I had the SSSS on my boarding pass coming home, and they told me I had to step aside for special screening. I knew about the SSSS, because Janinsanfran mentioned it in my "Tripping Out" post. I was patted down, and they went through my bags and my purse. I asked why I was getting special screening, and the agent told me it was random.
I watched to see who else was set aside for special screening to see if there was a pattern. Most of the folks had grey hair, or were in wheelchairs, or on walkers. I am not kidding. I saw only one man who was not an elder. The younger people went right through.
If it makes you feel any better, the last time I flew (it's been some years) I was singled out as well. They looked very unkindly on an Arabic grammar I perhaps unwisely chose for in-flight reading.
Glad you are home safely.
I was intrigued by your link to the Mary Magdelene essay, especially when I got to the assertion that "This attitude ignores the fact that prostitution is not a sin...." Apparently I have napped through another revolution of the wheel of progress.
Now, to do her justice, I suppose and hope what she meant was that those forced to such a degrading life have much less culpability for it than those who so exploit them, because of a heartless economical and social system that makes such work the only means to survive. With that of course I would agree. But to say that it's not a sin negates the outrage; in that case it's not exploitation, but an acceptace that sex is a commodity to be bought and sold with impunity. It is a very old attitude, but I hope it doesn't become a Christian one.
Apparently I have napped through another revolution of the wheel of progress.
Rick, we argue enough. Take that one up with JaneR. ;o)
I can see why the Arabic grammar would get their attention, but it should not be that way. The more knowledge we have about the Middle East, the better. I commend you for trying with Arabic.
This is not the first time that I have been told to step aside. Why do I get their attention?
Sharecropper, thanks. It's always good to get back home.
Welcome back, Mimi! Thought you might be amused to know that I ate dinner in a restaurant in Atlanta the other night called "Mimi's Cafe"--it served Cajun food. I am *certain* that your cooking would be better...
I think Rick is correct in pointing out it's partly (largely?) a question of the stance towards this evil; is it being exploited to "lord it over others" or endured by the weak to survive?
Doxy, beware of what's called Cajun food outside of Cajun country, unless the cooks are migrants from Cajunland. I never order it in other areas of the country.
Johnieb, I wonder how many prostitutes choose their profession because they like the work. Some few do, I'm sure, but others see it as the only way to survive.
Off again? Tsk.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Mimi. Jane's sermon was very good, n'est pas?
Johnieb, I'm going home.
ReplyDeleteHope your trip is quick and safe, with no hang-ups. (It's raining here in south TX, so I hope this weather system doesn't affect your travel.)
ReplyDeleteI liked Jane's sermon, plus I enjoyed her posting about characters in Harry Potter and even took one of the quizzes she had there. Thanks!
I figured that out after I posted, Mimi, as is often the case, I fear.
ReplyDeleteI had the SSSS on my boarding pass coming home, and they told me I had to step aside for special screening. I knew about the SSSS, because Janinsanfran mentioned it in my "Tripping Out" post. I was patted down, and they went through my bags and my purse. I asked why I was getting special screening, and the agent told me it was random.
ReplyDeleteI watched to see who else was set aside for special screening to see if there was a pattern. Most of the folks had grey hair, or were in wheelchairs, or on walkers. I am not kidding. I saw only one man who was not an elder. The younger people went right through.
If it makes you feel any better, the last time I flew (it's been some years) I was singled out as well. They looked very unkindly on an Arabic grammar I perhaps unwisely chose for in-flight reading.
ReplyDeleteGlad you are home safely.
I was intrigued by your link to the Mary Magdelene essay, especially when I got to the assertion that "This attitude ignores the fact that prostitution is not a sin...." Apparently I have napped through another revolution of the wheel of progress.
Now, to do her justice, I suppose and hope what she meant was that those forced to such a degrading life have much less culpability for it than those who so exploit them, because of a heartless economical and social system that makes such work the only means to survive. With that of course I would agree. But to say that it's not a sin negates the outrage; in that case it's not exploitation, but an acceptace that sex is a commodity to be bought and sold with impunity. It is a very old attitude, but I hope it doesn't become a Christian one.
Welcome home, Mimi.
ReplyDeleteApparently I have napped through another revolution of the wheel of progress.
ReplyDeleteRick, we argue enough. Take that one up with JaneR. ;o)
I can see why the Arabic grammar would get their attention, but it should not be that way. The more knowledge we have about the Middle East, the better. I commend you for trying with Arabic.
This is not the first time that I have been told to step aside. Why do I get their attention?
Sharecropper, thanks. It's always good to get back home.
Had to check to see if you were home yet. Glad you are!
ReplyDeleteWelcome back, Mimi! Thought you might be amused to know that I ate dinner in a restaurant in Atlanta the other night called "Mimi's Cafe"--it served Cajun food. I am *certain* that your cooking would be better...
ReplyDeleteI think Rick is correct in pointing out it's partly (largely?) a question of the stance towards this evil; is it being exploited to "lord it over others" or endured by the weak to survive?
ReplyDeleteJan, thanks.
ReplyDeleteDoxy, beware of what's called Cajun food outside of Cajun country, unless the cooks are migrants from Cajunland. I never order it in other areas of the country.
Johnieb, I wonder how many prostitutes choose their profession because they like the work. Some few do, I'm sure, but others see it as the only way to survive.