Ok, so you’re saying that TSA agents are going to be asking us questions and then, based on our responses, deciding whether we’re a threat or not? C’mon, you’re joking, right?
Nope. According to this story, it’s true. The trial program kicks off at Boston Logan International Airport next week.
The idea (patterned after Israeli security tactics) is to “require passengers to answer several questions as they hand over their boarding passes – basic stuff along the lines of, ‘Where are you headed?’ The aim is to analyze so-called micro-expressions – small, involuntary emotional reactions to stimuli. People who seem tense or untrustworthy . . . will be given full body scans.”
Well now, I’m sure you can recognize a great idea when you hear it, right? Recognize this one? Yeah, didn’t think so.
But what is amazing is that the FAA thinks this really is a great idea. Of course, given the fact that TSA agents are renown for their sensitivity and ability wisely to refrain from overreacting to comments from passengers, not to mention their skill in observing subtle markers that travelers put out by their body language and facial expressions when asked questions by these amazing Guardians of Our Safety — why would they think otherwise?
Incredible.
Honestly, not even Saturday Night Live in its heyday could satirize the TSA any better than this.
From what I know of the Israeli system, I’m a fan of it. From what I know of the TSA, they could no more implement it effectively than I could perform neurosurgery effectively. Hmmm…maybe they’d let me practice on them since they think it’s OK to practice on me.
P.S. How much you wanna bet that pretty girls will have the highest incidence of suspicious behavior?
Valerie, f’real, last time we flew every person we saw being patted down and scanned were buxom girls in mini-dresses. I am not exaggerating.
Seen too much to take that bet Valerie.
RE: Israel. At least they face real threats on daily basis. TSA has yet to see anything like a real threat yet they act like they’re catching mad bombers every other hour (and the “mad bombers” include 4-6 year-olds, post-70 blue-haired ladies, and good looking babes).
Dr. Paul Ekman has studied micro-expressions extensively, and his research is quite interesting and I think it can be used effectively in some situations. I’m thinking that the TSA will be using specialists for this rather than the average agent. I suspect there is an element of racial profiling involved also, but we all know no one is going to admit that.
Dr Ekman’s books, “Emotions Revealed” and “Telling Lies” are fascinating and based in years of research. The over-the-top Hollywood portrayal of the science in the show Lie To Me doesn’t do justice to the real science behind the show.
TSA is employing the same tactics that the Border Patrol use on our borders. Not only is it effective, it keeps us safe, and keeps drugs,weapons, etc. from getting in the hands of kids, gangs, whatever.
There is intentionality in every question, gesture, and comment. Everything they ask will be a test to get lawbreakers to “spill the beans”.
These tactics are effective and they work! Unlike your sarcastic musings…