Makes me think...

[labelleizzy]

Something to think about:
Do I have the right to refuse this search?
and
Where are all the white guys?

If you have other links on this or similar subjects, feel free to share them. Or stories of your own screening ... difficultieschallenges.

Comments

[ribbin.livejournal.com]

I don't usually get singled out, and I think it's because I cause problems. I NEVER fly squeaky-clean. I always have SOMETHING that draws attention- big, clunky boots, a weird backpack full of strange objects, a leather jacket with so many zippers the x-ray machine goes haywire, whatever. Basically, I send the sign that I have no problem drawing a lot of attention to myself, and I'll be a pain in the ass to completely screen. Then I make sure I never actually set off the metal detector (which means they HAVE to screen you). So far, 100% success.

Funny story: Last time I flew to TX, I had my bodhran and a bagpipe practice chanter. Two-part thing with a reed in the middle, one piece maybe a foot long, the other maybe 9 inches. Well, the whole thing is high-density plastic, so it shows up like concrete on the x-ray. Bag goes through. Bag stops. Bag backs up.
Tech: *clicks a few buttons*
Me: "Is there a problem?"
Tech: *clicks buttons*
Me: *craning my neck to see the screen* "It's a practice chanter."
Tech: (distracted) "Uh-huh." *clicks buttons*
Me: "For a bagpipe?"
Tech: "Uh-huh..." *clicks buttons*
Me: "It's like a flute."
Tech: "Oh! Ok."
Bag continues.

The exact same scenario plays out on the way home.