So…..have you been body scanned yet? There has been much discussion in the news regarding the new body scan security requirements in many of the airports. There is much to be said on both sides of the argument, but in the end, if the choice is between a full body scan and a full body pat-down; choose your form of embarrassment.
When the topic began to monopolize the news my immediate concern was that of delays. I could understand peoples concern of body scans versus civil liberties, but I had a more basic and practical concern. Since the majority of my travels consist of business travel, I am often rushing to my flights with little time to spare. If the security check time is increased as a result of the new body scan, I will be required to be more disciplined with my schedule or run the risk of missing my flight.
Although as a traveler there is a choice (body scan or pat-down), I have never seriously considered the option since to me it was simply a matter of which was quicker. In addition, it was a moot point since the airports which I frequent are not currently utilizing the body scanning systems. That was until recently.
The good news was that I arrived at the airport early for my flight when it was realized that airport security deployed the use of the new body scanning system the day prior. As I stood in line for the ticket counter, the gentleman in front of me shared some entertaining stories regarding the security that he encountered recently at the various airports throughout the United States. We both checked our baggage and headed toward the security check.
This was to be my first body scan. I had plenty of time before my flight. I had no concerns. That was until I noticed the young ladies that were monitoring the scanning machines. I then realized that the gentleman that I have shared all of the humorous antidotes and I was standing right behind could easily be a cover model for Men’s Health Magazine. The level of insecurity was an immediate flashback to my high school years. I could not be compared to this guy. What to do? So I did the only logical and mature thing, I pretended that I forgot something at the ticket counter.
Pathetic…….I know. Unfortunately, it gets worse. Shortly thereafter I strategically positioned myself between two elderly gentlemen in their mid-80s. I figured if the TSA workers are grading on a curve, my out-of-shape 40-year-old body may still be reasonably acceptable in comparison. I spent as little time as possible in the body scanning unit while these two old guys spent extra time in the unit as they continually asked the young female TSA worker if she was sure she got a good enough look.
Although the experience (or should I say my initial behavior) was silly, it did remind me of something extremely important………..Be proud of who you are. In this particular situation if viewing your natural physique brings humor to someone, be happy that you brought some joy or levity to someone’s day. If viewing your natural physique repulses the TSA worker, well…………..every job has its bad side.
Husband, father, coffee connoisseur and lover of all things hockey. At 51 I sometimes wonder have I done enough. I have been married to my best friend for 30 years. She knows all my faults and loves me anyway, As a father of “almost always” perfect boys, I am always surprised at what life has to offer. It is messy, scary, thrilling, and always fun.
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