I am not a fan of the TSA fully body scanners. For me, the privacy concern is just part of the issue. My biggest concern is the radiation that’s emitted from these machines. What can I say, I’m one to question my dentist if she recommends an x-ray. And, fortunately, I’m traveling a lot more than I am going to the dentist, but it means that I have to deal with this issue more frequently.
As a society, I think we have become quite complacent. Therefore I love the fact that travelers have rallied and there’s a movement called National Opt Out Day. (Where was all this activism when we were invading Iraq???) While the point of National Opt Out Day is to send lawmakers a message that our privacy rights are being violated when we must choose between having our bodies exposed in a full body scan or be aggressively patted down by airport security, it misses a very important point. In addition to privacy concerns over the scanners, we should also be questioning the health effects of the radiation these are emitting and THEN refuse to be subjected to aggressive pat downs.
As reported on NPR this morning, Boston’s Logan Airport announced that it is implementing scanners that show your body as a stick figure. This should allay the privacy concerns of most people. But, they’re still being exposed to radiation. Opt out and they’re being subjected to an aggressive pat down by potentially ill-trained airport security.
Take the case of Tom Sawyer, a teacher who was subjected to such an aggressive pat down that airport security unhooked his urostomy bag (which collects urine) and he had to board his flight covered in his own pee.
Until the TSA addresses these new procedures as a whole, we’re all going to remain unhappy and grumbling. The fact is that these new security measures:
* invade our privacy
* are potentially a health risk (especially to children and pregnant women)
* put us in an awkward, and potentially embarrassing, position if we choose a pat down
It seems we’ve finally found a way to stand up for our rights as passengers. And while I think we’re still not quite looking at the full picture, I have hope that we can get there.
Travel Well,
Beth
Related links:
Women Travelers and Full Body Scanners
Knock Knock. Who’s there. The Feds.
Security Alert – Peanut Butter is Spreadable
Airport Safety = Security Theater?
GBK Gwyneth says
Oh Beth – I could hug you for this! You’ve really put a lot of my thoughts into clear, concise explanations and are spreading the word in a way I could only hope to.
Thanks!
Beth says
Thanks, Gwyneth. Glad I’m not the only one out there thinking like this…
Lifecruiser Travel Blog says
Hm, yeah, you got a point there definitely, but it still leaves us with the choice between pest and cholera ๐
Everything that can help security is welcomed, but why does it always has to be other and in this case health concerns involved….?`*sigh*
Andrea says
You make some excellent points here, Beth. I am the same regarding xrays (I was so annoyed when I had to have a chest xray for my permanent visa for Australia!) I wonder if the government really cares about our health concerns though. Sadly, I don’t think much will be done about this (not that we shouldn’t resist!).
Donna Hull says
Beth, I couldn’t agree more. As a frequent traveler, I’m concerned about the health hazards of the scanners. I don’t think any of the actions that TSA is taking will make us safer. They are reacting instead of taking a proactive stance. Detective work behind the scenes, scrutinizing flight lists for suspicious passengers (call it profiling if you will) makes more sense to me. TSA should be taking advice from El Al. They know how to scrutinize for safety and it doesn’t include pat downs or body scanners.
Beth says
Great points, Donna! I didn’t even want to go down that path ๐ The government and TSA are definitely reactive. I’m waiting for the day when we aren’t allowed to wear underwear!
Lily at Life Liberty Lip Gloss says
Beth – this is great – I just traveled from Florida to Utah and I was pulled out of line for a “pat down”. and that is our choice – radiation or the “pat-down” which included more action than with my last date … sigh. Where are we headed?
Judith Kitzes says
Yes, the new “security” measures treat travelers as criminals. Meanwhile, the technology that the terrorists have is way ahead of the curve. Homeland Security and TSA are missing the point, and missing real opportunities, and in the process, making our lives miserable. Thanks.
Lauren Van Mullem says
I couldn’t agree more. National Opt Out Day is a start, but it doesn’t cover everything it needs to. The security measures don’t even protect against the real threats – that powdery explosive that can easily be sewn into underwear (padded bras anyone?) or wadded and inserted where even the TSA’s fingers fear to go. Radiation or physical violation – if we subject every passenger to that, the terrorists have won.
I’ve talked to a biologist friend of mine and she says the studies they’ve done on the effects of scanner radiation are highly suspect.
Lauren says
To be honest, I may be one of the only travelers not bothered by this. Don’t people want to feel safe? Do we really want terrorists on our planes? I’d rather a TSA agent make it to second base with me than get blown up in a plane. I’m just saying. It may sound naive, and I know most people have issues with personal space and privacy, but I’d rather the extra security.
I think people, and I’m not targeting specific individuals, are uncomfortable with their bodies as it is, so to have a scan of themselves in all their glory for TSA agents makes them embarrassed. What about the people in great shape that have no problems with this? There was a guy the other day that stripped down before they had a chance to scan him. I’d say, he did give the crowd a great show. lol