Argument Against Racial Profiling

The Powerless
Racial profiling is used every day in law enforcement, although it’s a very controversial technique. According to Wikipedia, “racial profiling refers to the use of an individual’s race or ethnicity by law enforcement personnel as a key factor in deciding whether to engage in enforcement” (Racial Profiling.) The Federal government sees profiling in violation the fourth amendment of the constitution, which includes unreasonable search and seizure without probable cause. Although unlawful, many law enforcement agencies view racial and ethnic profiling as effective and necessary. Since 9/11, racial profiling has become a huge issue. The war on terror, created a huge conflict with law enforcement, particularly within airports. The reason that profiling is still used and seen as acceptable is because “crime is simply higher in some communities that have a large minority population and that to ignore that fact due to a sense of moral integrity would be both morally and professionally wrong”…show more content…
Although is very unlikely for this change to ever happen, it is good to put in awareness out to the public that this still occurs today. Citizens look at law enforcement and model their behavior; so when racial profiling and scapegoating occurs, people then view it as acceptable. This type of behavior is part of the reason that our justice system is failing.

Work Cited
Ehrenreich, Barbara. “Serving in Florida.” Justice and Literature, 2001. Print.
Hughes, Langston. “Cora Unashamed.” Justice and Literature, 1969. Print.
"Race and Ethnicity in the United States." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 26 Mar. 2012. Web. 26 Mar. 2012.
"Racial Profiling." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 26 Mar. 2012. Web. 26 Mar. 2012.
Silko, M. Leslie. “Lullaby.” Justice and Literature, 1981. Print.
Walker, George. Thinking about conflict: A primer. 1997. Web. 7 April.