I understand that some people don't want to submit themselves to a pat-down of their private parts. Frankly, I'm not sure I'd want that either. For us friskophobes, there's always the option of undergoing the full body scan. But of course, others object to that procedure because it allows a total stranger to see an electronic version of your nakedness. For scanophobes, there's always the option of the pat-down.
The problem occurs when a passenger objects vehemently to both procedures. Then you're really stuck. I guess your best bet would be to submit to the body scan but use Flying Pasties. Or take Amtrak.
I will say this about the controversy: It has spawned a very funny slew of one-liners. New media guru Jeff Jarvis has captured several of them on his Twitter feed:
- And I feel a helluva lot more sorry for the poor TSA guy whose job it now is to feel ballsacks than I do for any of us.
- TSA needs to think like a corporation: Hire Hooters girls and Chippendales, and charge a fee to get groped. It's all about the upsell.
- I fully plan on refusing the scan and then making it sound like I'm REALLY enjoying the pat down
- Relationships are like the TSA - you give up your freedom & you're guaranteed to get your genitals touched.
And there was this from a California software engineer who wanted to proceed unmolested through security:
If you touch my junk, I'll have you arrested!Is that what you'd call that part of your body? That man has "issues."
