, most of us aren't exactly an exciting view to anyone other than our significant others.

[allmycke]

I totally agree. I find a pat-down more invasive than an X-ray - and I do like to keep my shoes on!

[gary rith]

what a world we live in....I don't think I am going to ever fly or go anywhere the rest of my life...

[Janet]

I think it's a necessary evil...but I also think it'll really make me think long and hard about flying...since the surgery, you know? And apparently, I'm going to need a letter from my doctor to fly...cause you know, you could hide all sorts of things in the bag. I'm envisioning the scenario now: Screener: Ma'am...you appear to have a bag under your clothing...what are you hiding?
Me: Shit
Screener: Pardon me, Ma'am, I asked you nicely, there's no need to swear at me.
Me: Sorry...poo.

Whereupon they'll take me off to arrest me or worse ;-)

[busy bee suz]

This does not bother me at all. And I agree...I think this would not be a great job..most people look SO much better with clothes on.
I am all for the safety of flying.

[Prof. J]

I think screening is fine. As long as they screen everyone. Not just people with dark skin and/or funny names.

[Aunt Becky]

I'm with you. I'm a nurse and after awhile, you see enough naked people that it gets really...old hat. It's not like you get all hot and bothered by seeing some gorgeous hot models or something all of the time. It's standard operating procedure. That's all.

[jenn]

I lost all modesty once I had a baby, so the naked issue doesn't bother me. I totally agree with you that naked on a screen beats the crap out of a total stranger patting me down. Screen away!

[Suzy]

Well once a screener sees all my metal body parts (4) I'm assuming I'll get pulled over and have to answer invasive quesions.

But anything to keep my shoes on...

[imom]

I would much rather have that kind of screening than the pat down kind. If it stops terrorists from getting bombs on a plane, I say go for it.

[~annie]

Totally agree. The "shoes off" and actual touching is much worse than an x-ray.

[Shelley]

I don't think it's a bad idea, and it wouldn't really affect me since I fly maybe once every ten years. But I was just thinking...what about people who fly a lot, like for work? Maybe every week. Would all that x-raying be dangerous to their health? Inquiring minds want to know...

[phd in yogurtry]

As my middle-eastern looking, frequent flying neighbor says, "Go ahead! Racially profile me! Please!" We all just want to get there safe.

But back to the picture screening. The main thing I care about? Fat-detection. You can see my cooch all you want. It's my hidden rolls of fat I am most squeamish about.

[Green Girl in Wisconsin]

YOu make me laugh, but you make an excellent point. I guess if this would mean no patting down, I'm cool with it. Airline travel is inconvenient and invasive already!

[jenrantsraves]

You are funny, and you make a good point. (Shuddering at the thought of seeing all those people naked). As long as I don't have to look in the eyes of the person that just saw my naked picture, I'm good.

[Fannie]

Naked people all day, every day? Boring. Plus it's either this or random cavity searches. I'm just sayin'.

[Manic Mommy]

Abso-effin-lutely:

a. Flying is a privilege, not a right, You don't like it, don't fly.

b. Next time you're at the beach, peruse who should and shouldn't be in a bathing suit. Now think about those poor suckers looking at those bodies all day, every day.

c. I would really rather not die in a horrific plane explosion/crash.

d. Who cares if some stranger you'll never see again (or have ever seen) sees you naked?

[kellyg]

I think one of the other concerns is what happens to said images after they have been viewed. I know we have all been promised that the images are deleted/not stored/etc. and who knows? Maybe that's all true.

I'm still not convinced it's actually going to make anything safer.

And on a personal level, I really hate being treated like I've done something wrong/criminal when I haven't and have no intention/interest in doing anything wrong/criminal. I find it condescending, patronizing, humiliating, etc. I, for one, don't appreciate being lumped in with the Abdulmutallab's of the world.

[Debbie]

I tend to agree with others who have said that this? this is waaaay better than a pat-down. as I wear an underwire, i've been patted down by many a security person...not a fun thing to go through.
Scan away...as long as it will help guarantee the safety of me and my family.
plus...what a great excuse to buy new under-things. it would make my mom happy!

[JCK]

My only concern is the level of radiation the digital screening would be to our bodies. I think the jury is still out on how much we are getting now, with not only airport screenings, but mammos, dental, etc. Otherwise, I agree with your 10%, although maybe I'd lower it to 5%! LOL.

[Brandt!]

You made your point so well!! My sister and I were on a flight in September - Amsterdam to Boston, and 20 minutes before we landed my sister was starting to panick. She had been observing (yes, here I go... racial profiling)six Muslims (and I know that because the women were dressed appropriately).. walking back and forth, communicating from across the aisle, just with a nod of the head. It was the longest 20 minutes ... .. .. x-ray me up, baby .. It's time we get serious.

[Brandt!]

You made your point so well!! My sister and I were on a flight in September - Amsterdam to Boston, and 20 minutes before we landed my sister was starting to panick. She had been observing (yes, here I go... racial profiling)six Muslims (and I know that because the women were dressed appropriately).. walking back and forth, communicating from across the aisle, just with a nod of the head. It was the longest 20 minutes ... .. .. x-ray me up, baby .. It's time we get serious.