Nobody likes profiling, the practice of attributing certain behaviors or beliefs based on race, religion or country of origin. Humans are individuals, capable of being followers or leaders as they choose.
Generalities about any group are ignorant.
But, if, for example, 90% of all arrests for tire slashing are white women ages 40 to 50 who listen to gospel music, then it is logical and reasoned to look at that group first in the instance of new tire slashings.
And when we hear on the news that 30 of the top 31 folks on the FBIs most wanted terrorist list are muslims, it seems logical and reasonable to look at muslims who fit the profile in the case of new acts of terror. Those of you who think that sort of profiling is wrong should put yourselves in the shoes of the people injured in Boston.
There is a big difference between prejudice which is an unsubstantiated fear or dislike of a person and profiling which is a concern about a person based on patterns and data. We all profile every day. When approached in a dark alley by a older man with a walker our pulse doesn't rise like it does if we are approached by a hooded person with low slung pants, piercings and tattoos. Fair? Perhaps not. Logical? You bet.
Jennie Veary
