Groped in Good Nature or Attacked in a Well Thought-out Plan?

Airport security has gotten a lot of media exposure since the World Trade Center terrorist attack. But recently there’s been even more people upset because of the enhanced invasion of privacy.

In 2009 on Christmas day, a Nigerian attempted to set of explosives that had been sewn into his underwear. Since this incident the need for airport security has been accelerated. Advanced Imaging Technology (or AIT) has been introduced to many airports in the United States. These scanners have the ability to see through a passenger’s clothing.

 However, if people refuse to go through these scanners then they have to go through an enhanced pat-down. A U.S Congressional Service Report said the pat-downs now "involve the use of the fingers and palm to search for concealed items and more detailed tactile inspection of areas higher on the thigh, in the groin area, and under women's breasts. The procedures routinely involve touching of breasts, buttocks, and genitals."

Many people across the nation have been upset by these new security measures. I stand up for the new security though. Yeah it may invade your privacy but is that really such a big deal compared to what would happen if they didn’t do these procedures?

Even though the full body scanners seem like the way to go without having to be touched, there has been research that these scanners can cause cancer. Obama’s top science advisor, John Holden stated, “There is good reason to believe that these scanners will increase the risk of cancer to children and other vulnerable populations. We are unanimous in believing that the potential health consequences need to be rigorously studied before these scanners are adopted. Modifications that reduce radiation exposure need to be explored as soon as possible.” These machines could possibly cause cancer, prompt sperm cell mutations, and harm fetuses.

David Brenner is the head of Columbia University's Center for Radiological Research and he had this to say about the new scanners, “There really is no other technology around where we're planning to X-ray such an enormous number of individuals. It's really unprecedented in the radiation world."

So personally, I would rather not have the risk for cancer. I don’t want to have to be x-rayed if some scientists aren’t saying it’s entirely safe yet. So yes, I would rather take a pat-down. Sure. It’s going to be awkward and not exactly what I’d like to have done to me but that is the only other alternative to the scanner. Plus, the security officials aren’t doing this so they can touch you and are perverts; they’re doing it so they know every passenger will not pose a threat to the flight.

I would rather have my privacy invaded than be on a plane with a terrorist or a life-threatening plan being unfolded. It’s scary enough to be on a plane in general because everyone hypes up the idea that plane crashes happen so often (even though car crashes happen even more frequently). So if the security guards can take out one less worry to board the plane, I’ll deal. I don’t have anything to hide and I know it’s only their job.