Backscatter

Nat · 05-07-2010, 05:25 PM

I just read an article about a TSA employee who attacked a colleague for making fun of the size of his junk during a body-scanning machine training session.

That got me to thinking about the whole backscatter x-ray thing. I am not cool with the idea of people I haven't met and do not want to meet seeing basically my naked body in order for me to get on a plane. What's next, body cavity search? It feels extremely violative to me. Moreso if men are the ones at these machines - but I'm not sure if there is a female-only policy on this one(?)

Anyway, I'm curious how y'all feel about this issue.

Nat · 05-07-2010, 05:30 PM

Andrew, Jr. · 05-07-2010, 05:37 PM

For a supervisor to make fun of one of his students...no. I think that the student has a right to make and file a lawsuit against him. Today is a different world due to terrorism and 9/11. I voted for these scanners. I would rather be safe, and catch someone in the act.

When I go thru most airports I practically have to undress. I'm use to it. I have my shoes, belt, all my change, wallet, cell phone, and anything else possible that could set off the security alarm off and in a plastic dog dish. I have been wanded at least 3 or 4 times, and someone usually calls for backup. I give up. I pack, and I wear a jock strap or a harness. I also carry a letter in my pocket from my doctor stating that I am trans just in case. I have been thru the ringer.

I know that doctors make fun of patients. People make fun of those who are obese, disabled, or different. Why should I be shocked that another group is doing this? I am just waiting for adults to act like adults, but I think I will be waiting a very long time for that to happen from my pov.

Good thread Nat.

Nat · 05-07-2010, 05:42 PM

Okay, the TSA's site states, "It is important to note that this technology is always optional to passengers." So that's somewhat of a comfort.

Andrew, what I'm beginning to think is that this is exactly what adults act like. This behavior comes standard on lots of models.

Andrew, Jr. · 05-07-2010, 05:46 PM

Yep, you aren't kidding. I throw my arms up in utter frustration.

theoddz · 05-07-2010, 05:55 PM

This is just yet another reason that I am becoming more and more reluctant to fly.

I have the issue of being trans and not having had bottom surgery. I also have 2 prosthetic titanium knees which always set the scanner and wand alarms off. I have to get wanded every single time and because I present as male, the person who wands me and pats me down is always a bio male. The 4 times I have flown anywhere, since I had top surgery and had my name and gender markers all changed, I was patted down by (bio)males who did run their hands over my crotch area. It was very uncomfortable for me and I did not choose to reveal my trans status at the time, either. I don't think I should have to reveal that since it's really a non-issue.

These full body scans are intrusive and humiliating enough, without being trans (and not having bottom surgery) and having disability issues going on at the same time. I avoid flying at all costs. I'd love to travel more than I do, but it's very difficult for me. Add to all this the fact that I'm a large/tall guy and have trouble fitting my legs in seats that afford very little leg room, much less a wide enough seat and, well, the entire ordeal turns out to be very unpleasant for me.

~Theo~

apretty · 05-07-2010, 06:44 PM

i am probably speaking from a place of privilege... i'm willing to consider that, because i don't have a strong feeling either way.

so some guy gets a thrill seeing my boobies, it's one more cost of the society that we live in--do you have any idea how many cameras are on the public streets, and how many times a day your image is captured..?

so, i shrug.

Kobi · 05-07-2010, 06:48 PM

I refuse to fly anymore. I dont know who is worse....potential terrorists or those trying to save us from them.

And, I believe all this extra "screening" is a waste of time and resources. We are always reacting after the fact rather than nipping the problem in the bud.

Nat · 05-07-2010, 06:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by apretty

i am probably speaking from a place of privilege... i'm willing to consider that, because i don't have a strong feeling either way.

so some guy gets a thrill seeing my boobies, it's one more cost of the society that we live in--do you have any idea how many cameras are on the public streets, and how many times a day your image is captured..?

so, i shrug.

Where would your limit be? Would you be cool with a body cavity search too?

Nat · 05-07-2010, 07:21 PM

Massive · 05-07-2010, 07:25 PM

Well, to be honest, coming from the UK, I feel more not less comfortable flying if I know that people are being properly checked before being allowed on a plane, if I'm flying over the pond I don't want to have to be put in a position where I'll have to tackle some arsehole who wants to kill me purely because of where I'm from, I've got no issues with them, just leave me out of your 'religous' disputes, go take it up with your own god tyvfm!
Anyhow, yeah, the guy should never have ridiculed his student, but I am all for these x-ray machines being used!

apretty · 05-07-2010, 08:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nat

Where would your limit be? Would you be cool with a body cavity search too?

i wouldn't be cool with a cavity search, the lines are already hours long through security--unless they were throwing in a pap smear, then i could just plan for it and schedule the extra time.

Jet · 05-07-2010, 08:25 PM

i just want to be in good shape when they do it. wouldn't want to disappoint anyone who gets a charge on the job.

Mister Bent · 05-07-2010, 08:33 PM

I wonder if they would let you just photoshop it a little, you know, to tighten things up a bit.

Fix those nagging flaws.

Draw in a penis.

Stuff like that.

T D · 05-07-2010, 08:33 PM

I haven't flown since Sep 10, 2001, and it will be fine by me if I never have to fly again!!

I personally find it sad that we have to x-ray peoples entire bodies in order to fly anywhere!!

Nat · 05-07-2010, 08:50 PM

torchiegirl · 05-07-2010, 09:09 PM

It is just creepy to me, creepy *shivver

torchiegirl · 05-07-2010, 09:19 PM

I gave this a bit of thought. Passengers should just go to body suits designed like stripper pants, held together with velcro, and when they're asked step to the side for inspection, they could just rip their clothing off in one snatch.

Queerasfck · 05-08-2010, 01:32 AM

It's already been done.

Rockinonahigh · 05-08-2010, 09:25 AM

Grrrrr..I dont like flying anyway and for anyone to require me to stand and be scaned for inspection like a side of beef is invasive as all hell,if I wanted them to see my naked body I would be streaking in the airport.I mean after all befor long we may well be serched even worse than now.The last time I flew I walked thrue a metal detector,had a wand passed over me then ask ..or told should I say..that I would heave to be checked by a female guard cause my drivers licence and my apperence didnt match as much as it should..Yeah I was soft packin and shure didnt look as much like me as my dl says I should..but there was no doubt it was the same preson as on my Id.They confiscated my gear, and all things that may have anything to do with it.Thank goodness that one thing was all I had with me,everything else was at home.They also took my cane at the gate ( my knee was messed up at the time) but gave it back when I departed the plane at destanation.Had to get help if I had to go to the bathroom or use the seats for support walking.I know we need to be safe from terroist but they r going to far.

View Poll Results: How do you feel about backscatter xrays?
They are great! Whatever it takes to keep us safe.	14	14.89%
They are horrific! I would rather risk being blown up.	20	21.28%
Eh, necessary evil	45	47.87%
Other (see below)	15	15.96%
Voters: 94. You may not vote on this poll

05-07-2010, 05:25 PM	#1
Nat Senior Member How Do You Identify?: bigender Preferred Pronoun?: whatevs Relationship Status: in a relationship Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Tx Posts: 3,535 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 11,042 Thanked 13,992 Times in 2,595 Posts Rep Power: 21474854	Backscatter I just read an article about a TSA employee who attacked a colleague for making fun of the size of his junk during a body-scanning machine training session. That got me to thinking about the whole backscatter x-ray thing. I am not cool with the idea of people I haven't met and do not want to meet seeing basically my naked body in order for me to get on a plane. What's next, body cavity search? It feels extremely violative to me. Moreso if men are the ones at these machines - but I'm not sure if there is a female-only policy on this one(?) Anyway, I'm curious how y'all feel about this issue. __________________ I'm a fountain of blood. In the shape of a girl. - Bjork What is to give light must endure burning. -Viktor Frankl

05-07-2010, 05:30 PM	#2
Nat Senior Member How Do You Identify?: bigender Preferred Pronoun?: whatevs Relationship Status: in a relationship Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Tx Posts: 3,535 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 11,042 Thanked 13,992 Times in 2,595 Posts Rep Power: 21474854	__________________ I'm a fountain of blood. In the shape of a girl. - Bjork What is to give light must endure burning. -Viktor Frankl

05-07-2010, 05:42 PM	#4
Nat Senior Member How Do You Identify?: bigender Preferred Pronoun?: whatevs Relationship Status: in a relationship Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Tx Posts: 3,535 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 11,042 Thanked 13,992 Times in 2,595 Posts Rep Power: 21474854	Okay, the TSA's site states, "It is important to note that this technology is always optional to passengers." So that's somewhat of a comfort. Andrew, what I'm beginning to think is that this is exactly what adults act like. This behavior comes standard on lots of models. __________________ I'm a fountain of blood. In the shape of a girl. - Bjork What is to give light must endure burning. -Viktor Frankl

05-07-2010, 05:55 PM	#6
theoddz Senior Member How Do You Identify?: Old Poop Preferred Pronoun?: Mr. Beast Relationship Status: Happily Married Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Central Texas Posts: 3,501 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 10,793 Thanked 9,864 Times in 2,473 Posts Rep Power: 21474854	This is just yet *another* reason that I am becoming more and more reluctant to fly. I have the issue of being trans and not having had bottom surgery. I also have 2 prosthetic titanium knees which always set the scanner and wand alarms off. I have to get wanded every single time and because I present as male, the person who wands me and pats me down is always a bio male. The 4 times I have flown anywhere, since I had top surgery and had my name and gender markers all changed, I was patted down by (bio)males who did run their hands over my crotch area. It was very uncomfortable for me and I did not choose to reveal my trans status at the time, either. I don't think I should have to reveal that since it's really a non-issue. These full body scans are intrusive and humiliating enough, without being trans (and not having bottom surgery) and having disability issues going on at the same time. I avoid flying at all costs. I'd love to travel more than I do, but it's very difficult for me. Add to all this the fact that I'm a large/tall guy and have trouble fitting my legs in seats that afford very little leg room, much less a wide enough seat and, well, the entire ordeal turns out to be *very* unpleasant for me. *~Theo~* __________________ *"All that is gold does not glitter, Not all those who wander are lost; The old that is strong does not wither, Deep roots are not reached by the frost."* -- J. R. R. Tolkien

05-07-2010, 05:37 PM	#3
Andrew, Jr. Timed Out How Do You Identify?: Me Preferred Pronoun?: He Relationship Status: Unavailable Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Over the Rainbow in a House Posts: 5,072 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 16,004 Thanked 5,249 Times in 2,216 Posts Rep Power: 0	For a supervisor to make fun of one of his students...no. I think that the student has a right to make and file a lawsuit against him. Today is a different world due to terrorism and 9/11. I voted for these scanners. I would rather be safe, and catch someone in the act. When I go thru most airports I practically have to undress. I'm use to it. I have my shoes, belt, all my change, wallet, cell phone, and anything else possible that could set off the security alarm off and in a plastic dog dish. I have been wanded at least 3 or 4 times, and someone usually calls for backup. I give up. I pack, and I wear a jock strap or a harness. I also carry a letter in my pocket from my doctor stating that I am trans just in case. I have been thru the ringer. I know that doctors make fun of patients. People make fun of those who are obese, disabled, or different. Why should I be shocked that another group is doing this? I am just waiting for adults to act like adults, but I think I will be waiting a very long time for that to happen from my pov. Good thread Nat.

05-07-2010, 05:46 PM	#5
Andrew, Jr. Timed Out How Do You Identify?: Me Preferred Pronoun?: He Relationship Status: Unavailable Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Over the Rainbow in a House Posts: 5,072 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 16,004 Thanked 5,249 Times in 2,216 Posts Rep Power: 0	Yep, you aren't kidding. I throw my arms up in utter frustration.

05-07-2010, 06:44 PM	#7
apretty Senior Member How Do You Identify?: femme Preferred Pronoun?: sea shell Relationship Status: married Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: san diego Posts: 1,687 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 1,927 Thanked 4,377 Times in 1,015 Posts Rep Power: 21474852	i am probably speaking from a place of privilege... i'm willing to consider that, because i don't have a strong feeling either way. so some guy gets a thrill seeing my boobies, it's one more cost of the society that we live in--do you have any idea how many cameras are on the public streets, and how many times a day your image is captured..? so, i shrug.

05-07-2010, 06:48 PM	#8
Kobi Infamous Member How Do You Identify?: Biological female. Lesbian. Relationship Status: Happy Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Hanging out in the Atlantic. Posts: 9,234 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 9,840 Thanked 34,661 Times in 7,652 Posts Rep Power: 21474860	I refuse to fly anymore. I dont know who is worse....potential terrorists or those trying to save us from them. And, I believe all this extra "screening" is a waste of time and resources. We are always reacting after the fact rather than nipping the problem in the bud. __________________

05-07-2010, 07:21 PM	#10
Nat Senior Member How Do You Identify?: bigender Preferred Pronoun?: whatevs Relationship Status: in a relationship Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Tx Posts: 3,535 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 11,042 Thanked 13,992 Times in 2,595 Posts Rep Power: 21474854	__________________ I'm a fountain of blood. In the shape of a girl. - Bjork What is to give light must endure burning. -Viktor Frankl

05-07-2010, 07:25 PM	#11
Massive Member How Do You Identify?: Trans man Preferred Pronoun?: He, Him Relationship Status: not looking Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Northern England Posts: 945 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 5,669 Thanked 2,383 Times in 765 Posts Rep Power: 17762094	Well, to be honest, coming from the UK, I feel more not less comfortable flying if I know that people are being properly checked before being allowed on a plane, if I'm flying over the pond I don't want to have to be put in a position where I'll have to tackle some arsehole who wants to kill me purely because of where I'm from, I've got no issues with them, just leave me out of your 'religous' disputes, go take it up with your own god tyvfm! Anyhow, yeah, the guy should never have ridiculed his student, but I am all for these x-ray machines being used! __________________ You may not be able to choose your bio-family, but you can choose your Family

05-07-2010, 08:25 PM	#13
Jet Timed Out - TOS Drama How Do You Identify?: .. Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: .. Posts: 3,471 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 292 Thanked 2,646 Times in 1,293 Posts Rep Power: 0	i just want to be in good shape when they do it. wouldn't want to disappoint anyone who gets a charge on the job.

05-07-2010, 08:33 PM	#14
Mister Bent Senior Member How Do You Identify?: . Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: . Posts: 2,905 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 4,151 Thanked 5,831 Times in 1,721 Posts Rep Power: 21474853	I wonder if they would let you just photoshop it a little, you know, to tighten things up a bit. Fix those nagging flaws. Draw in a penis. Stuff like that. __________________ Every normal man must be tempted at times to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin to slit throats. - H. L. Mencken

05-07-2010, 08:33 PM	#15
T D Member How Do You Identify?: Person of the trans variety Preferred Pronoun?: He, Sir, Bro, TD, Stevin Relationship Status: On occasion Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: SF Bay Area Posts: 1,165 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 1,428 Thanked 1,123 Times in 310 Posts Rep Power: 3570338	I haven't flown since Sep 10, 2001, and it will be fine by me if I never have to fly again!! I personally find it sad that we have to x-ray peoples entire bodies in order to fly anywhere!!

05-07-2010, 08:50 PM	#16
Nat Senior Member How Do You Identify?: bigender Preferred Pronoun?: whatevs Relationship Status: in a relationship Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Tx Posts: 3,535 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 11,042 Thanked 13,992 Times in 2,595 Posts Rep Power: 21474854	__________________ I'm a fountain of blood. In the shape of a girl. - Bjork What is to give light must endure burning. -Viktor Frankl

05-07-2010, 09:09 PM	#17
torchiegirl Member How Do You Identify?: femme Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: in the mitten Posts: 1,282 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 2,807 Thanked 1,605 Times in 545 Posts Rep Power: 21474852	It is just creepy to me, creepy *shivver

05-07-2010, 09:19 PM	#18
torchiegirl Member How Do You Identify?: femme Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: in the mitten Posts: 1,282 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 2,807 Thanked 1,605 Times in 545 Posts Rep Power: 21474852	one snatch I gave this a bit of thought. Passengers should just go to body suits designed like stripper pants, held together with velcro, and when they're asked step to the side for inspection, they could just rip their clothing off in one snatch.

05-08-2010, 01:32 AM	#19
Queerasfck Senior Member How Do You Identify?: still ballin' Relationship Status: Triple X Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: west side Posts: 2,544 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 5,716 Thanked 6,497 Times in 1,639 Posts Rep Power: 21474853	It's already been done. __________________ http://www.advertisingarchives.co.uk...28750fb328.jpg

05-08-2010, 09:25 AM	#20
Rockinonahigh Senior Member How Do You Identify?: stone butch Preferred Pronoun?: makes no diffrence,I know who I am. Relationship Status: single,maybe looking if the right person comes along. Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: shreveport,Louisiana Posts: 4,907 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 4,682 Thanked 14,937 Times in 3,936 Posts Rep Power: 21474855	Grrrrr..I dont like flying anyway and for anyone to require me to stand and be scaned for inspection like a side of beef is invasive as all hell,if I wanted them to see my naked body I would be streaking in the airport.I mean after all befor long we may well be serched even worse than now.The last time I flew I walked thrue a metal detector,had a wand passed over me then ask ..or told should I say..that I would heave to be checked by a female guard cause my drivers licence and my apperence didnt match as much as it should..Yeah I was soft packin and shure didnt look as much like me as my dl says I should..but there was no doubt it was the same preson as on my Id.They confiscated my gear, and all things that may have anything to do with it.Thank goodness that one thing was all I had with me,everything else was at home.They also took my cane at the gate ( my knee was messed up at the time) but gave it back when I departed the plane at destanation.Had to get help if I had to go to the bathroom or use the seats for support walking.I know we need to be safe from terroist but they r going to far.