TSA, Don't Touch My Hair: Reports Reveal Airport Body Scanners Discriminate Against Black Women
As I stood in a spread-eagle stance with a female TSA agent using the back of her hand to check my crotch for weapons, I thought to myself, What the hell? Even though I know she meant no harm and was only doing her job, my personal space felt violated. Since I had experienced this so many times in the past, I guess I never thought twice about it. Until now.
As I exited the giant body scanner, I almost anticipated the green blotch on the screen that indicated that I may be carrying explosives in my hair (and/or crotch) and prepared myself to be touched in all of my private spaces in a room full of people.
Until last week, I had never really realized that every time (and I mean every damn time) I go through airport security, my hair seems to set off a number of alarms.
According to this article from Mother Jones, the number of people who complained about racial discrimination went up from 78 in 2017, to 105 in 2018 and based on my own experiences at the airport, this isn't hard to believe.
Although I'm grateful and appreciative of the men and women who protect us from terrorism and danger every day, I have a personal message for members of the Transport Security Administration: Please, stop touching my hair. After standing in line, taking off my shoes, and emptying my laptop bag, the last thing I want is a stranger with latex gloves to (not so tenderly) stroke my tresses. Again, I get it. These officers are only doing their jobs, jobs that have saved us from ever experiencing another 9/11. But can't a sister speculate?
The TSA is reportedly one of the most diverse agencies in the federal government, so why is it such a hassle for those with natural hairstyles to go through security at the airport? Although TSA officers may not be intentionally prejudiced against people of color, ProPublica recently reported that the high-tech body machines that take three-second full body mugshots before we can head to our terminal may be part of the problem.
One TSA agent from Texas told Mother Jones:
"With black females, the scanner alarms more because they have thicker hair; many times they have braids or dreadlocks. Maybe, down the line, they will be redesigning the technology, so it can tell apart what's a real threat and what is not. But, for now, we officers have to do what the machine can't."
While public safety is far more important that enduring a two-minute pat down, it's just downright annoying that the density of my hair can trigger certain alarms. Excuse me if I'm wrong, but I would hope that in 2019, our airport security technology would be a little bit more advanced, don't you think? In a statement released by ProPublica, TSA explained that they are now looking into additional ways to screen hair that are more socially and culturally appropriate, and it's about damn time. To be fair, TSA mentions on their website that wearing extensions or a hairpiece can automatically trigger the body scanner:
"Hair accessories such as bobby pins, metal clips, ties, wraps, and even bows may cause an alarm. This may also include clip-on extensions, wigs, toppers, and certain hairstyles such as braids or a hair bun. To avoid any potential delays, it's best to keep it simple while going through security. You can always style your hair to your liking after you've gone through screening and right before you board your flight."
In other words, to avoid additional screening, pack that ponytail in your carry-on and whip that bad boy out after you get through TSA. Otherwise, prepare for a pat down.
Although this is a problem that needs to be dealt with ASAP, body scanner discrimination will not stop me from getting flewed out. TSA agents have a job to do, so my beef is not with you. Thank you for your service, fam. But until they make some much-needed updates to these machines, it's my hope that the TSA finds a new way to keep us safe while staying out of my personal space, please... And thank you.
Featured image by Getty Images.
- TSA Body Scanners More Likely To Give False Alarms For Black ... ›
- TSA agents say their body scanners might be discriminating against ... ›
- The TSA Will Stop Singling Out Black Women For Hair Searches ›
- Report: TSA Machines May Be Discriminating Against Black ... ›
- TSA Scanners Are Singling Out Black Women Jay Connor ›
- ACLU and TSA Reach Agreement over Racial Profiling of Black ... ›
- TSA Still Searches Black Women's Hair 2017 - Discriminatory Airport ... ›
- TSA admits that its pornoscanners flag Black women and others with ... ›
- How airport scanners discriminate against passengers of color - Vox ›
- TSA Agents Say They're Not Discriminating Against Black Women ... ›
Taylor "Pretty" Honore is a spiritually centered and equally provocative rapper from Baton Rouge, Louisiana with a love for people and storytelling. You can probably find me planting herbs in your local community garden, blasting "Back That Thang Up" from my mini speaker. Let's get to know each other: @prettyhonore.
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LISTÂ HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for daily love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
When discussing the topic of raising children, discipline is often the first thing that comes to mind. Children need discipline. Full stop. But what is discipline? And how do we draw the line between discipline and revenge?
The origin of the word "discipline" can be traced back to the Latin word "disciplina," which means "instruction" or "teaching." Over time, however, discipline has come to be synonymous with punishment, with parents relying on shame, fear, and/or physical pain to curb undesirable behavior.
Teaching takes time, so nipping it in the bud in whatever fashion parents deem necessary (within reason) has become the norm. But is this what’s best for children? And when does it become less about curbing undesirable behavior and more about getting our licks back for offenses we feel our children should know better to do?
In my work as a parenting coach, I’ve often heard parents say, “I asked him nicely three times before spanking him. He didn’t stop doing it until I did, so clearly talking doesn’t work.”
And the parent isn’t wrong. Talking often doesn’t work the first, the third, or the even the 10th time. And the reason is directly tied to brain development.
Children cannot and do not process information the way an adult can. Auditory processing is not fully developed until a child is 14 or 15 years old. And even then, if a child has auditory processing delays or Auditory Processing Disorder (APD), they may always struggle with processing auditory commands. According to Susie S. Loraine, MA, CCC-SLP, the term auditory processing refers to how the brain perceives and interprets sound information. Several skills determine auditory processing ability—or listening success. They develop in a general four-step hierarchy, but all work together and are essential for daily listening.
Without this understanding, discipline can easily become revenge because parents will then view their child’s misdeeds as a personal slight. Instead of teaching them to do better, parents now want to show them the consequences of not doing better. This is why it's imperative for parents to discern between discipline and revenge to maintain healthy relationships with their children.
5 WAYS TO DISTINGUISH BETWEEN PARENTAL GUIDANCE AND RETALIATION:Â Â
​Understanding The Intent
Discipline is rooted in love and concern for the child's well-being. It focuses on teaching lessons and helping children understand the consequences of their actions. Conversely, revenge-driven actions stem from a desire to inflict pain or punishment as payback for perceived slights or disobedience. Parents should reflect on their motives before taking disciplinary actions. Ask yourself whether your intention is to help your child learn or to make them suffer for upsetting you.
Example: If a child accidentally breaks a valuable item, a disciplinary response would involve discussing the importance of being careful and working with the child to come up with a way to replace or fix what they’ve broken. On the other hand, a vengeful reaction might involve yelling, harsh punishment, or bringing up past mistakes to intensify guilt.
​Maintaining Emotional Regulation
Effective discipline requires parents to remain calm and composed, even in challenging situations. It's natural to feel upset or frustrated when children misbehave, but responding with anger or resentment can escalate the situation and blur the line between discipline and revenge. Before addressing the issue, take a moment to breathe and collect your thoughts.
Example: If a child cannot follow instructions, a disciplined response would involve calmly explaining why their cooperation is necessary in working with the child to accomplish the goal. Conversely, a retaliatory response might involve shouting, name-calling, or resorting to physical punishment out of anger.
​Promoting Growth and Learning
Discipline should always aim to promote growth and learning. It involves guiding children toward making better choices and understanding the impact of their actions on themselves and others. Effective discipline strategies include positive reinforcement, setting clear expectations, and providing opportunities for reflection and growth.
Example: If a child repeatedly forgets to complete their chores, a disciplinary approach would involve discussing the importance of responsibility and finding solutions together, such as creating a chore chart or setting reminders with Siri or Alexa. In contrast, a revenge-driven response might involve imposing overly harsh punishments or belittling the child, which can undermine their self-esteem and hinder their ability to learn from their mistakes.
Momo Productions/Getty
Building Trust and Communication
Trust and open communication are essential components of a healthy parent-child relationship. Discipline should strengthen this bond by fostering trust and encouraging children to confide in their parents without fear of judgment or retaliation. When children feel safe and supported, they're more likely to accept discipline as a form of guidance rather than punishment.
Example: If a child admits to breaking a rule or making a mistake, a disciplined response would involve listening to their perspective, discussing the consequences of their actions, and working together to find a solution. Conversely, a retaliatory response might involve accusations, blame, or shutting down communication, which can erode trust and damage the parent-child relationship.
Seeking Professional Guidance
Parenting is a learning journey, and, disciplining children is a delicate balance between guiding them toward responsible behavior and nurturing their growth. By understanding the intent behind our actions, maintaining emotional regulation, promoting growth and learning, building trust and communication, and seeking professional guidance when needed, as parents we can help our children built on love, respect, and understanding.
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Featured image by Courtney Hale/Getty Images