Have you ever stared at someone who wasn’t quite “like” you and had some preconceived judgement because of it? If the answer is yes, you are guilty of racial profiling. Racial profiling is the use of personal characteristics or behavior patterns to make generalizations about a person. In 2002, the percentage of Hispanics pulled over and searched by a police officer in the United States was nearly four times that of white Americans. In 2005 similar reports were revealed of African-Americans. Our country has come a long way from injustice and racism to a society full of interracial couples and mixed children. Although many issues have been settled, the racial profiling taking place on our streets is immoral and prevents equality from being shared throughout our nation.
Though racial profiling has played a helping hand in solving crimes and many homicidal mysteries, it belittles our people by instilling fear and discouragement. It brings insecurities to our people of color and deprives them from their true right of Liberty. Racial profiling has taken a drastic turn as years have passed. It is no longer handled by officers as an accessory to an investigation, but as an opportunity to break down a person's courage. I believe the concept of racial profiling was created for what was thought to be a good cause, but the act of racial profiling taking place in our streets is completely immoral.
Racial profiling is often overlooked by our society. The term “racial profiling” took its boom after the terrorist attack of 9/11. Despite the idea of holding human morals, the significance of racial profiling is an issue of national concern. After the terrorist attack on 9/11, our country has never been the same. “It is time for us to take back our freedoms...it is time for us to relinquish our fears” -- a statement made by Harry Leibowitz admitting the deprivation of eternal peace shared among American citizens.
I believe that, in most cases, racial profiling is not an intentional plan to belittle people, but a general conferred solution to the never ending fear of another surprise attack. However, this is in absolutely no way a valid solution. Racial profiling is proof that the terrorists have won. Before recent research, I viewed racial profiling as plain ignorance, but after Ahmed’s clock situation it is not hard to see that we Americans are simply desperately terrified .
The point that I want to get across is that we as Americans have to work together to make our country better for the future. It is up to us as a nation to prevent wrong acts from happening on our streets and ensure first-class citizenship to all Americans. Racial profiling is important; it deserves recognition and a response from all Americans around the world. If you have a voice, use it for a greater purpose. Use your voice to make an impact on the world we live in and the world many generations after us will be living in.
