That feeling of being under suspicion, You can't fight terrorism with racism - Book Report/Review Example

Reaction on two articles about racism and terrorism The articles written by Varadarajan and King are both interesting for they present good arguments with a different perspective. Varadarajan’s article is about being a suspect simply because his physical profile resembles that of a Muslim.Indeed, only a good anthropologist could see the difference between a Muslim or an Indian. However, Varadajaran understands society’s behavior because the threat is so great that interests of the public must be preserved.

Even if he himself suffers from suspicion, he acknowledges the need for ensuring security in public places even if it’s really inconvenient at times. He believes that society must be tolerant of other people and that people must also be willing to tolerate the hardships in the face of threat. Like any cautious individual, he feels frustrated about being a suspect but accepts the moral panic against anyone looking like a Muslim. In short, Varadajaran is as much as vigilant as anyone from terrorist attacks.

King presents a different view on profiling because he is an educated white man. He is conscious of his civil rights and believes that society must not be very biased in profiling terrorists using physical appearance as basis. He himself has sons who by choice sport shaved hair and brown skin that can be taken as suspected terrorists. King points out that the color of the skin is not the determinant of moral character as many white-skinned people have committed atrocities against humanity. He supported his argument by using examples thus making the reader convinced.

Simply put, he is appalled by the way terrorism is handled by society and authorities. Both men have good points as they believe in preserving peace and security. One is a passive individual who submits to society while the other is a critical thinker who believes that there is a better way of doing things without impinging on people’s rights.